Honda e Advance

Honda e Advance

The Honda e was one of the most distinctive and characterful electric vehicles ever produced. Launched in 2020 and discontinued after just four years, this small rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback prioritized design, character, and urban usability over the range anxiety and specification-sheet competitiveness that defined most of its contemporaries. In doing so, it created a devoted following among enthusiasts who valued style and driving experience over pure practicality.

The Honda e's retro-inspired design drew from Honda's heritage, particularly the first-generation Civic and the N600. Its round headlights, flush door handles, and minimalist body surfaces created a car that was instantly charming and immediately recognizable. Side cameras replaced conventional mirrors, reducing drag and giving the car a futuristic appearance that contrasted appealingly with its retro proportions. The pop-out exterior door handles and LED light bar tail light added to the car's design cohesion.

The most surprising engineering decision was the rear-wheel-drive layout. While virtually every other electric city car used front-wheel drive, Honda chose to mount the electric motor at the rear, creating a 50:50 weight distribution and a tight turning circle that made the Honda e a delight to drive in urban environments. The rear-motor layout also provided a level of driving engagement that front-wheel-drive competitors could not match, with gentle, accessible oversteer available on wet or slippery surfaces.

The interior was the Honda e's piece de resistance. A full-width dashboard incorporating two 12.3-inch screens and a central display created a lounge-like atmosphere that was unlike any other car's cabin. Wood-grain trim, fabric upholstery, and a living-room feel made the Honda e feel more like a comfortable space than a conventional car interior. The infotainment system supported apps, games, and even an aquarium screensaver, reflecting Honda's philosophy that the car should be enjoyable even when stationary.

The 35.5 kWh battery provided a modest range of approximately 220 km (137 miles) under WLTP testing. This was the Honda e's most criticized aspect, as competitors offered significantly more range. However, Honda argued that the Honda e was designed specifically for urban use, where its range was more than adequate for daily driving with overnight charging. The 100 kW DC fast charging capability meant a 0-80% charge could be completed in approximately 30 minutes.

The Honda e's limited range and premium pricing limited its commercial success, and Honda announced the model's discontinuation in 2024. However, the car has already become a cult classic, with its unique combination of retro charm, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and innovative interior design ensuring its place in automotive history. The Honda e demonstrated that electric vehicles could have genuine character and personality, and its influence on Honda's future EV designs is evident.

The Advance specification added the more powerful 152 hp motor (versus 134 hp in the base model), 17-inch alloy wheels, a parking pilot system, and a center camera mirror system. This higher power output made the rear-wheel-drive chassis more entertaining while maintaining the car's fundamentally gentle and friendly character.