Honda e lands in Oz
Sydney-based importer takes advantage of Honda’s decision to rule out cool EV’s launch for nowThe Honda e has touched down in Australia, but only a handful of the super-cool pure-electric city cars will be available and they’re not being sold through Honda but an independent vehicle importer.
That’s because Honda Australia is yet to green-light the electric supermini for sale through its dealer network, paving the way for smaller vehicle importers to take advantage of the situation via the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) and sell them here in limited numbers.
The retro-inspired hatch has been on sale overseas since 2020, but Honda has focused primarily on the Japanese and European markets.
Sydney-based importer OZM Auto Group has found that international supply constraints have even restricted its limited-volume plans to just three vehicles for now.
Only one Honda e has arrived at the company’s factory in Artarmon so far, but at least two more are set to be shipped over shortly, all in the flagship Advanced model grade.
In Japan, the Honda e is available in two trim levels, offering an output of 100kW at the entry level or 113kW in top-spec Advanced, which also adds an automatic parking feature.
Both deliver 315Nm of peak torque.
While prices in Japan start from around $A58,670 (¥4,950,000), those imported Down Under will come with price tags of up to $85,000, reflecting the costs involved with its importation and local certification, etc.
The hatchback will come with a significantly lower driving range than that of many electric cars on sale in Oz today, with its 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery only able to achieve around 220km on a full charge.
But that likely won’t matter to those attracted to the four-seater’s cute retro looks.
The Honda e also comes with 50:50 front/rear weight distribution, flush door handles, LED headlights and side cameras instead of conventional mirrors.
A spokesperson for Honda Australia told carsales this week that while there are “a number of appealing and exciting Honda products on offer in overseas markets, right now they are either not available to us, don’t meet the regulatory requirements for Australia or simply do not make business sense for our local market”.
Watch out for our exclusive first drive of the Honda e coming soon.
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