Honda e:N1 electric SUV: Top 7 things to know

Late to the EV party, but ready to steal the show? Honda has finally entered the Malaysian EV race with the e:N1 electric SUV. This compact EV blends the familiarity of the Honda HR-V with dedicated EV performance and forward-thinking features, targeting those who want a refined, well-engineered, and reliable EV.

Honda e:N1 has had a good start in Malaysia, with the automaker grabbing more than 200 bookings for the EV since opening the order books on April 15, 2025.

In today’s article, we will discuss 7 important things you should know about Honda Malaysia’s first BEV, so let’s get started.

Familiar looks with a few unique touches

The Honda e:N1 looks almost identical to the HR-V, featuring the same shape and same dimensions. However, there are a few unique elements that set the eco-friendly SUV apart from its oil-burning counterpart. These include - 

• A closed-off front grille with a front charge lid and “Heart Beat” charging indicators
• Rear light bar connecting the tail lights
• EV-exclusive identity with a white ‘H’ badge at the front and a spread-letter “Honda” emblem at the rear
• 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels

Lots of digital interfaces

Hop inside this shiny electric SUV, and you will be greeted by a giant 15.1-inch vertically stacked touchscreen display. Probably one of the most exciting features of the EV, this intuitive head unit promises to offer a smooth interaction, avoiding the complexity usually seen in other non-national EVs.

The massive screen has three different layers - 

• The topmost layer offers navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reverse camera.
• The second part is for entertainment, trip computer, vehicle controls & safety settings.
• The third part is dedicated to air-conditioning controls; yes, there are no physical controls for the air-conditioning.

First Honda in Malaysia to have BSM 

Notably, the e:N1 is the first Honda car in Malaysia that features the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system ​​with Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM). Yes, the automaker has finally moved on from LaneWatch which has divided opinion among local buyers.

Honda Malaysia relied on the Lanewatch system for several years. The said technology uses a camera mounted under the passenger-side mirror, enabling the driver to see the blind spot on the infotainment system when taking a left turn.

While the tech was considered innovative at first, users found it less helpful due to several limitations like monitoring only the left side of the vehicle, lack of automatic alerts, and diverting attention from the road as drivers need to look at the screen.

The Blind Spot Monitoring, on the other hand, is a more intuitive and comprehensive system. It uses radar sensors on both sides to detect obstacles and provides visual and audio alerts, making lane changes safer and more convenient.

Built on Honda’s new platform

Engineered to deliver a fun driving experience, the e:N1 is built on Honda’s new platform, called e:N Architecture F. It is specifically designed for small to medium-sized Honda EVs and features a high-rigidity body structure, enhancing vehicle stability and safety. The platform has a low centre of gravity for better driving dynamics and handling. 

The ‘F’ designation of the architecture stands for front-motor, front-wheel drive. The EV packs a high-performance, lightweight three-in-one power drive unit generating 204 hp of maximum power and 310 Nm of torque. The motor boasts an exceptional 92% efficiency, propelling the EV from a standstill to 100 kmph in 7.6 seconds and to a maximum speed of 160 kmph. 

Limited CBU availability at launch, CKD expected to follow

It is important to note that Honda Malaysia’s first BEV comes fully imported from China with an introductory price tag of RM 149,900 (valid until year-end). 

It will be offered in a limited quantity locally. Sunita Prabhakaran, the VP of Sales Business Unit, confirmed that “several hundred units” of the EV will be brought to our shores, with customer deliveries set to begin next month.

As far as the local assembly is concerned. Honda is open to the idea, depending on key factors like government incentives, production costs, and overall public response to the EV.

Available through 8 selected Honda dealerships

Honda Malaysia’s first BEV is available only through eight Honda dealerships across three regions nationwide, including -

Central region	Accord Auto – Selangor  HZN Cars – Selangor Tiong Nam Motor (M) – Selangor  Peringgit Sri Motor – Kuala Lumpur
Northern region	Ban Hoe Seng Auto – Perak  Vivahill Auto – Penang
Southern region	Ban Lee Heng Motor – Negeri Sembilan  Kah Motor Co (Tebrau) – Johor

Interested individuals can visit these locations to take test drives and place a booking for as low as RM 99. 

Honda Insurance Plus (HiP EV) package

The EV is offered with an eight-year or 160,000 km battery and electric drive system warranty. Further adding peace of mind is the Honda Insurance Plus (HiP EV) package, offering additional EV benefits like -

• Coverage for damage or injury while using public EV chargers
• Protection for EV Home wall charger against fire, lightning, theft or natural disasters
• Coverage for loss or damage to the portable charging cable
• Personal liability coverage for bodily injury or damage to third-party property arising from the use of the EV home wall charger.

Further sweetening the deal is a free service package that covers up to 4 times within 3 years or 60,000 km. 

All-in-all, the e:N1 seems a well-balanced package that seamlessly combines technology, performance, design and Honda’s dynamic driving experience.

Also read: Honda City adds Phoenix Orange Pearl colour for 2025 – Sedan & Hatchback