Honda will release the new N-VAN e:, a light commercial EV (electric vehicle), on October 10, 2024. Based on the N-VAN gasoline model, this light commercial EV adds the ease of use that only an EV can provide. It also pursues convenience, achieving a driving range of 245km in WLTC mode, fully suitable for delivery work, one of its commercial uses, and requiring only about 30 minutes for rapid charging (50kW).
About Honda’s new light commercial EV “N-VAN e:”
It has been developed as an electric vehicle based on the N-VAN minicar, which falls under the 4-number cargo vehicle category. The power unit features a smaller electric axle and a high-capacity, slim battery. The interior employs a digital meter, an easy-to-use square space and flexible storage that can be used to suit various needs. Functions such as the air conditioning controls and shift position switch are concentrated on the driver’s side. It also employs a Honda CONNECT-compatible infotainment system, and like the N-VAN, it employs a pillarless structure for the passenger-side sliding door. The e:L2, available exclusively through the new car online store Honda ON, eliminates the passenger seat and has a lower floor, improving loading capacity and ease of ingress and egress.
The exterior follows the design of the conventional N-VAN, but uses “recycled bumper material” made from recycled bumpers from used automobiles for the front grille and other parts, demonstrating Honda’s commitment to a recycling-oriented society.
The interior has been designed to be more convenient, with an easy-to-use square space, flexible storage that can be used to suit different needs, and functions such as the air conditioning controls and shift position switch concentrated on the driver’s side.
The N-VAN’s distinctive features of commercial vehicles, such as its cargo capacity and spatial value, remain true to its EV model, the N-VAN e:, in a package that is easy for anyone to drive. A slimmer battery mounted under the cargo floor, a flat and low floor, and a high ceiling create a spacious and high-capacity cargo space. A flat floor from the passenger seat to the rear seats makes it possible to load long items. Furthermore, the large opening, achieved by eliminating the center pillar on the passenger side, makes it easier to load and unload items of various sizes from the side. All types come standard with advanced safety driver assistance features, and the N-VAN e: is the first mini commercial van to be equipped with side curtain airbags as standard for both the driver and passenger seats.
Honda’s new light commercial EV “N-VAN e:” specifications
The power unit’s compact electric axle, high-capacity, slim battery, and centralized placement of high-voltage components ensure the luggage space and practical cruising range required for a commercial vehicle. The vehicle achieves a cruising range of 245km in WLTC mode , sufficient for delivery work . An ECON mode is also available, which reduces air conditioning power consumption and contributes to extending the practical cruising range.
The vehicle is compatible with standard 6.0kW chargers, allowing for faster charging times. Charging takes approximately 4.5 hours, meaning if you charge overnight, you can start using the vehicle the next day fully charged. The charging lid is located at the front of the vehicle for ease of use while charging, allowing you to get in and out of the vehicle and open and close the doors without having to worry about the charging cord. Rapid charging (50kW) takes approximately 30 minutes, further enhancing convenience. The battery cooling and heating system prevents battery performance degradation due to high or low temperatures, contributing to shorter charging times and improved driving range, especially in winter.
By using the Honda Power Supply Connector, an AC external power supply connector, you can use the N-VAN e: battery to power electrical appliances totaling up to 1500W, making it easy to access electricity even during power outages or disasters. Using the Honda Remote Control App, you can remotely set timers before heading out, adjust charging standby times, set maximum current and maximum charging amounts, and set the external power supply lower limit SOC from anywhere on your smartphone. This allows for comfortable travel, reduced electricity costs, and maximized driving range.
| Specifications | N-VAN e: |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,815 to 1,880 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm |
| engine | electric motor |
| Maximum power | 64ps |
| Maximum torque | 18.5kgm |
| WLTC mode cruising range | Approximately 245km |
| Normal charger (6.0kW output) | Approximately 4.5 hours |
| fast charging | 30 minutes (up to 80%) |
Honda’s new light commercial EV “N-VAN e:” body colors
Body colors vary depending on the grade.
e: L4
- Taffeta White III
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Platinum White Pearl
- Botanical Green Pearl
- Autumn Yellow Pearl
<Two-tone color>
- Botanical Green Pearl & Black
- Autumn Yellow Pearl & Black
e: FUN
- Platinum White Par
- Nighthawk Black Pearl
- Sonic Gray Pearl
- Botanical Green Pearl
- Autumn Yellow Pearl
<Two-tone color>
- Sonic Gray Pearl & Black
- Botanical Green Pearl & Black
- Autumn Yellow Pearl & Black
e: G／e: L2
- Taffeta White III
- Lunar Silver Metallic
Equipped with Honda SENSING, a safe driving support function
All types come standard with advanced safety driving support features. It’s also the first mini commercial van to feature side curtain airbags for the driver and passenger as standard equipment. It’s also the first minicar to feature a post-collision braking system, a technology that helps reduce secondary damage in the event of a collision.
e: L4／e: FUN
- Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS)
- False start prevention function
- False backward start prevention function
- Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering
- Road departure prevention function
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Preceding vehicle departure notification function
- Sign recognition function
- Auto high beam
- Parking sensor system (front/rear)
- Sudden acceleration suppression function
e: G／e: L2
- Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS)
- Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering
- Road departure prevention function
- Auto high beam
- Parking sensor system (rear)
Honda’s new light commercial EV “N-VAN e:”: 4 types, grades, and prices
Four grades are available: “e: G”, “e: L4”, “e: FUN” and “e: L2” .
| grade | Passenger capacity | fast charging | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-VAN e: L4 | 4 people | none | 2,699,400 yen |
| N-VAN e: L4 | 4 people | can be | 2,809,400 yen |
| N-VAN e: FUN | 4 people | can be | 2,919,400 yen |
Corporate Sales Department and Honda ON Limited Type
| grade | Passenger capacity | fast charging | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-VAN e:G | 1 person | none | 2,439,800 yen |
| N-VAN e:G | 1 person | can be | 2,549,800 yen |
| N-VAN e: L2 | 2 people | none | 2,549,800 yen |
| N-VAN e: L2 | 2 people | can be | 2,659,800 yen |
The e: G and e: L2 types are available exclusively through Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s Corporate Sales Department and the new car online store “Honda ON,” and are only available under lease agreements.
Honda ON “N-VAN e: Value Plan”
special website: https://on.honda.co.jp/nvan-e
Demand for light vehicles and commercial EVs
Light commercial EVs offer the maneuverability you expect from a vehicle (minimum turning radius of 5m or less)
Ensures necessary luggage space performance and load capacity.
It is also very quiet when driving and when starting and stopping, so it can be used safely even in residential areas.
The powerful driving performance that only a motor-driven EV can provide makes it possible to carry heavy loads with ease .
While maintaining the cargo space and load capacity required for a light commercial van, the powerful driving performance of a motor-driven EV makes it possible to carry heavy loads with ease.It is also very quiet when driving, starting, and stopping, making it safe to use in residential areas, including early mornings and late nights.
Japan Post has already begun fully introducing electric vehicles (EVs) and electric motorcycles into its delivery fleet since 2019. Mitsubishi Motors’ Minicab -MiEV Van is used for delivery work, while Honda’s BENLY e: electric motorcycle is used, and these vehicles are becoming more common sights around Tokyo. Yamato Transport began testing Honda’s new N-VAN e: in June 2023 for delivery operations. Light commercial EVs, in particular, are needed for their maneuverability in delivery operations.
Honda’s light EV “MEV-VAN Concept” is powered by a replaceable battery.
The company exhibited at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, which was held mainly at Tokyo Big Sight .
On October 19, 2023, Honda announced that it would begin a demonstration experiment in November 2023 for collection and delivery operations using light electric vehicles (EVs) with replaceable batteries . The experiment will use Honda’s MEV-VAN Concept, a light EV powered by a replaceable battery.
The Honda MEV-VAN Concept light EV (electric vehicle) used in this demonstration is a concept model of a light EV that runs on an electric power unit equipped with eight mobile power packs, which are replaceable batteries . By using replaceable batteries that are charged with renewable energy generated by solar power during the day , it contributes to more efficient energy management by reducing standby time for charging and mitigating peak power usage .
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Honda begins demonstration of delivery service with removable battery in “MEV-VAN Concept”
About our competitors
To introduce the BEV commercial light van, Suzuki and Daihatsu will combine their know-how in manufacturing small cars with Toyota’s electrification technology to jointly develop a BEV system suitable for light commercial vehicles. Daihatsu will produce the vehicles, and Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota will each introduce them by the end of fiscal year 2023. Suzuki will have the “EVERY EV,” Daihatsu the “HIJET CARGO EV,” and Toyota the “PIXIS VAN EV,” and the vehicles are expected to have a range of around 200km per charge.
For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Honda’s new light commercial “N-VAN”-based light commercial EV (electric vehicle) with a cruising range of 200km and a price starting from 1 million yen will be released in spring 2024.
Honda news release
