One can say that kei cars are the forbidden fruit of the world’s automotive market. Sure, there are a few markets that have them, but these models are exclusive to Japan for the most part. But Honda might soon change that, based on the recent teaser it showed.
Honda recently teased its upcoming kei car, the N-One e:. In this case, the e: means it’s a pure electric vehicle. But what makes this announcement interesting is that there is a possibility of it becoming a global model.
How so, you ask? The car made its semi-official reveal outside of Japan as the Super EV Concept. It was shown at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed wearing a camouflage wrap, and even did a parade lap for the hillclimb. Its premiere in the UK suggests that the car has a strong chance of being sold in wider markets.
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Based on the teaser photo, the car shown there looks identical to the one shown at Goodwood. The bug-eye headlights appear the same, and the same goes for its grille with a built-in socket for the charger. Of course, we’ll get better confirmation once the car is launched.
Obviously, no specs have been given yet, but it’s likely to be the one used in the N Van e:. If so, that means a 29.6kWh battery providing juice for the single motor that makes 63hp and 162Nm. That combination allows an estimated range of 245km.
By the looks of it, this electric kei car might just be Honda’s response to the Hyundai Inster that’s now available in Europe. Known as the Casper Electric in its home market, the pint-sized EV is close to kei car dimensions. It’s worth pointing out that the mini EV market in Europe is gaining traction as well, with models such as the revived Renault 5 and its twin, the Nissan Micra.
And given that a vast majority of Europe is left-hand drive, we’re betting that this small electric hatchback will have its steering wheel be switched over to the other side. That also means it opens up the possibility of it being sold in left-hand drive markets.
So, an EV kei car from Honda, anyone?
