Why the Moment for Small Electric Vehicles in America Is Here
Honda
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Honda has unveiled its first-ever electric kei car, the Honda N-One e, which is set to retail for approximately $18,000 when it launches in Japan later this week. This nostalgic EV draws inspiration from one of Honda's classic hatchbacks from the 1960s, the N360. With its compact size and cheerful design, along with a roomy and practical interior, Honda believes it can rival the Nissan Sakura, currently the leader in the mini EV market in Japan.
Typically, I wouldn't cover a kei car exclusive to Japan that is largely irrelevant to the average person in the U.S.—even if it is undeniably charming. However, the N-One e reminded me of my enjoyable experience with the Fiat Topolino earlier this summer while navigating the south of France. It got me thinking, why couldn’t I have something like this for my daily activities, which rarely require traveling more than six miles from home?
To clarify, the Honda N-One e is not quite the same as the Topolino, as it feels more like a legitimate car than merely a trendy golf cart. It features a complete interior, a backseat, and ample cargo space. It boasts a range of 183 miles, and while its top speed isn't specified, it likely surpasses the Fiat's approximately 30 mph. The Topolino, conversely, is even smaller, offering only a digital display and a phone holder for features. It seats two, has limited storage space, and a maximum range of 47 miles per charge, priced at only $11,000.
While I enjoy driving The Drive’s long-term Honda Passport around town, I don’t need a rugged SUV for short trips to the grocery store 3.5 miles away, the gym next door, or even to the mall six miles away, or the nearby movie theater. Besides the airport, which I visit once or twice a month, a Topolino would suffice. Still, for comfort, I would likely choose the N-One e, which can easily get me to the airport and back twice without needing to recharge.
Like many families have already realized, the solution lies in having two vehicles. In my case, my wife, who has a different driving schedule due to her job, would be well-served by a Passport. I would be content with a mini EV. If we needed to go on a road trip, the Passport would be invaluable. For a simple dinner out, I might suggest my tiny car, but she’d probably decline. Oh well, her loss.
I’m not advocating for everyone to abandon their SUVs in favor of mini EVs—far from it. I simply wish that the U.S. would permit some of these small, efficient EVs from major manufacturers, and encourage them to take the plunge and introduce them here to see what happens. I'm certain at least one would find a buyer, perhaps a quirky enthusiast in Indianapolis—you know who you are.
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Why the Moment for Small Electric Vehicles in America Is Here
Having driven a Fiat Topolino earlier this summer, I'm now convinced that small electric vehicles are quite practical, even if you don't reside in NYC or LA.