European gross sales of the Honda E retro EV are being halted amid sluggish gross sales, Automotive Information Europe reported final week.
Unveiled on the 2019 Frankfurt auto present, the E market the beginning of a brand new era of compact EVs, and it earned reward for its cute exterior and dashboard stuffed with screens. Because it was revealed by executives, the Honda E was initially deliberate for the U.S., however higher-ups feared there can be no demand right here. Now evidently’s occurred in Europe as a substitute.
2020 Honda E
Honda set a modest goal of 10,000 annual gross sales in Europe after deliveries began in 2020, Automotive Information Europe famous, however solely offered 3,436 in 2021 and a couple of,110 in 2022.
Gross sales might need been stunted by the E’s comparatively excessive base worth. In Germany, the automobile was initially priced at 33,850 euros (equal to $36,428). However the worth rose to virtually 40,000 euros in 2023 after Honda discontinued the most cost effective model. An underwhelming 138 miles of vary (from a 37.5-kwh battery pack) doubtless did not assist issues.
2020 Honda E
And within the meantime for Europe, Honda is promoting the off-key e:Ny1 crossover, which relies on Honda’s efforts in China. Its U.S. plans embrace the 2024 launch of Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX crossovers constructed by Normal Motors, with an in-house EV platform to comply with.
Teaser for Honda international EV idea debuting at 2024 CES
The timing of the Honda E’s demise may also be a calculated transfer to sign a shift of consideration to a brand new era of EVs. Honda is planning a world EV debut for CES subsequent month, which it is teased with the above photograph.
The primary in-house developed Honda EV for the U.S. based mostly on that platform is slated to reach in 2025, starting a deliberate shift away from internal-combustion engines. It is also mentioned that its devoted EV platform could (later) be capable to accommodate solid-state batteries.
