Honda E In-Depth Review - Style Over Substance?

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Күн бұрын

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Electric cars are all very worthy but, by and large, they tend to lack any kind of 'want one' factor. Here's one though, that you might really covet - the Honda e. Because it's very small and doesn't go particularly far on a single charge, it's very much an urban town runabout. But what a cool one to have.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Background
3:17 Driving Experience
11:13 Design & Build
29:24 Market & Model Range
46:14 Cost of Ownership
55:57 Summary
Background
What should a city-based full-electric urban runabout really be if an element of desirability as well as efficiency is called for? Something like the Honda e? We can see why you might think so. The Japanese brand believes that EV makers have been producing boring, pricey products with expensive technology delivering extended range that city folk don't actually really need. Which explains why the Honda e restricts the size of both its battery and the resulting driving range. There are many compensations though, as we're about to see...
Driving Experience
This is a great little city scoot. There are two outputs to choose from (136PS and 154PS) but the base one will be fine for most. With proper independent multi-link rear suspension (of the type most small cars do without), the ride is excellent and there's a super-tight 8.6-metre turning circle kerb-to-kerb. Honda has made the power output quite linear so you don't exhaust the limited battery capacity with neck-snapping acceleration from the get go, but 62mph from rest is still quickly dispatched in 8.3s in the higher output variant (it's 9 seconds for the 136PS model). With 315Nm of pulling power on tap, it should actually feel a bit faster than that.
Like most Evs, this one has a bit of a weight problem: 1,514kgs is a portly total for a car this size, though to be fair, that figure's not too bad by EV standards. Honda's very proud of the way it's been able to achieve a perfect 50:50 weight distribution thanks to the way that the batteries have been mounted as low as possible in the floorplan and as a result, cornering body roll is commendably well controlled. As with a Nissan LEAF, there's also a button for one-pedal driving; with this applied, the regenerative braking effect when you lift off the throttle slows you so much the brake pedal is virtually redundant.
Design and Build
Rarely have we ever tested a car that looks quite so much like a motor show concept. Not everyone will like the look of this Honda e, but there's certainly nothing like it on the road. It's certainly small - just 3.9-metres in length - and quite tall too, the roofline 100mm higher than a rival MINI Electric Hatch. It's a clean sheet design with virtually nothing - visually or in terms of engineering - shared with the brand's only fractionally larger Jazz Hybrid, which is impressive. There's brand DNA here, but the character and style of what a small Honda should be has been re-imagined for the 21st century. And so much about it will be fascinating if you find a different approach to be also an intriguing one.
At the wheel, there's lots of showroom wow factor, though we're not too keen on the incongruous light wood trim. Two 12-inch screens sit at the centre of the dash and it's possible to 'swap' displays between them - so, for instance, you might want to pass the sat nav over to the front passenger to type in an address, say. You can even hook up a games console to the HDMI input port. Or select wallpaper or aquarium screen backgrounds to sooth your mood. The main interior talking point though, will probably be the corner monitors that take the place of exterior door mirrors, a design idea we first saw on a much bigger EV, the Audi e-tron. Here, the concept actually works a little better - the mirror displays are a little better sited. And on the 'Advance' variant, aother little screen takes the place of the rear view mirror, though you can flip it back to a conventional mirror surface if you wish. Predictably, there's not much room in the back and the boot is just 171-litres in size.
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Пікірлер: 90

@approx2k 2 жыл бұрын

Got my Honda e advance 3 days ago, i love it, perfect to commute to my job, i dont have to charge at home, i can charge up to 100% at work for free and i have a 20-30 min drive both ways

@yes8032 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not going to lie that’s a cool car

@DIYglenn Жыл бұрын

Regarding the somewhat weirdly placed on-off button: It’s not even needed. Just put the car in drive and go. When parked, just leave the car and lock - done. You never have to actually touch the button. And not being able to fit the charge cables underneath the trunk - it’s actually a cutout for the cable. You won’t fit it while in the bag, but they can be placed there and have the whole trunk freed up.

@Scout-nj7xj 3 жыл бұрын

The best car reviewer in GB. Probably the world.

@rh4815 9 ай бұрын

I have a Honda e, it partners well with my Mercedes gls and a Honda jazz, I wouldn't complain if the range was 200 miles though

@phil8437 3 жыл бұрын

Plus points: 1. Looks, 2. interior 3. it's a Honda. Minus points: 1.Price 2. Electric range. 3. Boot space, they should have forgone the small turning circle and added storage under the "bonnet". Better than a Mini (Honda's great reliability vs average at best for Mini) Wish they fitted the wheels of this car to the Honda Jazz hybrid. Because the car is so different than anything else, I also think that this Honda E will be a future classic. A really great review.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Phil, thank you for watching 👍 Glad you enjoyed the review!

@PLDSR 3 жыл бұрын

My dream car. Hopefully Honda will release an improved version with a little more range later on.

@oddities-whatnot 3 жыл бұрын

Dream car ? Oh dear. Some day none of you will remember what real cars were like to drive, and until we all go down this sterile electric car route I intend to keep driving fast petrol cars for as long as possible because one day they will all be gone. You get what you wish for. I feel sorry for you.

@Kannamoris 3 жыл бұрын

@@oddities-whatnot Hehe, instant torque go weeeee!

@DIYglenn Жыл бұрын

@@oddities-whatnotSure enough. I’ve had my share of large and luxurious petrol cars, but I’ve been without a single combustion engine for the last 2 years, and I can’t say I miss it. Servicing is merely a joke compared to a ICE, and never having to refuel etc, just plug it in whenever you want at home, and it’s ready overnight. Also, I can preheat it even though it’s indoors, because it’s all electric, not having to run the Webasto. And the cameras gets unlimited power as the 12V battery is being charged while the car is off. There are some things to miss about ICE, but honestly, I find it to be a thing of the past, even though todays EVs might not be a thing of the future. But I’ll say - try this Honda e. It’s pure joy to drive.

@alexc6946 3 жыл бұрын

I love these reviews. Thank you for getting into the detail like you do from every perspective. This is such a cool car and this is why I’m so disappointed about the range. Living in the US, the distances are large and much of the driving is done on highways where the 70mph sustained speeds further hit range - not to mention cold temperatures taking their toll. If this had the same range as the Fiat 500e, it would grab a much larger marker share

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching from across the pond, Alex! We're glad you enjoyed the review 👍

@MarthaMansbridge 3 жыл бұрын

If they stuck an ICE in it I'd consider it as a less bulbous supermini but as a £30k, 100 mile range EV it's ludicrous.

@MrSunnyBhoy 3 жыл бұрын

Great car and great in depth review. Even though I'd want a bigger range of I had the cash I'd buy this over other electronic cars.

@blackrocket2000 4 ай бұрын

A very comprehensive review, although too many comments are repeated in various sections. I love driving mine in Full One Pedal mode with max regen and usually achieve economy around 4m/kWh. Also enjoyed 2700 miles of free driving thanks to Tesco. And now in 2024 we have much more choice for public recharging although Rapids can be expensive to use

@craigrogers9799 Жыл бұрын

Best detailed video ever from my perspective. Had to subscribe in the hope of seeing similar. Nice work.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@garden-Railway Жыл бұрын

Great thorough review, getting my Honda E soon !

@OsvUkVehicleSupply Жыл бұрын

Hi Alan, thank you for the lovely comment! Do you need a hand with an Honda E? If so gives us a call on 01903 538835 and our specialists will help you find the perfect one for you (UK only)

@Samfichier 6 ай бұрын

It's the most complete test about the Honda e i'v seen, and i'v seen so much. Just a suggestion, there's a place for a charging cable under the boot. I agree with you for all points and about the external cameras, it's also useful to prevent being dazzled at night. This car is amazing and needs a version 2

@dreamshaq 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant thorough review

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

We're glad you enjoyed our review! Make sure to subscribe for more in-depth reviews of the latest vehicles: bit.ly/39YHCml

@dreamshaq 3 жыл бұрын

I have subbed 🙂 my wife has just bought this car Dec 2020 model after watching this review. Just need to figure out the home charging now...

@mattltvtoyreviews1955 3 жыл бұрын

Great review, very comprehensive. Love the witty anecdotes...theres a little Renault 5 about the rear 3/4 view. As a town car, fantastic. 😊👍

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

We're glad you enjoyed it, Matt!

@danielsmith7251 3 жыл бұрын

So true with the Renault 5 comparison!

@Kopchronicles 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent little City Runaround. So pleased with mine. Nice and detailed review

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

That's fantastic to hear, Sean 👍 Why did you choose the Honda-e over other electrified city cars?

@Kopchronicles 2 жыл бұрын

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply so sorry just seen this. Achingly cool, love the styling, makes me smile everytime I get in it. I am mostly doing city driving so fits my use case. If I go on a longer trip I just plan well from charging stops. At the end of this video the presenter says it's a special car. That is what it is.

@SlapRoundTheChops Жыл бұрын

@@Kopchronicles what kind of miles do you get on the motorway at 70mph in the winter? Thanks in advance

@ronmccullock1407 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic review

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, Ron. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

@vladx2 2 жыл бұрын

The cloth and fake wood interior is gorgeous, leather and bronze would just make it boring but whatever floats your boat

@aktharchowdhury9839 2 жыл бұрын

I bought one a month ago and it is a wonderful drive and is a serious head turner.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you're enjoying your Honda e, Akthar! Why did you choose this EV over other models?

@aktharchowdhury9839 2 жыл бұрын

Realistically I knew this was only going to be for using in London. I have a petrol saloon for any big journeys. When I pushed the button to get electric, i wanted something that was futuristic inside and out and all the other cars in the same bracket don't look anywhere near as good as the Honda. The boot is not an issue as i think personally I'd rather have the extra doors than the extra boot space. you can put stuff on the back seats whereas not so easy when you have a 3 door. I'm getting around 115 miles from a full charge and I don't drive slowly. Anyone who thinks the range isn't great should read up on how long it takes to charge some of the competitors compared to the Honda. The one thing that I dislike greatly on the car and which I hope they will fix with a software revision is that they don't allow USB storage for music. I don't want to use my phone for my music. Warranted that a lot of people do, I think it's very short sighted to not have the option integrated.

@SlapRoundTheChops Жыл бұрын

@@aktharchowdhury9839 what kind of miles do you get on the motorway at 70mph in the winter? Thanks in advance

@aktharchowdhury9839 Жыл бұрын

@@SlapRoundTheChops In winter the range goes down to between 85 - 90 miles. That is dependent on how you're driving the car. If you're sticking to 70 then I reckon you're looking at 90 miles per charge.

@ucosmonauta4762 2 жыл бұрын

SUPER REVIEW!!! Thank you

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! Be sure to subscribe for the latest reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT

@urbanfireblade 2 жыл бұрын

No more swapping wheels front to rear for balancing tyre wear if the wheels are different widths front to rear?

@tpv59 3 жыл бұрын

FANTASTIC FAULTLESS COMPHREHENSIVE review. And it was pretty good 2!!!

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, Terry!!

@lusilk7954 2 жыл бұрын

top marks Sir

@EllisBurton3339 Ай бұрын

Something ive not seen mentioned , what happens when its raining when you need to charge at sn open air charging point , the access flap remains up during charging , does it fill with rain poss causing huge electrical short out , ordoes it have drain away channels ......

@minijem 2 жыл бұрын

Did I hear you say it had a DC motor, and then later on that it had an inverter? Honda confirms that it's a brushless DC motor, so I guess the inverter is for the 230v socket. Anything else?

@billyponsonby Жыл бұрын

Cost of ownership and residual value 46%?? It’s Feb 2023 now and the new RRP has been as high as £36,920! So if you bought one in 2020 for £26k you can sell it now for £22k. How’s that for residual value. Crazy times.

@Cherub77 3 жыл бұрын

Have you reviewed the ID.3 yet?

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Hi David, thank you for the suggestion 👍

@Cherub77 3 жыл бұрын

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply we have a ‘family’ version arriving in a couple of weeks if you need a car to borrow when restrictions allow.

@12alocin 3 жыл бұрын

What's the best drive on around bends, this car or BMW i3s?

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mick, our review of the BMW i3 should give you an idea of how it compares to the Honda E 👍kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qtJza9hzmJ2RcXU.html

@marklola12 6 ай бұрын

the 500e does not get close to 200 miles, infact the 1 and only time you see 199miles on the car is if you receive it fully charged and then the next time you charge yourself it never goes above 170 and usually hovers around 165miles fully charged but really you get maybe 140 miles

@MaxKito2 3 жыл бұрын

I think the car is really cute, too bad it’s for a particular segment of drivers and city settings. Its range is rather underwhelming @ the moment.

@shashankshukla5194 Жыл бұрын

Yuva John kairi ke hbh

@PatrickTCAPIreland 2 жыл бұрын

God I love this little thing, but then again I just like Hondas in general but you can’t help but love this cute car!!

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

Despite its shortcomings, we're pretty big fans of it too! Thanks for watching - be sure to subscribe if you haven't already done so 👍 bit.ly/319ZKoT

@piglet5287 3 жыл бұрын

Very stylish but the range makes even the e-Mini seem useful. It's a pity some of Honda's new-found style didn't rub off on the useful but dowdy new Jazz

@brianrocks7277 3 жыл бұрын

What about the Insight🤔

@nahshonimmanuel1704 Жыл бұрын

They tapped into early 80s civic designs and principles

@vladx2 2 жыл бұрын

The “smaller battery recharges faster” thing is absolutely irrelevant. A small glass of water is faster to refill than a big jug, but it doesn’t matter when you need to drink the same amount of water anyway

@miata350 Жыл бұрын

I LOVE the classic Honda styling, both inside and outside. The outside reminds me of old Civics and the inside reminds me of the simple, functional 80's Honda interiors. I also like the woodgrain. HOWEVER, why must EV's continue to take simple mechanical functions and make them electronic and computerized? Why can't this EV have regular mirrors and door handles? Why does it need the ENTIRE dash covered in screens? These excessive electronics will be the first things to have problems. They simply aren't built to last. My 12 year old Mazda has had no mechanical problems except for electronic switches and sensors. My 30 year old Miata has had no problems at all because there is an absence of electronics. These new hybrids and EV's have common infotainment and electronic problems, even months after buying them. Why can't Honda build a simple EV without the other crap?

@garethwright8889 Жыл бұрын

Because the masses prefer this and it makes the company more money. They don't make cars that will last a lifetime they want you to change it every few years and keep the production lines running which makes jobs and keeps the economy going it's a business model that has worked for many car manufacturers. They would simply be left behind if they kept everything simple.....also the electronic option is probably cheaper than the mechanical option for whatever functions you refer to. It is a fantastic looking car and I love the styling as well

@seancrawford3061 2 жыл бұрын

Battery improvements may extend battery range...

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

We're hoping to see an updated model in the next few years, Sean 👍

@DAVEXR2007 2 жыл бұрын

Lower the price, Produce it with a petrol/diesel engine and it's a winner !! Disposal of those Rare earth mineral batteries will create an absolute environmental catastrophe.

@marcoguada42 2 жыл бұрын

I'm used to small trunk because of the gas cylinder and the spare wheel in the back but why on earth they put a 35.5 kWh battery 😭😭 come on honda..

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Marco, are you thinking about getting an electric car?

@evoermine 3 жыл бұрын

It’s about time you guys stopped reading a script or bullet points that are behind your steering wheel. It’s clear you’re taking your eyes off the road constantly.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there, many thanks for your feedback which we will take on-board. We can assure you that the safety of our team and other road users is our number one priority when filming our reviews.

@tz6414 3 жыл бұрын

I will wait until battery techno evolves and we get shorter charge times etc. Even now I would buy a brand new ice car.

@whocares264 Жыл бұрын

I love EVs but this is a silly one inefficient, heavy with a small battery...

@OsvUkVehicleSupply Жыл бұрын

Does the small battery put you off getting one?

@whocares264 Жыл бұрын

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply yes... bigger battery no public charging cheaper to run bigger batteries last longer, range is everything, people say you dont often do long trips, well for 30k i want it to do the not often with no hassle

@roygardiner2229 2 жыл бұрын

"....second or third car...."? Wow. Like many modern cars this vehicle is ridiculously over-complicated.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Roy, are you looking for a new car at the moment?

@roygardiner2229 2 жыл бұрын

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply No. I don't own a car. But if, and when, I do buy a car I shall be inclined to buy old technology. By that I mean, with a petrol engine and as free from electronics and software as possible. However, I do value your reviews: they are excellent.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 2 жыл бұрын

@@roygardiner2229 That's great to hear, thank you for watching 👍

@marktodd7397 Жыл бұрын

No doubt a nice car but let's cut the Bs and give the price from the start £28,000 is absolutely obscene

@BertoniBertone 3 жыл бұрын

2.5 miles per kilowatt is a non-starter in efficiency terms. Until it reaches double that - in any conditions - I’m staying well away. Surely a 5-door VW UP! with a small ICE is way kinder to the planet...or even a Yaris Hybrid ? Without massive fiscal (and therefore artificial) market stimulus, EVs are a con job....

@hymlog 2 жыл бұрын

...Price is Way to High. ...Let The Newbies Pay for it. ...In Two Years This Cash-Hog Will Fall Fast....

@timothyeve1995 3 жыл бұрын

Not sure you needed 59 minutes to review this car especially as you kept repeating information throughout, bit annoying.

@OsvUkVehicleSupply 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Timothy, thank you for the feedback. We specialise in long-form car reviews to help our viewers find their perfect make and model. You may prefer our shorter 10-minute version of this review which will be available to watch on Wednesday 13th Jan at 8:00AM 👍

@DavidHughes-op6zl 3 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes, folks, the Honda hee-hee e... ...This obscenely overpriced, overteched object looks like a cross between a batt-pack-shopping-trolley and a doubly concave mobile matchbox. It features a boot the size of a postage stamp plus a range just about capable of carrying you twice round the block - ok, make that three times - added to which there's a charging-port lid on the bonnet resembling the top of your nan's commode. Finally (this next bit is tech overload gimmickry gone beserk and then some) we come to a multitude of in-your-face screens stretching would you believe the entire length of the dash, one, wait for it, forming a mock fish tank... I kid you not. Presumably its purpose is in response to masses of ev drivers demanding the manufacturer be sure to incorporate in the fascia images of fake floating perch etc. The one aspect I applaud are those innovative door cameras but you pay through the nose and mouth to enjoy their presence. [News recently reached me regarding an individual, apparently murmuring yuck phrases like 'Cutesy-cutesy-cool' and at one and the same time probably wetting their underwear in the process of viewing the thing, proceeded to put down a deposit to purchase this Japanese runabout. A few weeks after taking delivery said person went into a motor accessories shop wanting a windscreen wiper for it. The assistant's response was, 'Sounds about right!']

@DavidHughes-op6zl 3 жыл бұрын

@eddherring4972 3 жыл бұрын

Well if that’s style over substance this vehicle must be made from clouds. It’s not got any style so it must be totally lacking in substance.

@menifo4334 3 жыл бұрын

I may be the only person on the planet who doesn't think of this car either as cool or desirable. Wood inlays in a futuristic car and worst of all fake? Really? FIAT 500e 👍

@iidentifyasarock6106 3 жыл бұрын

The title should be "Honda E - No Style, No Substance". That things an absolute piece of trash.

@DavidHughes-op6zl 3 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes, folks, the Honda hee-hee e... ...This obscenely overpriced, oveeteched object looks like a cross between a batt-pack-shopping-trolley and a doubly concave mobile matchbox. It features a boot the size of a postage stamp plus a range just about capable of carrying you twice round the block, ok, make that three times - added to which there's a charging-port lid on the bonnet resembling the top of your nan's commode. Finally (this next bit is tech overload gimmickry gone beserk and then some) we come to a multitude of in-your-face screens stretching would you believe the entire length of the dash one, wait for it, forming a mock fish tank...I kid you not. Presumably its there in answer to masses of ev drivers absolutely demanding the manufacturer be sure to incorporate in the fascia images of fake floating perch etc. The one aspect I applaud are those innovative door cameras but you pay through the nose and mouth to enjoy their presence. [News recently reached me regarding an individual who, apparently murmuring yuck phrases like 'Cutesy-cutesy-cool' and probably at one and the same time wetting their underwear in the process of viewing the thing, proceeded to put down a deposit to purchase a this Japanese runaround. A few weeks after taking delivery said person went into a motor accessories shop wanting a windscreen wiper for it. The assistant's response was, 'Sounds about right!']