Honda e 2021 review: Keeper or heartbreaker? In-depth review with Nicki Shields / Electrifying
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Read our full review of the Honda e here: www.electrifyi...
The Honda e is really cute. In fact, most buyers will forgive it any other shortcomings just because it looks so good, both inside and out.
It has a distinctly retro flavour, harking back to the earliest Honda cars of the 1970s, but the technology is bang up to date and in some cases even betters that fitted to £100,000+ models. In an effort to outdo Tesla, the Honda even has a setting to turn the dashboard into a virtual fish tank.
But all this style comes at a price. It might seem cheap compared to those big Teslas and the other posh brands, but the Honda’s base price of just over £26,000 seems a bit steep compared to other small electric cars with similar (or even better) battery capacities.
Once you’ve got charge, the e is good fun to drive. There are two motors available, a 134bhp basic and 151bhp for the posher ‘Advance’ model. The motor powers the rear wheels, which means you don’t get any of the boy-racer style wheel spins that can affect some electric cars if you are a bit keen on the accelerator pedal.
But is the Honda e just too cute for its own good? Nicki Shields finds out.
Subscribe to the Electrifying UA-cam channel here: / electrifyingcom
If you like the Honda e, we think you should check out our reviews on these cars:
MINI Electric review: electrifying.c...
Mazda MX-30 review: electrifying.c...
Fiat 500e review: electrifying.c...
Thanks for joining us on our journey to 'Clear the Air' around hybrid and electric cars, we have new videos arriving every week (a mix of studio explainers and road tests) so please subscribe to the channel to find out more!
And please let us know what you'd like to see us film or talk about, we'd love to hear from you.
If you like the videos check out Electrifying.com where you'll find the latest reviews, our EV Dictionary and the latest news about Formula E from Nicki Shields.
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: / electrifyingcom
Twitter: / electrifyingcom
Facebook: / electrifyingcom
Website: www.electrifyi...
I have the same yellow one. For me, it’s one of the nicest looking and fun little cars to drive. Super spacious in the front (I’m 6’2”) and the Gadgets make it incredibly easy to drive. Perfect for a town car and I wouldn’t trade it for anything honestly.
It works for me. Fun to drive. Range is NOT an issue. Love that it's quiet. Ride is high quality, and One Pedal mode a must. 152bhp makes it quick enough.
I love mine but I am a little nuts, fine for my 40 mile daily commute (not in town), I generally don't care what other people think of the cars I drive.
What do you reckon is it’s usable range if traveling on the motorway and keeping it between reasonable states of charge, say a max of 80% and a min of 20%?
Only a small proportion dislike the car. Clearly the Honda E has been getting wide spread praise. It's a design masterpiece.
@@skyemalcolm winter time doing 70 on motorway maybe 60 miles, more like 50 if you are only limiting yourself to 60% of the battery, out and about there is no harm in using the 100% imho as you are only given access to 80% of the battery anyway, sold as a 35.5 kWh car but only 28.5 kWh is usable, this is my first full EV but went for the ease of getting in and out in our works tight parking over bigger cars with bigger batteries I am fortunate enough to be able to by a car for my commute, I went for this over the mini which I'd test drove the day before test driving one of these, (I did my commute there and back as part of my test drive) I do 200 miles a week about 120 of those are 70 limit dual carriageway, it fits my needs you just have to find an EV that fits your lifestyle and for me range wasn't the biggest concern.
@@markmilligan6616 thank you kindly for the detailed explanation. Unfortunately I can’t buy this car in the states. My current car is the closets alternative from Honda Clarity PHEV. It has a 17 kWh pack with about 13.5 usable (based on multiple runs nearly depleting the battery on my 38 mile commute on 70 mph motorways). We have level 2 chargers at work and thus it’s a useable all electric commuter 3 seasons of the year. However the 45-50 mile range in the warmer months drops to about 30-35 miles in below freezing conditions. Although cabin preheating before the run to work and very judicious use of the HVAC and keeping the speed 5 mph below the speed limit or drafting a large vehicle can extend the winter range to just get the car to 40 miles all electric. Regarding the car itself it’s a joy inside and typical logical controls, very comfortable seating and overall high quality Honda.
@@Neojhun yep, didn't see anyone hating it. It's just beautiful
I’ve got one for four years, coming on Thursday, can’t wait !! Plus a Kangoo ZE 5 days later. Both my first EVs.
You've won me over. Great review, subscribed right away
Great little car. Had our since September and charge it up on cheap-rate leccy overnight about once a week. Range has not been a problem yet, but I wouldn't be comfortable taking it on a long trip - not due to the range per-se, but the lack of a reliable and convenient charging network. It's disappointing that in 2021 there are so many public charge points which are not in service due to faults etc. Once that's sorted I'd have no issue taking a trip in the E. By the way, the tiny boot is big enough for a weekly grocery shop (just!)
I love the look of this car. However, with this range, you’re talking owning it as a second set of wheels - which essentially means you need to have plenty of money to own one. Like royalty, you’ll have a car for the city & another one for your road trips :)
While the “e” is often compared with the Mini and the Fiat, try getting inside those and you soon realise the Honda is a slightly bigger car, which has much more usable interior space. Yes, the boot space is small, but for me it’s adequate. And the rear seat folds down easily with one quick release central feature, if you need a lot more space. And you get a large flat loading area.
Love the design and engineering. If it had 50% more range to suit our needs I would have bought an ex demo by now.
"The rear-drive also enables the front wheels to have a greater steering articulation, resulting in a turning radius (at wheel centre) of approximately 4.3 metres (14 ft), or 4.6 metres (15 ft) at the body, i.e. a turning circle of 9.2 metres (30 ft), 1.6 metres (5 ft 3 in) wider than the 7.6 metres (25 ft) turning radius of the famous London black cabs." - Wikipedia
Yes, slightly duff gen you gave us there Nicki.
Great vid, love this car as a second/city car. Also the rain brought a certain amount of ASMR pleasure that I wasn't expecting 😂
I love the look of this and have done since the concept, but my wife doesn’t (she thought the original Leaf was good looking 🙄). We’re considering an EV as a 2nd car for local journeys only so the max range doesn’t need to be huge. I think this would be perfect. It looks so cool!
Thanks for the video. Brilliant little car. Only things I would change is a panoramic roof and center arm rest.
I want an in car personal assistant voiced by Nicki Shields.
That's what I wanted too, but they gave me Arnold Schwarzenneger instead.
I think people need to understand that the Honda E is aimed at people who do their driving around town. It’s the perfect car for London and it is so much fun to drive. It takes 30 minutes on a fast charger to get to 80 percent charge. The boot is small but it’s 5 door as opposed to the 3 doors of the Mini and the Fiat 500. Realistically in a 3 door car, you’re not going to put much on the back seats whereas more often than not, I stick my shopping on the back seat. Factor in that going out, 4 people can get in comfortably whilst it’s a faff getting in to a 3 door car. Why do need a huge boot for a car that you’re not going to use for a domestic holiday. I think Honda have nailed it. I love my Honda E. It is a serious head turner and I have so many people start conversations with me and all from a happy place all because of how much they love the car.
It’s disappointing not to see a single video about the basic model. They’re surprisingly very popular at the dealerships! (Higher range).
As a wheelchair user (who self transfers and drives with hand controls), I won’t know until Wednesday of this week, if the Honda e is compatible with my adaptions. I really hope it is as I’ve fallen in love with it too!
Subscribed. Nicki is a legend! Never mind the cute little Honda E.
I'll be testing one next week. Can't wait
To my eyes the dashboard layout despite trying to be cutting edge somehow looks like a 1970’s vision of the future. Austin Allegro dash with screens glued on top. That said if I had the money and didn’t need more range to get to work it would be on my list.
I know it's not perfect, however ticks all the boxes for many, including me, I don't need a crazy amount of range, do people really drive over 100miles everyday? If so, wud u be looking at a urban city car anyway? Also the boot is small but manageable, it's a city car not a family tourer. I find it refreshing to have a small EV that's full of kit and spec as well, rather than only bigger models having spec like this. I LOVE this car! Just can't buy this year sadly 😢
Great to see cars going electric. Looks fun😊 like the technology wing cameras styling and inside. But bit slow a and more range 😊🌍
I am looking at any EV now as a future second hand purchase when they are a lot cheaper. I am warming to the Honda E but a 200 mile range would make it much more practical as an only car (I had a Zoe ZE40 for 3 years and the 180 mile range on that was about right - trips to the coast and back without charging - not possible in the Honda E).
Love the looks, interior and tech. The idea of going on a winter motorway trip though, is a killer. Which is a real shame. Let's hope the MkIi brings a bigger battery with ultra rapid charging, because, it's gorgeous. Thanks for the great, honest review.
Good call on the Golf MkII back-end, well spotted. Though Honda should really send out these demo cars in white...
I'm still cynical about the screens though. Other than the possible driver distraction (though I'll take Nicki's word on it) I dread the thought of having those screens activated at night.
Is the charging port designed to be water cooled?
lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PSA group offerings with more range for well below £24k?
Your videos are great- I'm surprised your subs are so low.
Charging point location is superb, pity about the range, although with battery improvements in the next couple of years.......
Excellent review as always, 👏
It's too good to miss and more importantly provides ample excuses for an impromptu date at every charging session.
Why would anyone buy this over ID.3? I don't get it. Unless you _have_ to have the looks?
Nice review (thanks) but, for me, the car's vertically-facing charging ports are too exposed and I wouldn't go anywhere near them in a typical UK downpour. Not to worry, though. I see that Honda acknowledges the dangers of this and helpfully offers a 'Charge Port Lid Cover' accessory (looks like a sweet little tent) for use in bad weather.
I have a CRZ so same dimensions but with a petrol assistance to the electric motor ( drive in Eco most of the time ) . The Honda e would suit my current lifestyle which is a 24 mile commute but at 30K I'll have to wait until the early ones are a few years old.
On paper this car too make too much sense but there’s something SO cool about them! Nice review as always Nicki 👏
The concept looked so much better.
I have just bought a Zoe, so... Again, not pleased that Honda are closing plant in Swindon now instead of going over to full EV production?
The Honda E is a great piece of design, very unique with features reminiscent of 70's Japanese cars, again ahead of their time in design terms. Clever features like the camera mirrors etc. Its only let down by the slightly disappointing range and boot space. I would like one as its a Honda, for build quality and reliability, and the design, but admit i would personally go for the new zoe over this.
That charging port angle ....how will that not fill up with rain on an overnight charge outside..answers on a postcard please.
So this is not good for my first and only car? I live in Belgium so everywhere is not that far.
When Nicki opened the charge door on top of the bonnet, it looked to me as if rain could easily enter this unit.
Love these inside and out, and would like to think it could replace our current Civic, but sadly it's too expensive, the boot is too small and the main issue, the range is far too small. If I could afford an expensive second car though, this could be it.
I want Honda to build the Sports EV. I love it, it looks awesome.
Love Nicki, she's so funny! The car, I'd order it in white or silver
Good design from Honda - except the pitiful battery and range! It’d be town-limited mostly, or a second car (as would the MINI and Mazda for same reasons). If I wanted a small car I’d be viewing Fiat 500, or Renault Zoe... cars you could actually dare to take on a run.
But awesome for much of Europe for people that hardly stray from their local area.
Good as a second car or if you only drive in the town or city - the range is too small for your only car if you regularly need to do long journeys.
6:05
Five door ? Rear seats? A sunroof?
The best electric car money can buy.
I wish I had the money 💰
The Honda easily wins in the design department, exterior as well as interior, compared with all the mentioned competitors, and I mean they aren't even close, but I guess it's the only factor in making you choose it
Is that still the free colour? Most manufacturers stick with something safe, but yellow suits the e well (another link back to the original Civic). The main dealer near us has one in dark grey, which looks unfinished (according to my better half), but then so do almost all of the 'lacquered primer' dull greys - save weight/cost by skipping the top coat 😉
I'm happier that the e exists - apart from Honda giving the green light to a near-concept product, and the expense that entails, it shows that legacy manufacturers are starting to 'get it', like VW's iD3/4, Ford's Mustang Mach-e, Jag's I-Pace, Hyundai's IONIQ 5, and all the ground-up new designs.
As for the cost being too high - have you seen the options? It quickly gets to the wrong side of £30k after grants... 😁
What if there is a driving rain when you need to charge? Won’t water collect in the charger bay?
There is a drain hole.
If you want a bigger range, drive a heavier, bigger car....if you don’t and can stump up the readies, wow 🤩
Can you open the charge port from inside the car?? 🤔
Yes. Open via dashboard, app or small button outside (as long as you have the key).
If only it had RANGE it would be an absolute WINNER. Hopefully they will release a version with better range or something similar.
How far do you drive on average EACH day? Can you charge at home? How often do you have to recharge your phone?
@@blackrocket2000 for a home to work and back lifestyle this would be enough for me, but I travel few times a year (I would have to charge it approximately 6 times before I reach the destination) and I would also like to explore more of the country I currently live in so it's not convenient for me unfortunately. Fingers crossed for a long range version with this outer and interior design I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Given the development of electric car batteries (EG The original Renault Zoe had a 22 KW/H battery and the present version has a 50 KW/H battery) I would be interested in the Mark II or Mark III version of the Honda E. Potentially , a few years from now, a future version of the Honda E, with say a 70 or 80 KW/H battery would have more than double the range. This would be a great car !!
Whats the song/artist playing from approx 07:45 ?
Truly brilliant design. But... That boot! Weekly shop? Kids' bags? Dealbreaker. Surely next gen or HRV will solve this. But props to Honda for producing such a great design.
Great review. The design is brilliant, but the basic technical spec is poor. Far too limiting, better off buying an MGZS, Zoe or a even a Leaf.......or a near new Model 3.
At first I thought oh god, but now it’s starting to grow on me 😂😂
The Honda e actually only gives you 80% usable on its battery, whereas the Fiat 500e gives you 90% usable. In theory, this means the Honda e's battery will degrade less over time. I do think getting closer to 200 miles WLTP would make a big difference though.
Honda has warranty within 8 years for the battery to remain at 70% of original capacity and they stated this was "conservative" so it does make sense for reducing degradation
The car is super cute, but it's clear why it's a flop on sales (last year they sold only 4k units in all Europe) and costed the Honda CEO his position:
Range too short for an insane price (£35k and less than 200 Kms range, you've got to be kidding me!).
There are other EVs alternatives that are more value for same (or less) money: Fiat 500, Renault Zoe, the PSA brothers, etc.
Hope Honda reduces its price or makes something more competitive next time.
I LOVE IT BUT ... I need minimum 240 miles of acclaimed range 😩almost double
Such a cool car, wish it had a bit more range.
I wrote "Tesla Model 1" and UA-cam brought me here 😮
It's a sign you should get a Honda E
Truly a standout design that will turn heads. For a runabout city EV, the Honda-e is great, but I think Mini, Fiat, VW might prove more popular. It makes me smile to see Nicki enamoured of such a small, modest EV, as I first saw her as a Formula E presenter interviewed on Fully Charged. Fun recollection! ua-cam.com/video/uedzSdxYkIY/v-deo.html
no central arm rest ??? what is it with these electric cars just dont get it...the costs are crazy
such a missed opportunity from Honda, too expensive and poor range even for city driving, better to have a seat MII electric which is a lot cheaper and has more range
So you drive more than 160 miles a day in a city? Even delivery trucks don't exceed that
I love the interior but the mileage is not what I would by it for. And I don’t think they will sell that many
That is all because the serious problem Honda simply does not have Production Capacity for batteries. They don't have enough range and won't sell many if they can't produce much.
Disappointed you did not show the infotainment in action, showed us a few different screens, after all it’s a major part of this car.
I couldn’t help but think they styled it on Brum! The children’s program
Too bad that Honda does not offer it in North America. If so, I would be driving one.
Hi NS nice presentation again. I totally understand your every emotional response to this car.
It has to get full marks for originality but let's be honest at 30k it has a lot of competition and if one thing will hinder sales it will be that range, being totally objective there are much better options around.
The showcar came after the productioncar ( according to Honda-spokesman)
I love the Honda E but I live in Canada.... no joy for me I guess...😢
So cute.. sell it in North America please!
doesn't charge at 100kw
The Honda e is my preferred design in EV's, so far ... I like the proportions and you know Honda's fit and finish is top rate. But, seeing as I live in the country, almost any drive would tax the range. So I'll be waiting for the Honda e R version with say 60Kw battery and 210 HP !!
Honda needs to go all in on electric vehicles. Gas and diesel are so last century.
BUT £35,000 - are you joking
sweet
if they remove half of the screens inside and increase the range by around 30% I would take it over any other EV
Yes, car manufacturers are marketing EVs as premium cars. At some point soon someone will see the gap at the bottom of the market and make a fortune.
Hi ...it's a little beauty...I want one😊
This channel is awesome
Nicki looks hot in this video.
Audio level is all over the place, even within a single shot
I wish US had a variance of this..sigh
💛💛💛💛💛💛💛
Someone get this girl a meal please!
Awwwww so cute :)
Keeper or heartbreaker: easy when the journalist gets car for free and doesn’t have to pay for it.
Oh golly gosh Gertrude, you gush good girl. Pity about the car.
They goofed on the range........ok if you have 2 cars and just use it for small trips
I love the design and appreciate the engineering, but I think the FIAT 500, MINI or Nissan Leaf are better cars
This car look like the old car 🚗 specially the inside if you remove the screen
Not enough range and far too expensive. That car needs to go on a serious weight and efficiency diet.
Toy car for Cambridge
I don't like puppies, but I like the Honda e.
I'm watching because of the girl not the car.
Who wants to pay nearly £30k for a car that your gonna be screaming at each time you get in, because your batteries are running out after a few miles. Not me ..Don't put your lights , air con, or heater on either, otherwise you wont have enough battery to get off the drive . 👎👎👎
I'm just so angry thought that we can't this or the ID.3 here in north america. Disgusting obese SUVs is all you see for miles.
Just wtf with these EV designs. Did going EV mean going back 1940?
Range? None.. EVs eat power at 70mph... ponder" expensive town car only use.. oh and cheap EVs.. cheap hard suspension.. lots of pot holes in Town centres... bump bump bump" useless expensive? Two words sum up small EVs
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 about to eat this poor thing's lunch.