MANILA: Honda will start the sale of the N-VAN e: commercial electric mini electric van in Japan on October 10, 2024.

According to the carmaker, the Honda N-VAN e: was developed with the goal of adding user-friendly features unique only to electric vehicles to the gasoline-powered N-VAN. On that note, the electric commercial vehicle maintains popular N-VAN features — like a large cargo space and a large opening on the passenger’s side — it offers would-be owners technologies such as a power output function and a quiet cabin.

Range is at 245 kilometers with the battery reaching up to 100 percent in around four and a half hours with normal charging. It performs even better when plugged in a fast charger as it is able to reach a full charge in 30 minutes.

“The N-VAN e: realized both a sufficient practical range and a large cargo space required for commercial use through the adoption of a large-capacity battery, downsizing of the eAxle, and by minimizing the space occupied by components through a centralized layout of high-voltage components,” Honda wrote in a press release.

Honda N-VAN e: variants

Honda will release four variants of the N-VAN e: in Japan. They are e: L4, e: FUN, e: G, and e: L2.

The Honda N-VAN e: L4 variant comes with a standard four-seater layout that can be used for a wide range of commercial and personal purposes. It gets a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster and a two-tone exterior color variations which broaden the range of choices for customers.

On the other hand, the e: FUN variant of the electric Honda N-VAN enjoys more features such as LED headlamps, fast charging capabilities, as well as fun color combinations.

As for the Honda N-VAN e: G trim, it only gets one seat and has a dashboard that is shaped in a way that enables long items to fit well. It is intended to be used for hauling cargo and was designed on an assumption that it will be used by one driver.

Finally, the Honda N-VAN e: L2 features a front/rear tandem configuration of seats on the driver side. The vacant space without seats and the large opening without a pillar on the passenger side highlight the value inherited from the N-VAN, making it easier for users to get in and out of the vehicle while loading and unloading.

Kei vans in PH?

Honda Cars Philippines is yet to bring its kei cars into the country. Introducing vehicles like the gasoline-fed N-VAN or the electric N-VAN e: could pique the interests of various groups modding kei vans and kei trucks into overlanding-style vehicles that could take on light to moderate off-road adventures.

They could also fit well into the Philippine micro and small enterprise landscape for delivering light goods around the metro and in various suburbs across the country.

Photos from Honda

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