What Honda electric cars are available right now

Honda currently sells two fully electric vehicles in the United States: the Honda e and the Honda e:Ny1. The e is a small, city-focused car with a shorter driving range, while the e:Ny1 is a larger SUV-style vehicle with a longer range. Both run entirely on battery power with no gas engine.

The Honda e seats four people and is designed for shorter trips and urban driving. It has a driving range of around 131 miles on a full charge, depending on driving conditions and how you drive. The e:Ny1 is bigger, seats five, and can travel roughly 256 miles per charge. Honda also offers the Honda e:Ny1 Standard Range, which has a shorter range of about 228 miles but costs less.

Availability varies by state and dealer. Some states have more inventory than others, and not every Honda dealership stocks electric models. You can check Honda's website or contact a local dealer to see what is currently in stock in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Honda sells the e (a small city car) and the e:Ny1 (a larger SUV) as fully electric vehicles with no gas engine.
  • The e travels about 131 miles per charge, while the e:Ny1 travels 228 to 256 miles depending on the model.
  • Both vehicles plug into a charger at home or at public charging stations to recharge their batteries.
  • Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, though the environmental benefit depends partly on how the electricity in your region is generated.

How Honda electric cars charge and what it costs

Honda electric vehicles charge by plugging into a charging station, similar to how you charge a phone. At home, you can use a standard wall outlet (though this is slow) or install a dedicated home charger, which is faster. A home charger typically takes 7 to 10 hours to fully charge an e:Ny1 from empty, while a standard outlet can take 24 hours or more.

Public charging stations are located throughout most areas and can be found through apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint. Fast chargers at public stations can add 200 miles of range in 30 to 45 minutes, though the exact time depends on the charger type and the car's battery. Charging costs vary by location and charger network, but are generally cheaper than buying gas.

The cost to charge at home depends on your local electricity rates. On average across the United States, charging an electric car costs less per mile than running a gas car, but this varies significantly by region. Some areas have much cheaper electricity than others.

The environmental impact of driving electric

Honda electric cars produce zero emissions from the tailpipe because they have no gas engine. This means they do not release carbon dioxide or other pollutants while driving. In cities and neighborhoods, this reduces local air pollution when ready.

The broader environmental benefit depends on how electricity is generated in your region. If your area's power comes mostly from renewable sources like wind or solar, the environmental benefit is larger. If your region relies more on fossil fuels for electricity, the benefit is smaller but still typically better than a gas car over its lifetime. You can look up your region's electricity mix through the U.S. Energy Information Administration website.

Manufacturing an electric car battery does require energy and mining for materials like lithium and cobalt. However, studies show that an electric car typically offsets the emissions from its manufacturing within one to three years of driving, depending on the electricity source in your region.

Comparing Honda electric cars to gas models

The main difference between a Honda electric car and a traditional gas Honda is how they run. Gas cars have an engine that burns fuel; electric cars have a battery and motor. This changes how you refuel (charging instead of gas pumps), how often you maintain the car (electric cars need less maintenance), and the driving experience (electric cars are quieter and accelerate smoothly).

Electric cars cost more upfront than comparable gas models. A Honda e:Ny1 costs more than a Honda CR-V, for example. However, electric cars have lower fuel and maintenance costs over time. Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle requirements, though these rules change and vary by state.

Range is another consideration. The e:Ny1 can travel 228 to 256 miles per charge, which covers most daily driving. However, if you regularly take long road trips without access to fast chargers, a gas car may be more convenient. Many people own both an electric car for daily driving and a gas car for longer trips.

What to know about Honda electric car batteries

Honda electric car batteries are lithium-ion, the same type used in phones and laptops but much larger. These batteries store electrical energy and power the motor. The battery is built into the floor of the car, which gives electric vehicles a low center of gravity and helps with handling.

Honda warranties its batteries for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers defects and significant loss of capacity. In practice, electric car batteries degrade slowly over time—most retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after eight years of normal use. Cold weather can temporarily reduce range, but does not permanently damage the battery.

When a Honda electric car battery reaches the end of its life, it can be recycled. Materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are recovered and reused in new batteries or other products. Some used batteries are also repurposed for stationary energy storage.

Charging infrastructure and road trips

Public charging networks have grown significantly across the United States. Major networks include Tesla Supercharger (now open to non-Tesla vehicles), Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Finding a charger is usually straightforward through a phone app, though availability varies by region—rural areas have fewer options than cities and highways.

For road trips, planning ahead is important. You will need to identify charging stations along your route and factor in charging time. A 500-mile trip might take longer in an electric car than a gas car because of charging stops, though this gap is narrowing as fast chargers become more common. Many people find that electric cars work well for daily driving and occasional regional trips, but less well for frequent cross-country travel without careful planning.

Some employers and apartment buildings offer charging stations for residents and employees. If you do not have access to home charging, public charging becomes more important for your decision about whether an electric car fits your situation.

Incentives and costs to consider

The federal tax credit for electric vehicles is up to $7,500, though the actual amount depends on the vehicle's price, where it was assembled, and your household income. Not all Honda electric cars may have access to for the full amount, and income limits explore. Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal credit.

Insurance for electric cars is generally similar in cost to gas cars, though some insurers charge slightly more because repair costs can be higher. Maintenance is typically cheaper because electric cars have no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking (which means brake pads last longer).

Financing options include traditional loans, leasing, and some manufacturers' special financing programs. Leasing can be attractive for electric cars because it covers the battery warranty and you avoid concerns about long-term battery degradation. However, leases have mileage limits, usually 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge a Honda electric car at home?

A dedicated home charger typically takes 7 to 10 hours to fully charge an e:Ny1 from empty. A standard wall outlet takes much longer—24 hours or more. Most people charge overnight so the car is ready in the morning.

Can I take a Honda electric car on a long road trip?

Yes, but it requires planning. You will need to identify fast-charging stations along your route and factor in 30 to 45 minutes of charging time for each stop. For trips under 300 miles, charging is usually straightforward. Longer trips require more stops and take more time than a gas car.

What happens if I run out of battery while driving?

The car will slow down and alert you to find a charger, similar to a gas car's low-fuel warning. You will not suddenly lose power. Most drivers plan charging stops before the battery gets critically low, just as they would with gas.

Do Honda electric cars work in cold weather?

Yes, but cold weather temporarily reduces driving range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. The battery itself is not damaged by cold. Range returns to normal once the weather warms up.

Is it cheaper to own a Honda electric car than a gas car?

Over time, yes. Electric cars cost more upfront but have lower fuel and maintenance costs. Federal tax credits can reduce the purchase price. The total savings depend on your electricity rates, how much you drive, and how long you keep the car.