Honda's current electric vehicles and what they offer

Honda makes two fully electric cars you can buy today: the Honda e and the Honda e:NY1. The e is a small, city-focused hatchback with a range of about 131 miles per charge. The e:NY1 is a larger SUV-style vehicle with a range up to 256 miles, depending on which battery size you choose. Both are sold through Honda dealerships in the United States, though availability varies by region.

Honda also sells the Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid in some states — this is a hybrid that plugs in, not a fully electric car. It runs on battery for about 47 miles before the gas engine kicks in. If you're looking for a car that runs only on electricity with no gas engine as backup, the e and e:NY1 are your Honda options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Honda e is a small electric hatchback best for city driving, with about 131 miles of range per charge.
  • The Honda e:NY1 is a larger electric SUV with up to 256 miles of range, available with two different battery sizes.
  • Both cars charge at home using a standard outlet or a dedicated home charger, and at public charging stations.
  • Honda dealerships handle sales, service, and warranty coverage for both electric models.
  • The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is a different type of vehicle — it has a gas engine that runs when the battery drains.

The Honda e: size, range, and who it's for

The Honda e is a compact hatchback about the size of a Honda Fit. It's designed for people who drive mostly in cities or suburbs and don't need to travel long distances on a single charge. The standard range is 131 miles, which covers most daily commutes with room to spare. Honda also offers an e Advance trim with a slightly larger battery, though the range difference is minimal.

The e has a tight turning radius and fits easily into parking spaces, which makes it practical for urban driving. The interior is straightforward and modern, with a wide touchscreen and a minimalist dashboard. Because it's smaller and lighter than the e:NY1, it charges faster and costs less. The trade-off is that you won't take it on long road trips without planning charging stops carefully.

The Honda e:NY1: larger size and longer range

The e:NY1 is Honda's answer to buyers who want an electric SUV with real highway range. It's available with two battery options: a standard battery with 256 miles of range, or a larger battery with up to 276 miles. The difference depends on which trim level you choose and how you drive — highway driving uses more battery than city driving.

The e:NY1 is taller and roomier than the e, with more cargo space and a higher seating position. It's better suited for families or anyone who regularly drives longer distances. The larger size means it takes slightly longer to charge than the e, but the extra range makes it more practical for mixed driving — city errands plus occasional highway trips.

Charging at home and on the road

Both Honda electric cars can charge at home using a standard 120-volt outlet, though this is slow — it adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. Most owners install a dedicated 240-volt home charger, which adds 25 to 30 miles per hour for the e, or 10 to 20 miles per hour for the e:NY1, depending on the charger type and the car's battery size.

For public charging, both cars use the standard SAE J1772 connector for Level 2 chargers (the most common type at shopping centers and workplaces) and can use DC fast chargers at highway rest stops and charging networks. DC fast charging can add 100 miles to the e:NY1 in about 30 minutes, though the speed slows as the battery fills. The e charges more slowly on DC fast chargers because of its smaller battery.

Honda includes a mobile app that lets you check the battery level, schedule charging, and locate nearby chargers. You'll need to set up accounts with individual charging networks if you want to use their stations — there's no single network that covers everywhere.

Warranty, maintenance, and service

Honda covers the battery on both electric cars for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The rest of the vehicle is covered by Honda's standard warranty: three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain (the electric motor and transmission). These terms are the same across all Honda dealerships.

Electric cars need less maintenance than gas cars because they have no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. You'll still need tire rotations, brake fluid checks, and cabin air filter replacements. Because the e and e:NY1 use regenerative braking — the motor slows the car and captures energy when you lift off the accelerator — the brake pads last much longer than in a gas car. Service is available at any Honda dealership, and parts are stocked like any other Honda vehicle.

Price range and what affects the cost

The Honda e starts around $34,000 before any rebates or incentives. The e:NY1 starts around $40,000 for the standard battery model and goes higher for the larger battery and premium trims. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices — actual prices vary by dealer, location, and current inventory.

You may be able to claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you buy a new Honda electric car, though the amount depends on where the car is assembled, the battery's mineral sourcing, and your household income. Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal amount. Check with your state's energy office or your Honda dealer to learn what's available where you live, since these programs change and have income limits.

How Honda's electric cars compare to other brands

The Honda e competes with cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt EV — all are compact, affordable, and designed for daily driving rather than long road trips. The e has a more modern interior and faster charging than the Leaf, but the Bolt EV has more range for a similar price.

The e:NY1 competes with the Tesla Model Y, Chevy Equinox EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the mid-size electric SUV category. The e:NY1 is less expensive than the Model Y and offers more range than the Equinox EV, but the Ioniq 5 charges faster. Your choice depends on which features matter most to you — price, range, charging speed, or brand loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a Honda electric car at a Tesla Supercharger?

Not directly. Tesla Superchargers use Tesla's proprietary connector. However, both the e and e:NY1 can use adapters to charge at some Tesla locations, and Tesla has been opening some Superchargers to other brands. Check with your Honda dealer or the Tesla app to see which stations near you accept non-Tesla vehicles.

How long does it take to charge the e:NY1 from empty to full?

At home on a 240-volt charger, it takes 7 to 10 hours depending on the charger type and battery size. At a DC fast charger, you can add 200 miles in about 30 to 40 minutes. Most owners charge overnight at home and rarely need to use fast chargers except on long trips.

What happens to the battery after 8 years or 100,000 miles?

The battery is still covered by warranty until that point. After the warranty expires, Honda does not cover battery replacement, which can be expensive. However, most electric car batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after 100,000 miles, so they continue to work well beyond the warranty period.

Can I tow a trailer with the Honda e or e:NY1?

The e is not rated for towing. The e:NY1 can tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is enough for a small utility trailer or jet ski. Towing reduces range because it increases weight and wind resistance, so plan for shorter distances if you're pulling a trailer.

Do I need a special license or permit to own an electric car?

No. You register and insure an electric car the same way you would a gas car. Some states offer special license plates for electric vehicles, which may may have access to you for carpool lane access or parking discounts, but these are optional benefits, not requirements.