What Honda electric SUVs are available right now

Honda currently sells two electric SUVs in the United States: the Honda e:Ny1 and the Honda ZR-V e:HEV. The e:Ny1 is a fully electric vehicle with a battery that powers the wheels directly. The ZR-V e:HEV is a hybrid-electric SUV that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor, switching between them depending on driving conditions.

The e:Ny1 comes in two battery sizes — a standard range version and an extended range version — which affects how far you can drive on a single charge. The ZR-V e:HEV does not need to be plugged in; it charges its battery while you drive. Both vehicles are five-seaters with cargo space comparable to Honda's traditional gas SUVs.

Honda has announced plans to release additional electric SUV models in coming years, but as of now these two are what you can purchase or lease from Honda dealerships.

Key Takeaways

  • The e:Ny1 is fully electric and requires charging at home or at a public charger, while the ZR-V e:HEV uses a gas engine and electric motor together without needing to plug in.
  • The e:Ny1 standard range drives roughly 250 miles per charge, and the extended range version drives roughly 380 miles, though actual range depends on driving habits and weather.
  • The ZR-V e:HEV gets better fuel economy than a traditional gas SUV but does not reduce emissions to zero the way a fully electric vehicle does.
  • Both vehicles may have access to for the federal tax credit if you purchase them new, though the amount depends on where the vehicle was assembled and your household income.
  • Charging an e:Ny1 at home takes 8 to 10 hours on a standard outlet or 2 to 3 hours with a dedicated home charger.

How the Honda e:Ny1 electric system works

The e:Ny1 stores electrical energy in a rechargeable battery pack mounted under the vehicle floor. When you press the accelerator, that battery sends power to an electric motor that turns the wheels. There is no gas engine — the vehicle runs entirely on electricity until the battery is depleted.

You recharge the battery by plugging the vehicle into a charger. At home, you can use a standard 120-volt outlet (the same outlet your phone charger uses), though this is slow — it adds roughly 3 miles of range per hour. A dedicated 240-volt home charger, which costs between $500 and $2,000 to install, adds roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. At public charging stations, a fast charger can add 200 miles of range in 30 minutes, though charging slows as the battery fills.

The e:Ny1 has a one-way transmission — there is no gear shift. You press the accelerator to go, press the brake to stop. When you brake, the motor reverses and captures energy that would normally be wasted as heat, feeding it back into the battery. This is called regenerative braking and extends your driving range.

How the Honda ZR-V e:HEV hybrid system works

The ZR-V e:HEV combines a small gas engine with an electric motor and a battery. The vehicle decides automatically which power source to use based on your speed and driving pattern. At low speeds or when accelerating gently, the electric motor does the work. At highway speeds or under heavy acceleration, the gas engine kicks in. When you brake, the electric motor reverses and charges the battery, just like in the e:Ny1.

You never plug in a ZR-V e:HEV. The gas engine and regenerative braking keep the battery charged as you drive. You fill it with regular gasoline at any gas station. Because the vehicle can switch to electric power for city driving and short trips, it uses less gas than a traditional SUV — typically 40 to 50 miles per gallon combined, depending on your driving.

The ZR-V e:HEV still produces tailpipe emissions because it burns gas, but less of it than a non-hybrid SUV. If your goal is to eliminate emissions entirely, the e:Ny1 is the better choice. If your goal is to reduce fuel costs and emissions without changing your refueling routine, the ZR-V e:HEV requires no lifestyle change.

Charging infrastructure and what to expect

If you own an e:Ny1, charging at home is the most practical option for daily use. Most owners charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. For longer trips, you will need to use public chargers. The United States has roughly 50,000 public charging stations, though availability varies widely by region — urban and suburban areas have far more than rural areas.

Public chargers fall into three categories. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are slower and add 3 to 30 miles of range per hour; they are common at workplaces, shopping centers, and parking garages. DC fast chargers add 200 miles in 30 minutes but are less common and usually located along highways. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint let you find nearby chargers, see whether they are available, and check their cost before you arrive.

Charging costs vary by location and charger type. Home charging typically costs $3 to $5 per full battery charge. Public Level 2 chargers often cost $1 to $3 per hour. DC fast chargers usually cost $10 to $15 for a 30-minute session. Some workplaces and retailers offer free charging as an incentive.

Federal tax credits and incentives

Both the e:Ny1 and ZR-V e:HEV may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when purchased new. The credit is not a rebate you receive at the dealership — it is a reduction in your federal income taxes when you file your return the following year. To receive the full amount, your household income must be below certain thresholds: $300,000 for joint filers, $150,000 for single filers.

The credit also depends on where the vehicle was assembled and where its battery components come from. Honda assembles the e:Ny1 in Ohio, which qualifies it for the credit. The ZR-V e:HEV is assembled in Japan, which may reduce or eliminate the credit depending on battery sourcing. Check the current rules on fueleconomy.gov before you purchase, as these rules change annually.

Some states offer additional incentives — tax credits, rebates, or carpool lane access — for electric vehicle owners. California, New York, and Colorado have particularly robust programs. Contact your state's environmental or energy office to learn what is available where you live.

Maintenance and long-term costs

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gas vehicles, which means lower maintenance costs. The e:Ny1 has no oil changes, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belts. You still need to replace brake pads eventually, but regenerative braking means they last much longer — often 100,000 miles or more. Tire wear is similar to a gas vehicle.

Battery degradation is a common concern. Honda batteries are warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Real-world data shows that most EV batteries retain 85 to 95 percent of their capacity after 10 years of normal use. Battery replacement, if needed outside warranty, costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the vehicle and battery size, though this is rare in the first decade of ownership.

The ZR-V e:HEV requires traditional maintenance — oil changes, air filter replacements, transmission service — because it has a gas engine. Maintenance costs fall between a traditional gas SUV and a fully electric vehicle. Insurance rates for both vehicles are comparable to similar-sized gas SUVs, though some insurers offer discounts for electric vehicles.

Driving range and real-world performance

The e:Ny1 standard range is rated for roughly 250 miles per charge by the EPA. The extended range version is rated for roughly 380 miles. These are estimates based on a standardized test; real-world range depends on how you drive, the weather, and the terrain. Highway driving at high speeds reduces range by 20 to 30 percent compared to city driving. Cold weather reduces range by 10 to 20 percent because the battery is less efficient and you use energy to heat the cabin.

The ZR-V e:HEV does not have a driving range limit in the traditional sense — you can drive as far as you want as long as you can find a gas station. The EPA rates it at roughly 40 to 50 miles per gallon combined, which translates to a driving range of 400 to 500 miles per tank depending on tank size and your driving habits.

Both vehicles accelerate smoothly and quietly. The e:Ny1 feels responsive because electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready. The ZR-V e:HEV feels similar to a traditional SUV but with less engine noise during city driving. Neither vehicle requires you to think about shifting gears or managing power delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an e:Ny1 at a regular outlet?

Yes, you can plug an e:Ny1 into any standard 120-volt outlet, but it is very slow — roughly 3 miles of range per hour. For practical daily charging, most owners install a 240-volt home charger, which adds 25 to 30 miles per hour and costs $500 to $2,000 to install. If you cannot install a home charger, you will rely on public chargers for longer trips.

What happens if I run out of battery in an e:Ny1?

If the battery is completely depleted, the vehicle stops and cannot be driven. You will need to call a tow truck to take you to a charger. In practice, the vehicle warns you well before the battery is empty — the dashboard displays remaining range and alerts you when you are approaching the limit. Most owners plan trips to avoid this situation entirely.

Is the ZR-V e:HEV better for long road trips?

Yes, if you take frequent long road trips without access to charging infrastructure. The ZR-V e:HEV uses gas stations you already know, so your routine does not change. The e:Ny1 requires planning around charger locations and charging time, which adds 30 minutes to an hour to a long trip. For daily commuting, the e:Ny1 is simpler because you charge at home overnight.

Do I need to do anything special to maintain an electric vehicle battery?

No special maintenance is required. Avoid leaving the battery completely empty for extended periods, and avoid exposing the vehicle to extreme heat for weeks at a time, but normal use requires no action on your part. The battery management system handles charging and discharging automatically to maximize lifespan.

Which Honda electric SUV is cheaper to own over five years?

The e:Ny1 typically costs less to own because electricity is cheaper than gas and maintenance is lower. The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 also reduces the purchase price. The ZR-V e:HEV costs less upfront and requires no home charger installation, so the initial expense is lower. Calculate the total cost for your specific situation — purchase price, fuel or electricity cost, maintenance, and available incentives — to compare.