Honda begins EV production in Thailand with e:N1 crossover, is it coming to PH?

Honda is officially the first Japanese car brand to produce fully-electric vehicles in Thailand with the start of production of the company’s e:N1 EV crossover.

The first Thai-made Honda e:N1 rolled-off the production floor in the Japanese automaker’s manufacturing plant in Rojana Industrial Park, Prachinburi Province. The fully-electric crossover, known as the e:Ny1 in European markets, is based on the Honda HR-V which is also produced in Thailand.

According to Honda, the opening of the Honda e:N1 production line is an important step for the company, further solidifying its business operations in Thailand, and adding more value to our neighboring country’s automotive production industry. This is also important for the Philippine market as it brings us closer to Honda’s EV products. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. currently sources the majority of its offerings such as the CR-V, HR-V, and Civic from Thailand.

Specifications for the Thai-market Honda e:N1 have yet to be revealed but looking at other markets, it could come with an electric motor paired to a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. This allows for a top speed of 160 kph, and a driving range of 412 km. 

Design-wise, it looks very much identical with the Honda HR-V except for the lack of a front grille, different alloy wheel designs, the Honda name spelled-out at the rear, and a slightly different set of taillights, It is also largely the same inside with a large portrait touchscreen and fully-digital instrument cluster setting it apart from the HR-V.

The Honda e:N1 will officially be launched in Thailand early next year with distribution to other markets to follow. It is still unknown if Honda Cars Philippines will be bringing it to our shores as well but with production being closer now, it could help make that much easier.