Honda Motor announced on Thursday its entry into the burgeoning micro-sized electric van segment targeted at Japan’s delivery industry, further intensifying competition in this rapidly growing market. The Japanese automaker disclosed plans to commence sales of the small electric commercial van in October, accompanied by a notable feature: a cruising range of 245 km (152 miles), as highlighted in the company’s statement. Classified as a “kei” vehicle, it falls under the category of low-powered, low-taxed domestic vehicles.
This move aligns with Honda’s broader strategy, as the company also intends to introduce an electric kei passenger car next year, further diversifying its electric vehicle portfolio. Renowned for its dominance in Japan’s kei micro-sized car market, Honda’s N-Box model has consistently led the ranks of the country’s kei passenger vehicle segment.
Micro kei vehicles hold significant appeal among businesses and households in Japan for their suitability in delivering agricultural produce, parcels, and other goods in both urban areas and the countryside, owing in part to their affordability. The launch of Honda’s electric van underscores its commitment to catering to the evolving needs of Japanese consumers and businesses in the realm of sustainable transportation solutions.
This development follows Toyota Motor’s delay in launching a small electric van, developed in collaboration with Suzuki Motor and Daihatsu, following a safety test scandal at Daihatsu. Mitsubishi Motors Corp, meanwhile, reintroduced its small commercial van, Minicab EV, in December 2023, further enriching the landscape of electric micro-sized vehicles in Japan.