‘What are they smoking?’ cry fans as Honda discontinue fan-favourite EV
HONDA fans have been left baffled as the brand has announced it will discontinue a beloved EV.
The Japanese giant is pulling the model from sale in the UK and Europe, even though it’s only been around for three years.
The Honda E will no longer be available from the end of this year despite generally being a hit with critics.
This is likely to do with the fact that it fell short of its sales targets, with an initial 4,028 moved in 2020, falling to 3,752 in 2021.
Likewise in Japan, the model has only sold just over 1,500 units across its production run.
It also came in for criticism over its price, with a base model clocking in at over £37,000 for only 137 miles of range.
For perspective, a Tesla Model 3 is only £41,000 while you can pick up a Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has a 315-mile range, for the same price as the Honda.
The brand credited the E as an important “spearhead” in their push toward an all-electric lineup and re-emphasised its commitment to this goal going forward.
However, those plans will not include the little hatchback, which won Top Gear’s City Car of the Year in 2020.
Social media commenters were devastated by the announcement.
One Reddit user asked: “What are they smoking?…wish we had them in the States.”
Another added: “What a cute car though.”
A spokesperson for Honda said: “We can confirm that Honda E will no longer be available for order in the European region.
“Honda E spearheaded our strategy to electrify 100% of Honda’s mainstream European line up by 2022.
“As the first Honda production BEV in the region, it brought many new customers to the brand with its distinctive design, advanced technology and trademark Honda driving dynamics.
“Honda will continue to intensify its electrification efforts in the European region.”
Diehard Honda E fans can still pick up some available models from UK dealers while stocks last.