Honda Malaysia Launches Maiden Battery Electric Vehicle

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Honda Malaysia has launched its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e:N1, priced at RM149,900.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Narushi Yazaki, said the launch strengthens Honda’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup and offers Malaysians more mobility options in line with the company’s 2025 business strategy.

“We plan to introduce two more EV models over the next three years. However, we will closely monitor customer demand and competitor pricing, as the market is evolving rapidly.

“Our goal is to respond carefully and strategically,” he said after the e:N1 launch here today.

The e:N1 is powered by a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which generates a maximum power of 150kW and a peak torque of 310Nm.

It supports AC (normal charging) up to 10kW and features DC (fast charging) up to 78kW.

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The colours available are Platinum White Pearl, Aqua Topaz Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl.

“The company has already received 200 bookings, and the first delivery is expected in the middle of June. We have also appointed eight authorised dealerships specialising in managing the EV cars,” Yazaki said.

Meanwhile, Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Sarly Adle Sarkum is hoping that the government will further extend incentives, including tax exemptions, for EVs assembled locally, or completely knocked down (CKD), beyond 2027.

He said the proposal is also aimed at supporting the national target of having EVs account for 15 per cent of total vehicle sales in the country by 2030. 

“If the CKD programme begins in 2027, manufacturers will need a minimum of five years beyond that to recover their investments. Incentives are crucial not just for Honda but for the entire automotive industry. 

“The importance of government support, without the continuation of incentives, would be challenging for Honda to initiate a CKD programme,” he said.

The government has previously offered incentives such as sales tax exemptions for CKD vehicles, helping to make them more affordable for consumers.

Fully imported, or completely built up (CBU), EVs are exempted from import and excise duties until Dec 31, 2025, while CKD EVs enjoy these exemptions until Dec 31, 2027.

-- BERNAMA