Surprise: The Honda E Isn't As Expensive As We Feared

Judging by hints made by company representatives earlier this year, we were expecting the production version of the Honda e to be rather expensive. However, while it’s far from the sub-£20k EV for the masses the world could do with, it isn’t quite as pricey as feared.

Factoring in the UK government’s £3500 electric car grant, the range starts at £26,160 for the entry-level 134bhp version. That’s just over £1000 more than the Peugeot e-208, which has a better range but isn’t anywhere near as cool.

If you want the ‘Advance’ version of the E with its better spec and 152bhp motor, the price increases to £28,660. Along with the bump in power, buyers receive a ‘Centre Mirror System’, Honda Parking Pilot and a better sound system.

If you prefer paying in smaller chunks - which most do these days - it’ll be £299 a month on a PCP over 36 months for the base car with a £5887.37 deposit, or £349 with £5,858.94 down.

The electric powertrain - which is good for 232lb ft of torque - will propel the E to 62mph in about eight seconds. It has a range of up to 136 miles, and when you’re out of power, an 80 per cent recharge is possible in around 30 minutes.

Just like the exterior, the interior is completely new territory for Honda. No sub-par, off-the-shelf infotainment systems here - instead, the dashboard is made up of five screens. There’s a digital instrument cluster, a central display plus another next to it for the passenger, and two screens showing a feed from the camera mirrors.

Want one? The Advance is available to order from today, but if it’s the entry-level car you’re after, patience is required - it won’t be available until early next year.