When did the Honda e come out?
The Honda e, Honda’s compact electric city car, first took shape as a concept in 2017 and evolved into a production model unveiled in 2019. It finally reached customers in Europe beginning in mid-2020. As of 2025, the model has not been released in the United States, with sales concentrated in Europe.
Release timeline
Here are the key milestones that mark when the Honda e came to market and how its rollout unfolded.
- 2017 — The Urban EV Concept debuts, signaling Honda’s push into a small, urban electric hatchback.
- 2019 — The production-ready Honda e is unveiled, signaling that a market-ready version would be available soon.
- 2020 — The Honda e goes on sale in Europe, with first deliveries beginning around mid-2020.
- As of 2025 — The Honda e has not been released in the United States; sales have remained focused on European markets.
These milestones outline the car’s journey from concept to showroom, and they highlight the regional focus of its rollout. Honda framed the e as a city-focused EV designed for urban living, with emphasis on compact dimensions and modern interior technology.
Regional availability and market context
For potential buyers outside Europe, the Honda e has not been offered in the United States as part of Honda’s standard lineup through 2025. In Europe, the model has been the primary market for the Honda e, with various country-specific launches and financing options managed by local dealers. Buyers considering the e should verify current availability, incentives, and charging infrastructure in their country, as these factors influence ownership and total cost of use.
Summary
The Honda e’s release story runs from an iconic 2017 concept to a 2019 production-ready reveal, culminating in mid-2020 European sales. The vehicle has not had a U.S. rollout as of 2025, leaving Europe as the main market for this urban EV. For readers seeking a concise takeaway: the Honda e arrived on European roads in 2020, after a development path beginning with the Urban EV Concept in 2017 and a production reveal in 2019.
Is the Honda e any good?
The Honda e is comfortable at the national speed limit, but its acceleration tails off above 50mph and its limited range make it less than ideal for long road trips. That said, it's impressively quiet at speed, with very little wind or road noise making its way into the cabin.
What is a Honda e?
The Honda e is our all-new, all-electric urban vehicle.
It's small and perfectly formed. But because it's been designed around the batteries, it's not short on space inside.
Why was the Honda e discontinued?
Discontinuation. In late 2023, Honda announced production of the e would cease in January 2024, with no plans for a second generation model. This was due to slow sales of the e, with approximately 12,500 units being sold globally in a period of 3 years.
Why isn't the Honda e sold in the USA?
The love affair with the SUV isn't going away any time soon, but there is a subset of buyers who desire something different from the glut of large boxes on wheels. Honda is using reason to make its decision. On a spreadsheet, the Honda e's size, price, and range don't make sense for the U.S. market.
