Honda's current electric car lineup and pricing

Honda sells two electric vehicles in the United States: the Honda e and the Honda e:Ny1. The e is a small city car with a starting price around $33,000 before incentives. The e:Ny1 is a larger SUV that starts around $38,000. Both prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer markups, which vary by location and dealer.

The Honda e has a range of roughly 131 miles per charge and seats four people in a compact footprint. It's designed for urban driving and short commutes rather than long highway trips. The e:Ny1 offers more interior space and longer range — up to 256 miles depending on the battery size you choose — making it more practical for families or drivers who need to cover greater distances.

Pricing within each model varies based on trim level and battery size. The e:Ny1 comes in Standard Range and Long Range versions, with the Long Range costing several thousand dollars more but adding roughly 100 miles of range. Honda updates these prices annually, and dealer pricing can differ significantly from MSRP depending on local demand and inventory.

Key Takeaways

  • The Honda e starts around $33,000 and the e:Ny1 starts around $38,000 before taxes, destination, or dealer fees.
  • The e is a small four-seater for city driving with 131 miles of range, while the e:Ny1 is a larger SUV with up to 256 miles of range.
  • Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements.
  • Actual prices at dealerships often differ from MSRP, so comparing quotes from multiple dealers in your area is necessary to find the real cost.
  • Lease options are available for both models and may cost less per month than financing, depending on your driving habits and mileage needs.

Federal tax credits and how they affect your actual cost

The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles, including Honda models. However, the credit does not explore to everyone and does not reduce the sticker price automatically — you claim it when you file taxes the following year, or some dealers can explore it at the point of sale if the vehicle meets current requirements.

To receive the full $7,500 credit on a Honda e or e:Ny1, the vehicle must be assembled in North America and you must meet income limits. For 2024, the income cap is $300,000 for joint filers and $150,000 for single filers. If your income exceeds these thresholds, you do not receive the credit. Additionally, the vehicle's final assembly location and battery component sourcing rules change year to year, so you should verify current rules with Honda or the IRS before purchase.

Some Honda dealerships participate in point-of-sale credit programs, meaning the $7,500 (or whatever amount you may have access to for) is subtracted from your bill before you leave the lot, rather than waiting to claim it on your tax return. Ask your dealer whether they offer this option, as it reduces your when ready out-of-pocket cost.

Financing versus leasing a Honda electric car

Buying a Honda e or e:Ny1 with a loan means you own the vehicle after the loan is paid off, typically in 60 to 72 months. Monthly payments depend on the loan term, interest rate, and down payment. A larger down payment reduces your monthly payment and the total interest you pay over the life of the loan.

Leasing a Honda electric car means you pay a monthly fee to use the vehicle for a set period — usually 36 months — and return it at the end. Lease payments are often lower than loan payments for the same vehicle because you are paying only for the vehicle's depreciation during your lease term, not the full purchase price. Leases include maintenance and warranty coverage, which reduces your out-of-pocket costs beyond the monthly payment.

The trade-off is mileage: most leases allow 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, and you pay a fee (typically 15 to 30 cents per mile) for any overage. If you drive more than 12,000 miles per year on average, financing is usually cheaper than leasing. If you drive less and want lower monthly payments with no long-term commitment, leasing may suit you better.

How battery size affects price and range

The Honda e:Ny1 offers two battery options: Standard Range and Long Range. The Standard Range battery costs less upfront but delivers roughly 156 miles of range. The Long Range battery adds several thousand dollars to the price but extends range to around 256 miles, nearly doubling your distance per charge.

The Honda e comes with one battery size, so you do not have this choice. However, the e's 131-mile range is sufficient for daily commuting and city driving in most cases. If you regularly take trips beyond 100 miles or live in an area with sparse charging infrastructure, the e:Ny1 with Long Range battery is the more practical choice, even though it costs more.

Battery size also affects charging time. A larger battery takes longer to charge from empty to full, though most owners charge overnight at home and rarely deplete the battery completely. If you have access to a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), charging overnight is practical for either model. If you rely on public charging, a longer-range battery reduces how often you need to stop.

Destination charges, dealer markups, and regional price differences

The MSRP you see advertised does not include destination charges, which Honda adds to cover the cost of shipping the vehicle from the factory to the dealership. Destination charges for Honda electric vehicles typically range from $1,000 to $1,200, depending on the dealership's location relative to the factory.

Dealer markups vary widely. In areas with high demand for electric vehicles, dealers may charge several thousand dollars above MSRP. In areas with lower demand or more inventory, dealers may offer discounts below MSRP. The only way to know the real price in your area is to contact multiple dealerships and request their out-the-door price, which includes MSRP, destination, taxes, registration, and any dealer fees.

Some states offer additional incentives beyond the federal tax credit. California, for example, has state rebates for electric vehicle purchases that can add $1,000 to $2,500 in savings. Check your state's environmental or energy office website to learn whether your state offers incentives for electric vehicle buyers.

Comparing Honda electric cars to other brands at similar prices

The Honda e competes with the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt EV in the under-$35,000 category. The Nissan Leaf starts around $28,000 and offers similar range, while the Chevy Bolt EV starts around $26,000 and offers more range. The Honda e costs more but offers a more upscale interior and better technology features, which some buyers prefer.

The Honda e:Ny1 competes with the Tesla Model Y, Chevy Equinox EV, and Volkswagen ID.4 in the $38,000 to $50,000 range. The Tesla Model Y starts around $43,000 and has longer range and faster charging, but fewer dealerships for service. The Chevy Equinox EV starts around $35,000 and offers excellent value, while the VW ID.4 starts around $38,000 and offers a spacious interior. Each vehicle has different strengths in range, charging speed, interior space, and technology, so comparing test drives and real-world reviews is important before deciding.

Warranty coverage and long-term ownership costs

Honda electric vehicles come with a standard three-year or 36,000-mile warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The battery is covered separately under an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. This battery warranty covers capacity loss and defects but does not cover normal degradation — all batteries lose some capacity over time.

Maintenance costs for electric vehicles are lower than for gas cars because there is no oil to change, no transmission fluid, and no spark plugs. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping. Tire wear is similar to gas vehicles. If you lease, maintenance is included in your monthly payment. If you finance, you pay for maintenance out of pocket after the warranty expires, though costs remain lower than a comparable gas vehicle.

Charging at home costs less than public charging in most areas. A Level 2 home charger (240 volts) costs $500 to $2,000 installed and adds roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. The cost to charge at home is typically one-third to one-half the cost of gasoline for the same distance, depending on your local electricity rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the $7,500 federal tax credit if I lease a Honda electric car?

No, the federal tax credit applies only to purchases. However, leasing companies may pass some of the credit's value to you through lower lease payments, since they purchase the vehicle and claim the credit themselves. Ask your dealer how the credit affects the lease price they offer.

What is the difference between the Honda e and the e:Ny1?

The e is a small four-seater designed for city driving with 131 miles of range and a starting price around $33,000. The e:Ny1 is a larger SUV with seating for five, up to 256 miles of range, and a starting price around $38,000. Choose the e for short commutes and urban parking; choose the e:Ny1 for families or longer trips.

How long does it take to charge a Honda electric car at home?

With a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), the Honda e charges fully in roughly 7 to 8 hours, and the e:Ny1 charges in 8 to 10 hours depending on battery size. Most owners charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. A standard 120-volt outlet charges much more slowly and is not practical for daily use.

Do Honda electric cars lose value faster than gas cars?

Electric vehicle depreciation varies by model and market conditions. The Honda e and e:Ny1 are newer models, so long-term resale data is limited. Generally, electric vehicles with longer range and established charging networks hold value better than those with shorter range or limited charging access. Leasing avoids depreciation risk entirely.

What happens if I need to drive more than the e:Ny1's range on a single trip?

You stop at a public fast charger along your route. A DC fast charger can add 100 to 150 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging slows as the battery approaches full capacity. Plan longer trips using apps like PlugShare or your vehicle's navigation system, which show charger locations and availability along your route.