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Honda e

This week’s road trip gave me my first hands-on experience with the Honda e, a car I’ve only admired from a distance so far. I’d seen it around—once in sleek black, which left me a bit undecided, and another time in vibrant green, which caught my attention in a whole new way. Now, seeing it up close and personal in a dark gray finish, I couldn’t help but think: this car is something unique, full of charm and a bit of retro-futuristic flair. It’s one of my all-time EV favorites, and while I don’t own one now, if I ever find myself living somewhere warm, this is exactly the car I’d want by my side.

A Bold First Impression and a Quirky Interior

Arriving at my “HQ” in the morning, I spotted the Honda e waiting at the charger—a compact, almost symmetrical-looking vehicle with plenty of character. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I had that déjà vu feeling, like I’d been in a car like this before but couldn’t place it. The fogged-up windows from the cool morning and the damp autumn air quickly gave way to a warm, inviting interior as the screens came to life, showcasing a digital experience unlike any other EV I’ve tried. One word came to mind: cool. My wife, Laura, had it spot on when she said it was so quirky it was cool.

The Honda e captures just the right amount of retro styling, making the entire car feel charmingly eccentric.

Tackling Range Anxiety: Minimal Charging, Maximum Efficiency

Hitting the highway, I knew the Honda e’s real-world range was around 150 km, a third of what I’m used to. In Estonia, where charging infrastructure is still catching up, it’s clear that relying solely on CHAdeMO isn’t feasible if you’re driving a CCS-standard EV like this one. Sure, AC charging is an option, but I aim to make the most of my work hours, not spend extra time charging. Generally, I aim for a car with a range of at least 350 km for these trips, so a shorter range like the Honda e’s was a fresh challenge.

On the highway, I set my speed to 110 km/h, watching the range drop faster than expected. Some quick calculations led me to ease off a bit, keeping the speed around 105 km/h, which allowed us to make it to the first stop without stress. No big deal for me—this is part of the fun of testing EVs!

Charging Hiccups and Staying Productive

First stop: Tikupoiss. It is the biggest and fastest charging “HUB” in Estonia at the moment. By now, it’s a ritual to grab breakfast, check emails, and get some work done while the car charges. But after just 5% added in 40 minutes, the session stopped unexpectedly. At 35% battery and only 54 km of range left, it was the classic EV driver’s nightmare—thinking everything’s fine until a charger has other plans. Fortunately, my work with Vonk EV (my head of time OCPP CPO platform) has shown me some solutions for these moments, like receiving a notification if the charging session stops and allowing me or our dispatcher to take action remotely.

After restarting the session, I worked from my “remote office” (a.k.a. the Honda) until I had enough charge to continue. This is where EV efficiency shines—if you learn to manage energy use, charging times can become productive pit stops, whether for work, emails, or simply grabbing a coffee.

AC charging of the Hinda e

Pushing On: Road Comfort and Honda e Quirks

With range anxiety behind me, the rest of the trip went smoothly, albeit a bit cramped. This car isn’t designed for five people plus gear, so I opted to leave one passenger behind this time. For three adults and a three-year-old in a child seat, it was not so cozy but manageable. My little co-passenger made it clear he wanted more legroom, but with a bit of negotiation, he were soon napping peacefully. Laura (my wife), sitting in the back, settled comfortably, while I handled the driving—though I do prefer a bit more arm stretch for longer trips.

At our next stop in Pärnu, the Honda e continued to hold up well, and the unique layout of the convenience station reminded me how useful additional chargers could be on this route. Normally, I charge when I have about 20% battery left, but the Honda e’s range made this approach more flexible. I even appreciate its eco-friendly charging style—if I’m ever in a pinch, I know I can make a quick pit stop without needing a full recharge.

Behind the wheel of Honda e

Back in the beginning: Reflections on the Honda e

Wrapping up, here are some final notes:

Range reality: The Honda e’s actual range sits around 150 km, holding up well even on slightly slower highways at 100 km/h.

Charging challenge: One early issue occurred when the Paiaristi charger stopped mid-session—a reminder that public charging still has room for improvement.

Cost savings: Covering 500 km in a typical gas car would cost around €55; with the Honda e, I kept it to just €14.10.

A huge thank you to Honda for letting me experience this unique EV. Without a doubt, the Honda e is one of my favorites among EVs available in Estonia today, and the small battery doesn’t bother me at all. For city driving, it’s incredibly agile, and I’d even say that with smaller battery packs, the cost per kilometer can sometimes be higher on the highway, but both city and highway rides are extremely economical.

For anyone looking for an EV that’s full of character and practicality, the Honda e could be the perfect fit, especially if you’re not in a constant rush to cover long distances. And who knows? When I eventually find myself living under the sun, this might just be the car I’ll choose to explore my new home with, buzzing around effortlessly with its distinctive style and compact appeal. The Honda e combines modern tech with a nostalgic charm, making it not just a car but an experience—one I’d be glad to repeat!

Read also my opinion piece published in biggest tech online news portal Geenius here -> https://kodu.geenius.ee/blogi/experdi-blogi/vonk-technologies-tootejuht-kudres-laats-elektriauto-laadimine-ei-tohiks-soltuda-vaid-turuliidrite-paigaldatavatest-laadijatest/

P.S. The article is in Estonian – Google Translate is an option, but it might also lead you far from the truth!

Hona e - my favorite EV