Author: Automotive expert specializing in Chinese vehicles, with hands-on experience in diagnostics, maintenance, and real-world operation of ICE, hybrid, and electric models.
avtomir.site Editorial Team · Updated July 2026
2025–2026 Owner Reviews from the UK, Europe & Cold-Climate Regions
2026 Update
The Honda e:NY1 (known as e:N1 in some markets and e:NS1 in Asia) is Honda’s first mass-market electric crossover, launched in 2023 on the HR-V platform. It offers up to 256 miles WLTP range, 201 hp and solid build quality. However, after roughly three years on the road, owners on forums like SpeakEV and in independent long-term tests report the same recurring issues — especially with DC charging and winter performance.
2026 Verdict: The e:NY1 is a comfortable, well-built city EV that’s a good fit as a second car for short commutes with home charging. But in cold UK/European winters or on longer trips it shows its age: no heat pump, slow 78 kW charging and occasional software gremlins. A solid daily driver — a riskier choice for long-distance or harsh-winter use.
DC fast charging remains the biggest headache. Owners have reported “Fast Charge Error” or “Quick Plug-in charging system problem” messages, particularly when using Tesla Supercharger (V3/V4), IONITY or Gridserve networks.
Owners on the SpeakEV forum have described the CCS charging system failing after sessions on Tesla V4 chargers, and separately, long dealer waits (several weeks) for the software fix in mid-2025. These are paraphrased from public forum discussion rather than quoted directly, since we can’t verify exact wording from individual posts.
Triggers reported by owners:
Charging above 80–90% (especially to 100%)
Interrupted charging sessions
Tesla Supercharger compatibility issues (early 2024–2025-built cars were reportedly worst affected)
Honda issued a software update for the onboard charger and Battery Management System (BMS) in 2024–2025. Owner reports suggest it resolved the issue for most cars, though a minority still see occasional faults. UK dealer wait times for the update reportedly reached several weeks during peak demand.
Owner workarounds commonly mentioned:
Disconnect the 12V battery for 10–20 minutes
Full power-off and wait roughly 15 minutes
Stick to 80% max charge and avoid Tesla V4 chargers where possible
No Heat Pump = Expensive Winter Heating
A notable design choice: the e:NY1 uses a conventional PTC electric heater instead of a heat pump — confirmed by multiple independent reviews (Carwow, Autocar, Electrifying). In sub-zero temperatures it can draw several kilowatts just for cabin heat. Independent long-term testing (Autocar) recorded real-world range as low as 174 miles against the 256-mile WLTP claim in cold, mixed driving — broadly consistent with owner reports of 150–200 miles in UK/Northern European winters.
After fast charging, or when the small 12V battery drops low, some owners report a full set of warning lights appearing at once — ABS, ESP, AEB, Lane Keep, airbags and “Check Power System” — which can make the car undriveable until it’s restarted or serviced.
3. Real-World Range 2026
Condition
Official WLTP
Real-World (Independent tests & owner reports)
Summer / Mild
256 miles (412 km)
200–220 miles (320–350 km)
Winter (UK / cold climates)
Not specified
150–190 miles (240–300 km); Autocar’s long-term test recorded a low of 174 miles
DC Charging Speed
78 kW max
45–60 kW peak observed in some sessions (10–80% ≈ 45 min under good conditions)
4. 2026 Recall: Odometer Reset Bug
In early 2026, Honda recalled 52,854 e:NY1 units (produced between June 2023 and August 2024) after confirming a software fault: if the 12V starter battery fully discharges, the total mileage counter can reset to zero. This is registered with the German KBA under reference 16003R. Importantly, Honda and recall trackers classify this as not a safety-critical, stop-drive issue — it’s fixed via a software update at an authorized service center. The practical risk is for used-car buyers: always check Honda Connect’s cloud mileage history rather than relying solely on the dashboard reading.
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Both trims sit noticeably higher in insurance cost than some rivals — for comparison, the Volvo EX30 is rated in groups 35–37 and the Peugeot e-2008 in group 25, so it’s worth getting a quote before committing.
Every new e:NY1 comes with Honda’s five-year “FIVE” service plan (covers the first five scheduled services), plus warranty and roadside assistance for the same period — a genuine ownership-cost advantage that partly offsets the car’s other weak points. As a zero-emissions vehicle it currently pays no annual VED, though because its list price is over £40,000, it is liable for the “expensive car” VED supplement from years two to six of registration under current rules — worth factoring in if you’re comparing total cost of ownership against a cheaper-to-buy rival.
Honda has periodically discounted the e:NY1 to move stock — most recently an £8,750 combined discount (made up of a £5,000 deposit contribution and a £3,750 manufacturer EV grant) was available on both trims into early 2026, cutting the effective OTR price to roughly £36,900–£39,150. Always check current Honda UK offers, as promotions like this change from month to month.
How It Compares to Key Rivals
Model
WLTP Range
Heat Pump
Starting Price (UK, approx.)
Honda e:NY1
256 miles
No
~£40,645 (before any current discount)
Kia Niro EV
287 miles
Yes
Broadly comparable segment pricing
Volvo EX30
Varies by battery/motor option
Yes
Lower insurance groups (35–37)
Peugeot e-2008
Smaller battery, less range than e:NY1
Optional on some versions
Notably lower insurance group (25)
The heat pump gap is the single biggest practical disadvantage versus the Niro EV and EX30 for anyone driving through winter regularly — it directly explains much of the real-world range gap discussed above, independent of battery size on paper.
This combination of weaker charging speed, no heat pump and a name that hasn’t built strong brand recognition among EV buyers has reportedly made the e:NY1 a slower seller than rivals, which is part of why Honda has leaned on large discounts to keep new-car volumes moving — and why used examples tend to be priced to compete with better-equipped rivals rather than command a premium.
Watch the Video Version
Prefer video? Watch our detailed review of common Honda e:NY1 problems, charging issues, winter range performance, recalls, and buyer tips.
Learn about Honda e:NY1 charging faults, winter range loss, 12V battery issues, dashboard warning lights, and the latest 2026 recall.
FAQ – Most Asked Questions 2026
Is the Tesla Supercharger compatibility issue fixed?
Largely, for most cars, after the 2025 software update — but it’s still worth avoiding charging to 100% and testing a charge before relying on it for a long trip.
How bad is winter range in the UK?
Expect somewhere around 150–190 miles realistically with heating on, based on independent testing and owner reports. Preconditioning while still plugged in helps.
Is the e:NY1 expensive to insure and tax?
Insurance groups are relatively high for the class — 39E (Elegance) and 40E (Advance) — so it’s worth getting a quote before buying, especially compared with rivals like the Peugeot e-2008 (group 25) or Volvo EX30 (35–37). It currently pays no annual VED as a zero-emissions vehicle, but because the list price exceeds £40,000, the “expensive car” VED supplement applies from years two to six.
Should I buy one in 2026?
It’s a strong fit for city commuting with home charging and the latest software update installed. Less suited to frequent long trips or very cold climates without a garage.
📚 Sources
This article is based on official Honda/KBA recall data and independent EV testing and reviews. Data is current as of 2026.
Official recall data — Honda / German KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), reference 16003R, odometer reset issue affecting 52,854 e:NY1 units (2023–2024 production).
Independent EV testing and reviews — Autocar (long-term test), Carwow, Electrifying, EV Database, heycar, Auto Express, What Car?: official specifications, real-world range, charging performance, insurance groups and trim pricing.
Pricing and offers — Honda UK official offers pages, evpowered.co.uk reporting on the December 2025–February 2026 £8,750 discount.
Owner forum discussions (paraphrased, not quoted verbatim) — SpeakEV forum threads on charging errors and software update wait times.
Range and charging performance vary by temperature, driving style and software version. Used-market pricing and discounts change frequently — verify current figures with a dealer before buying.
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