Honda Motor will begin selling micro-sized electric vans in Japan this October, signaling its entry into a growing market segment. This move comes as the automaker, the second-largest by volume in Japan, also plans to launch an electric kei passenger car next year.
The new electric van is designed to cater to Japan’s delivery industry and will be classified as a “kei” vehicle, known for its lower power output and tax benefits. The company announced that the van will have a cruising range of 245 km (152 miles).
Micro kei vehicles are a popular choice for businesses and households in Japan, used to deliver agricultural products, parcels, and other goods in both urban and rural areas, thanks to their affordability.
This launch follows a delay by Toyota Motor of its small electric van, developed with Suzuki Motor and Daihatsu, due to a safety test scandal at Daihatsu. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. also re-entered the small commercial van market in December 2023 with its Minicab EV.
