‘Huge’ interest in new Honda e

The electric car Top Gear called “impossibly cute, beautifully designed and crammed with tech” – the Honda e – will be seen on New Zealand roads, thanks to Taupo-based dealership Drive EV.

“The Honda e was only launched in Europe and Japan this year and the interest has been huge from Kiwis wanting to own one,” says Drive EV owner Steve Greenwood.

He imports and sells a range of EV models, including those often thought to be unavailable in New Zealand such as the Honda e, VW ID.3 and Kia Soul EV.

The Honda e is the marque’s first mass-produced, pure electric car, hitting the market in Europe and Japan earlier this year, with EVs and Beyond reporting in August that Greenwood was bringing the first one into New Zealand – a five-door hatch.

He also featured in an EVs and Beyond podcast that month.

But if you want a Honda e, you’ll need to get in quick as Honda New Zealand is not currently bringing them in and Drive EV’s latest shipment is selling fast.

“We work with customers to source the right EV for them,” Greenwood says.

“We’re finding that the customer base for EVs has broadened significantly.

“The Honda e is a good example of this,” he says.

“Many traditional petrol vehicle buyers are keen to take a look at the concept car that made it to production. There’s been huge interest.”

 Auckland-based Dylan is eagerly awaiting delivery of his new Honda e from Drive EV early next week.

“The Honda e combines my love of cars and new tech. It’s nice and compact, so it’s perfect for inner-city driving,” he says.

 “When I first read about the car two years ago, it was immediately on my radar and I started looking into importing one myself.

“I approached Steve at Drive EV to see if he could support the car with parts and servicing, and soon realised he could manage the whole import process for me.”