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Honda’s First Australian EV Set For 2026 Launch, But What Is It?

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Honda Prologue Elite 1

Honda Australia will introduce its first fully electric vehicle in the second half of 2026, but the model remains unconfirmed. While the company has not officially named the vehicle, market clues strongly suggest the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV is the frontrunner.

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What We Know About Honda’s EV Timeline

Honda’s upcoming launch will arrive before the brand’s all-new 0 Series EVs, which are expected in the US in early 2026 and in Australia sometime between late 2026 and 2027.

Incoming Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who joins from Honda USA in April 2025, has already begun discussions with global teams to identify which models from Honda’s international line-up could work for Australian buyers. His connections may increase the chances of securing models previously unavailable in right-hand-drive.

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Honda Australia’s first EV to launch in 2026

Why the e:Ny1 SUV Is the Favourite

Honda has identified SUVs as its strongest growth opportunity in Australia, where they have dominated sales since 2017. The e:Ny1, already on sale in the UK and New Zealand, appears well-suited for our market.

It’s built on the same platform as the HR-V small SUV, a model already familiar to Australian buyers, and offers competitive electric performance and range. The New Zealand version is manufactured in Thailand, a long-time supply source for Australian Honda models.

▶️MORE: The 5 Cheapest PHEVs in Australia (2025)

Honda e:Ny1 – Key Specs (NZ Model)

SpecificationHonda e:Ny1 (NZ)
PowertrainSingle-motor FWD
Motor Output150 kW / 310 Nm
Battery Capacity68.8 kWh lithium-ion
Claimed Range (NEDC)500 km
Starting Price (NZ)$NZ52,000 (~A$47,450)
HR-V Starting Price (NZ)$NZ45,800 (~A$41,800)
Origin (NZ model)Thailand
Honda Australia’s first EV to launch in 2026

Other Possible Contenders

While the e:Ny1 leads speculation, Honda has other EVs in its global portfolio that could eventually reach Australia:

  1. Honda Prologue
    • Large electric SUV co-developed with General Motors.
    • Shares platform with Cadillac Lyriq.
    • Larger and more premium than current Honda Australia models.
    • Left-hand-drive only for now, built in Mexico.
  2. Honda Ye Series (China)
    • Six models planned for China by 2027.
    • First releases: P7 and S7 SUVs.
    • Based on dedicated ‘Yunchi’ EV platform.
    • 89.8kWh battery, single rear motor, 650km CLTC range.
    • Starting price in China: ¥199,000 (~A$42,482).

Honda Ye Series – P7 & S7 Specs (China)

SpecificationValue
Length4,750 mm
Motor Layout Single rear motor
Battery Capacity89.8 kWh
Claimed Range (CLTC)650 km
Starting Price~A$42,482
  1. Honda GT – Fastback EV launched in China in April 2025.
  2. Small EVs – Electric kei van and N-One e passenger car, built in RHD but considered too small for Australia.

▶️MORE: Why should you import an electric car in Australia?

Honda Australia’s first EV to launch in 2026

Honda’s Broader EV Strategy

Honda has scaled back its global EV sales target of 30% by 2030 but remains committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050. The company is also working with CATL on advanced battery technology, including testing a mass-production line for solid-state EV batteries in 2025, which promise longer range and lower costs.

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