Honda Launches China-Made Insight EV in Japan for the First Time

Honda launched its all-new battery-electric Insight in the Japanese market on April 17, 2024, becoming the first Japanese automaker to sell a China-made vehicle domestically. The Insight is based on the e:NS2, co-developed and produced through Honda’s joint venture with Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor, and has been localized for Japan with right-hand drive configuration and adapted charging systems. Priced at ¥5.5 million (approximately $34,582), the Insight qualifies for a ¥1.3 million government subsidy for electric vehicles in Japan, bringing the effective price down to ¥4.2 million after the incentive. The initial release is limited to 3,000 units. With a maximum range of 535 kilometers on a single charge—the longest among Honda’s current EV lineup—the Insight supports fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in about 40 minutes. The original Insight debuted in 1999 as Honda’s first hybrid vehicle. The third-generation sedan version was introduced in 2018 and discontinued in 2022. This marks the model’s return after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, now reimagined as a fully electric vehicle. Honda stated that the car is manufactured to global quality standards and added that it will continue evaluating opportunities to introduce overseas-produced models into the Japanese market.