Honda has officially confirmed to both Automotive News and Top Gear that the retro-chic, battery-electric Honda e hatchback is no longer available in Europe. Prospective buyers will need to secure one from existing inventory, as the automaker has ceased taking orders in the few countries that still have the e on sale.

Simultaneously, a notice on the e page at Honda's retail site in Japan states, "Production of the Honda e will end in January 2024. Honda e will be discontinued once the production run is sold out." This marks the conclusion of the brief existence of an electric vehicle celebrated for its design but criticized for its price and compromises.

The Honda e made its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, hitting overseas markets the following year in two trims. Resembling a 1975 Honda Civic CVCC reimagined for the electric era, it boasted a cute and stylish exterior, inviting materials inside (though a bit heavy on screens), ample tech features, and a 14-foot turning circle. These qualities garnered attention, with 22,000 people registering their interest in the e when Honda showcased prototypes.

However, the powertrain specifications and range, combined with the pricing, failed to attract many actual buyers. The base 134-horsepower version began at €33,470 in Germany (about $36,000 in today's dollars) before electric car subsidies. The 152-hp Advance trim added €3,000 to the price. Both trims shared a 37.5-kWh battery with an estimated 220 WLTP kilometers (137 miles) on a single charge, with the Advance featuring additional standard equipment and a quicker 0-62 mph time of 8 seconds. By this year, only the Advance trim remained, priced at €40,000 in Germany ($43,000) — a challenging proposition compared to the Volkswagen ID.3, which starts at the same price, offering more space, power, and over double the range. Reports suggest Honda aimed to sell 10,000 units annually in Europe, a target the e may not have reached during its entire production run.

The battery-electric Honda e:NY1 has already been introduced in Germany as a replacement, featuring an SUV form factor, driving position, and a range of 412 kilometers (256 miles) at a price of €47,990. Honda plans to showcase its global EV models at next year's Consumer Electronics Show for the wider market.