Dongfeng Hongda’s e:NS2 is currently produced at Dongfeng Honda’s No.1 plant in China, with exports to Japan reportedly limited to 3,000 units. On March 5, Chinese media cited sources familiar with Honda as saying that Dongfeng Honda’s all-electric SUV e:NS2 will be exported to the Japanese market, with sales expected to begin as early as spring 2026. After entering Japan, the vehicle is tentatively expected to be named INSIGHT. According to the report, priority reservations for the model will open on March 19 ahead of its official market launch in Japan. Dongfeng Hongda’s e:NS2 The same source also said that the e:NS2 is currently produced at Dongfeng Honda’s No.1 plant, and exports to the Japanese market will be limited to 3,000 units. The move means the model will enter Honda’s home market in the form of a “Made-in-China” vehicle. For Honda, which has traditionally relied on domestic Japanese production, such a path remains relatively uncommon. The e:NS2 is the fourth model in Honda’s “e:N” pure electric series launched in China and part of the second phase of the company’s EV rollout. Previously, Honda adopted a dual joint-venture strategy to advance its EV lineup in China. In 2022, the GAC Honda e:NP1 and Dongfeng Honda e:NS1 were launched successively, following a sister-model strategy. In 2024, Honda introduced its second phase of EV models, with the e:NP2 produced by GAC Honda and the e:NS2 manufactured by Dongfeng Honda. GAC Honda’S e:NP2 The e:NS2 was launched in June 2024 with four variants, priced at RMB 189,800–209,800 ($27,450–$30,350). In terms of powertrain, the e:NS2 uses a single-motor layout with a maximum output of 150 kW and is equipped with a 68.8 kWh ternary lithium battery. Depending on configuration, the vehicle offers a CLTC pure electric range of 530 km or 545 km. However, judging from market performance, the e:NS2 has struggled to gain traction in China. Data show the model sold 1,611 units in total throughout 2025, while sales in January this year were only 34 units. Amid intensifying competition in China’s NEV market, Honda’s decision to export the e:NS2 to Japan is also seen as an attempt to seek new market opportunities.
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