Honda is preparing to sell a China-manufactured electric vehicle in Japan under the Insight nameplate. According to a report published by Nikkei, the model is expected to go on sale in Japan as early as this spring. With this move, Honda will become the first Japanese automaker to sell a China-produced vehicle in its home market.

The EV will be based on a model from Honda’s e:N electric vehicle series, which was introduced in China in 2022. The vehicle will be adjusted to meet Japanese market requirements before it is launched under the Insight name.


Addressing Limited EV Options in Japan

Honda currently offers two electric vehicles in Japan: the N-One e: and the N-Van e:. Both belong to the kei vehicle category, which is designed for smaller vehicles with limited dimensions and engine capacity.

The company previously sold the Honda e, a standard-size electric vehicle, but it was discontinued in 2024. The model had a driving range of around 259 km per charge.

The China-built Insight is expected to offer a driving range of around 500 km per charge, which would make it the longest-range electric vehicle currently available in Honda’s Japanese lineup.


Use of Chinese Production Capacity

The decision also connects to Honda’s operations in China. The company’s vehicle sales in China have been declining in recent years. In 2025, Honda sold 645,345 vehicles in the Chinese market, marking a 24% decrease compared with the previous year. This was the fifth consecutive annual decline.

Competition from domestic Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and Geely has affected sales of foreign joint venture brands in the country. Exporting vehicles produced in China to Japan allows Honda to utilise existing production capacity without building new facilities.


Changes in Global Production Strategy

Importing vehicles produced in China reflects broader changes in the global electric vehicle industry. Manufacturing costs and supply chains for EV components have increasingly shifted toward China in recent years.

However, several automakers have been cautious about importing China-made vehicles into their domestic markets due to possible political concerns and consumer perceptions.

Japan’s vehicle market is also known for having strong preference for domestic brands, which has made entry difficult for many international manufacturers.


Additional Imports Planned from the United States

Honda has also announced plans to introduce two vehicles produced in the United States into the Japanese market. The Acura Integra Type S, built in Ohio, and the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite, produced in Alabama, are expected to go on sale in Japan in the second half of 2026.