Japanese brand electric car: our guide to available models

The best Japanese electric cars in 2025 are the new Nissan Leaf 3 with 604 km of range, the Honda e:Ny1 at €32,900, and the Toyota bZ4X with a 10-year warranty. Following the abandonment of the Honda-Nissan merger project in February 2025, Japanese manufacturers continue their electric offensive independently. Toyota is launching six electric models by the end of 2026.

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Top Japanese city cars, compacts and electric SUVs 2025

Comparison table of available models

Model	Segment	Price	Range	Power	DC Charging	Strengths
Nissan Leaf 2	City car	€33,400	270-385 km	150-217 hp	50 kW	Proven reliability
Nissan Leaf 3 (2026)	Crossover	€36,000	436-604 km	177-218 hp	105-150 kW	Range record
Honda e:Ny1	Compact SUV	€32,900	412 km	204 hp	78 kW	Best price
Nissan Ariya	Compact SUV	€33,300-53,300	410-540 km	238-435 hp	130 kW	Wide range
Toyota bZ4X	Family SUV	€40,900	457-513 km	204-218 hp	150 kW	10-year warranty
Subaru Solterra	Family SUV	€48,600	465 km	218 hp	150 kW	Permanent AWD
Lexus UX 300e	Premium SUV	€47,000	315 km	204 hp	50 kW	Luxury finish
Mazda MX-30	Urban SUV	€35,990	200 km	145 hp	50 kW	Unique design

City cars and compacts: the Leaf revolution

The Nissan Leaf 2 remains available at €33,400 with a range varying from 270 to 385 km depending on the chosen battery (40 or 62 kWh). This pioneer launched in 2010 democratized electric vehicles with nearly 700,000 units sold worldwide without any major defects recorded.

The new Leaf 3 marks a complete break by abandoning the city car format to become a compact crossover measuring 4.35 meters. Unveiled in June 2025 according to the Nissan France press release, it will be marketed in spring 2026. The standard version with a 52 kWh battery offers 436 km of range and 177 horsepower, while the extended version with a 75 kWh battery sets a record with 604 km WLTP range and 218 horsepower. Fast charging accepts up to 150 kW, allowing 417 km to be recovered in 30 minutes. Its expected price around €36,000 revolutionizes the market's range-to-price ratio. Equipment includes Google built-in, two 14.3-inch screens, ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, and V2G compatibility.

Compact SUVs: price battle

The Honda e:Ny1 stands out as the cheapest electric compact SUV at €32,900 after a €12,800 discount confirmed until November 30, 2025. Its 68.8 kWh battery provides 412 km of range with a 204-horsepower motor delivering 310 Nm. Equipment includes full Honda SENSING and a 15.1-inch touchscreen. Charging limited to 78 kW remains its main weakness against the competition.

The Nissan Ariya offers an extended range from €33,300 for the Engage up to €53,300 for the Nismo. The Engage offers 410 km of range and 238 horsepower in rear-wheel drive, representing an excellent entry-level option. The Evolve at €46,800 rises to 540 km with 394 horsepower in AWD e-4ORCE. The sporty Nismo peaks at 435 horsepower. All versions benefit from 130 kW charging, allowing 375 km to be recovered in 35 minutes.

The Lexus UX 300e at €47,000 represents the segment's premium offering with a 54.3 kWh battery for 315 km of range. Its charging capped at 50 kW constitutes a significant limitation, compensated by exceptional finish, the Mark Levinson audio system, and Safety System+ 2.5 equipment. The Mazda MX-30 at €35,990 limits its urban use with only 200 km of range.

Family SUVs: Toyota and Subaru positioned

The Toyota bZ4X benefits from a historic price drop to €40,900 compared to over €60,000 at launch. Its 71.4 kWh battery allows 513 km in rear-wheel drive and 457 km in AWD with 204 or 218 horsepower depending on the version. Charging accepts 150 kW and Toyota guarantees the battery for 10 years or 1 million kilometers, a unique commitment.

The Subaru Solterra shares its platform with the bZ4X but maintains its own identity. Offered at €48,600 after a €9,000 discount valid until June 30, 2025, it offers 465 km of range in Comfort version with 218 horsepower in permanent all-wheel drive. Charging at 150 kW allows a charge from 20 to 80% in 30 minutes. The characteristic X-MODE system maintains the brand's off-road capabilities.

Japanese brands' strategies against global giants

The Honda-Nissan merger project announced in December 2024 was finally abandoned on February 13, 2025, ending ambitions to create the world's third-largest manufacturer. The two groups officially ended their negotiations, preferring to pursue their electric development independently. This decision reflects the difficulties in harmonizing distinct strategies and corporate cultures facing the urgency of the electric transition.

Toyota maintains its multi-energy strategy with six electric models planned by the end of 2026, while developing solid-state batteries promising up to 1000 km of range for 2027-2028. Massive price reductions demonstrate the will to conquer: the bZ4X has lost 37% of its initial value, the e:Ny1 shows a 31% reduction. These price adjustments directly target Chinese and Korean manufacturers.

Honda continues alone the development of its revolutionary 0 Series for 2026 with level 3 autonomous driving, 800V architecture, and OTA updates. Nissan continues to perfect its e-4ORCE system and V2G technology integrated into the new Leaf, seeking to maintain its technological lead acquired since 2010.

Expected models 2025-2026: the offensive accelerates

The Nissan Leaf 3 with its 436-604 km of range should mark 2026. Toyota will launch the electric C-HR+ in late 2025, followed by the Urban Cruiser in early 2026. The latter, a clone of the Suzuki e-Vitara, will measure 4.285 meters with LFP batteries of 49 or 61 kWh and powers from 144 to 184 horsepower depending on versions.

The electric Hilux will be the first Japanese electric pickup. The BEV version will develop 193 horsepower with a 59.2 kWh battery for approximately 240 km of range. Toyota will also offer 48V hybrid and hydrogen versions by 2028. The electric Land Cruiser SE will also arrive in 2026.

Honda will unveil its 0 Series comprising a sedan targeting 600 km of range, a compact SUV successor to the CR-V, and a city car planned under €30,000. These models will benefit from an 800V architecture allowing 10-80% charging in less than 15 minutes.

The Subaru Solterra 2026 should benefit from a 77 kWh battery bringing range to 450 km and increased power to 338 horsepower, allowing 0-100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.

Japanese electric cars: what are their strengths and weaknesses compared to the rest of the market?Japan vs competitors comparison: strengths and weaknesses

Japanese strengths

Reliability remains the master asset with breakdown rates lower than the competition. According to JD Power 2025, Japanese models maintain between 65 and 75% of their value after three years versus 50 to 60% for the market average. The Lexus UX 300e excels with 70 to 80% residual value.

Energy efficiency impresses: the bZ4X consumes 15.6 kWh/100 km, the new Leaf announces 14.0-14.2 kWh/100 km. Transferable warranties reinforce this value: Toyota offers 10 years or 1 million kilometers on the battery, Honda guarantees the electric motor for 10 years with unlimited mileage.

Prices become very competitive: the Honda e:Ny1 at €32,900 stands out as the cheapest electric compact SUV, the Ariya Engage at €33,300 offers excellent value for money, the Leaf 3 at €36,000 for 604 km redefines market standards.

Weaknesses to correct

Charging remains heterogeneous: while the Leaf 3, Ariya, and bZ4X accept 130-150 kW, the e:Ny1 caps at 78 kW and the UX 300e at only 50 kW. The MX-30 with 200 km of range drastically limits its use. The late arrival on the electric market penalizes some manufacturers against established leaders.

Charging with Electra: the solution for Japanese cars

Electra stations offer chargers up to 350 kW compatible with CHAdeMO and CCS, essential for Japanese models still using CHAdeMO like the Leaf 2 and Lexus UX 300e. With rates starting at €0.29/kWh and advantageous Electra+ plans, savings are substantial on long trips.

The network has over 500 charging points in France with a goal of 2000 by 2030. The implementation on highways and commercial areas facilitates long-distance travel. Easily find Electra stations to plan your trips with your Japanese electric vehicle.

Verdict: which Japanese car to choose according to your use?

The choice essentially depends on your daily use, budget, and priorities between range, equipment, and performance.

· Urban city car: Nissan Leaf 2 at €33,400 for urban use with proven reliability.

· Best value for money: Nissan Ariya Engage at €33,300 with 410 km and premium technologies.

· Tight budget: Honda e:Ny1 at €32,900, the cheapest electric SUV on the market.

· Maximum range: Nissan Leaf 3 (2026) at ~€36,000 for 604 km record.

· Families: Toyota bZ4X at €40,900 with unique 10-year battery warranty.

· Premium: Lexus UX 300e at €47,000 for absolute refinement.

· Performance: Nissan Ariya Nismo at €53,300 with 435 horsepower.

Japanese manufacturers are catching up with competitive models from €32,900 to €53,300. Despite the failure of the Honda-Nissan merger, each manufacturer pursues its electric offensive with its own strengths. Toyota's solid-state batteries and Nissan's expertise promise a solid electric future. 2026 will mark the true takeoff of Japanese electric cars in Europe.