Highlights

• A thoughtfully converted Honda Insight Gen 1 with full EV benefits and credentials
• In a fine overall condition and fully retaining the quirky character of the original Insight
• Complete with a full advisory free MOT and DVLA “electric” classification
• Zero rated for road tax and less than £2.00 to fully charge overnight

The Appeal

 
The first generation of Honda Insight (ZE1) was introduced in 1999 as the inaugural model to showcase the company’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. It subsequently became the first hybrid car to be offered in the North American market, beating the Toyota Prius to the accolade by seven months. The Insight was an innovative testbed for Honda’s fledgling eco strategy and so no yen was spared in its development.

The car’s party trick was to combine ultra-light weight with extreme aerodynamic efficacy to maximise efficiency and optimise performance. With a kerb weight of around 850 kgs and a drag coefficient of just 0.25 (0.30 being considered a stretching benchmark at the time), Honda well and truly nailed the brief. The ZE1 was relatively niche, with just 17,000 ultimately built. The arrival of the Prius moved the market towards four doors, five seat saloons leaving the teardrop shaped, 2 seater Insight somewhat of an outlier. It is thought that only around 250 Insight ZE1s ever made it to the UK.
 
This fascinating example was converted to full EV specification in 2019, with several specialist companies collaborating to develop a unique, believed one of one Insight. This status not only renders this a unique car but also an incredibly cost effective one, too. In that respect, this Insight is truly fulfilling the EV ideal in a way that few contemporary models can or do.
 

The History and Paperwork

• Originally supplied to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2000
• Supplied as a standard hybrid Insight with the CVT automatic transmission
• Originally imported to the UK in 2017
• Dry stored for a couple of years before undergoing its EV conversion in 2019
• The conversion was carried out by three companies all starting out in EV conversions
• The car was first registered in the UK in February 2019
• Post conversion the car is classified by the DVLA as electric and hence zero rated for VED
• The current owner acquired the car in May 2019 becoming just the second, post import keeper
• The Insight currently displays a little under 10,000 miles on its electronic odometer
• This is believed to relate to the mileage covered since the conversion in 2019
• The Insight comes with the V5 registration document in the name of the owner
• The current MOT is present in hard copy
• This is an advisory free test and valid until September 2025

 

The Condition

• The Insight was resprayed in its original red hue in 2019
• As such the paintwork presents very well overall
• Being constructed of weight saving aluminium there is no rust possible
• Galvanic corrosion can occur but only where aluminium abuts other metals
• As a fully aluminium construction this is not a concern either
• There are a couple of minor dents reported on the bottom edge of the driver’s door
• These remain hard to spot unless viewing from ground level
• The aluminium bodywork appears to be in excellent condition throughout too 
• The Insight rides on original 14-inch, polished alloy disc style wheels 
• These appear to be in fine order with just a little crazing to the centre caps
• They are shod with a matching set of quality Continental tyres
• These are in the period correct, and intentionally skinny 165/65 configuration
• These are date stamped from 2024
• Light lenses and cabin glass appears to be pristine and original
• The Insight’s interior is an object lesson in Japanese minimalism, 2000 style
• The condition is excellent throughout with no issues noted or reported
• The cabin’s furnishing present in hues of grey
• The seats are well bolstered and high backed with integral head rests
• The back rests fold forward a little to provide access to a bulkhead storage pocket
• Carpets appear unmarked as does the light coloured headlining
• Despite being a svelte two seater it is a light, airy and commodious cabin
• Controls and instrumentation are minimal and focussed
• A multifunction electronic instrument measures all required performance metrics
• A modern Kenwood DAB audio unit is fitted
• This doubles as a reversing camera screen augmenting the rear view
• This is compatible with Android Auto giving the option to use google navigation 
• Both of these feature voice activation
• Behind the seats is a recently trimmed luggage compartment
• This sits beneath a generously glazed rear hatch which floods the cabin with light
• In the boot a lidded compartment provides storage for charging paraphernalia 

 

The Mechanics

• During the conversion, much of the original equipment was removed
• This included the 3 cylinder petrol engine and its Motor Assist hybrid system
• The HV battery was removed along with the gearbox and associated fuel lines, tanks and exhaust
• It was then converted to full battery EV specification
• The battery is 24 KW/H (20 usable) and comprises of 405 new lithium polymer pouch cells
• These are split between the fuel tank void and the engine bay
• This helps retain the car’s original weight and maintain its distribution
• The motor is a Netgain Hyper 9 with a HTD tooth belt reduction drive
• The real world range is reported between 140 miles (winter) and 180 miles (summer)
• The Insight can be fully charged in around 3 hours via its onboard 7KW charger
• The current owner charges on a smart overnight tariff at a cost of £1.40
• The owner reports the driving experience as “great fun” with the car being “quite nippy”
• A 60 – 70 mph cruising gait is easily attainable whilst achieving 7.5miles / KW
• This is approximately twice as economical as many newer, mainstream EVs
• A Japanese trait is the car’s impressive 9.6m turning circle
• The underside looks well presented albeit fully faired in for aerodynamic gains

 
 

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