Honda would launch its long awaited electric van in Japan October, starting at JPY2.44m (US$15,550), making a re-entry into the domestic EV market through a commercial car, Bloomberg reported.

The new N-Van e: with a range of 245km (152 miles) would come in four variants, seating from one to four people, the automaker said at a launch event on Thursday. It would be aimed at delivery companies and construction industries, as well as people who want extra storage space. The van can be charged in 4 1/2-hours at a normal charging speed of 6kW and in 30 minutes with fast charging.

Bloomberg said Honda conducted a trial with logistics company Yamato Transport to test the electric van before its launch.

Separately, Honda said it would start a joint venture called Altna with Mitsubishi Corporation next month to collaborate on electrification, such as optimising EV costs and enhancing the lifetime of batteries. Honda and Mitsubishi would own a 50% share each, Bloomberg added.