Honda is rethinking the role of the compact electric car with the new Super-ONE, a small EV designed to bring genuine driving enjoyment back into everyday mobility. First seen as a prototype at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, it’s now set to go on sale in Japan.
While compact in size, the Super-ONE has been engineered with a widened stance and a lightweight platform derived from Honda’s N Series models. A centrally mounted, thin battery lowers the centre of gravity, contributing to a kerb weight of just 1,090 kg and helping deliver agile, confidence-inspiring handling.
With a usable range of 274 km, the Super-ONE can easily serve as a practical urban companion. However, the real focus lies in how it drives. Under the “e: Dash BOOSTER” concept, a dedicated Boost Mode increases output from 47 kW to 70 kW, unlocking sharper acceleration. More unusually, it introduces a simulated seven-speed transmission, complete with paddle shifters and synchronised “engine” sound via Active Sound Control, bringing a more engaging and playful driving experience.
The design reflects this dual character. The exterior combines compact proportions with pronounced wheel arches and aerodynamic detailing, giving the car a planted, dynamic stance. Inside, the driver-focused layout features a horizontal dashboard for improved visibility, along with sports seats and playful colour accents. A digital triple-gauge cluster, including a pseudo-tachometer, reinforces the connection between driver and machine, while a bespoke eight-speaker Bose sound system delivers a rich in-car audio experience for a vehicle of this size.
The Super-ONE shows that Honda can create a compact EV while still delivering a sense of excitement behind the wheel. The model is set to go on sale from May 2026 in Japan, with pre-orders opening in April.
