The pocket-sized electric Honda Super-ONE goes on sale in Japan

It's no secret that automakers struggle to make small electric cars exciting. High battery costs leave budget-friendly options feeling clinical and stripped of character. But Honda wants to challenge this reality with its newest global vehicle, an affordable and "aggressive" electric hot hatch. The vehicle officially started sales in Japan on Friday, May 22, 2026, under the name Super-ONE, and will soon head to international markets to shake up the entry-level segment.

The new model shifts away from the philosophy of building purely economical transport boxes. Honda engineers used the lightweight Japanese N-Series platform as a base but heavily modified the architecture. The Super-ONE gets a unique, dedicated chassis with a wider track and muscular exterior lines. This structural alteration allows the vehicle to sit lower and hold the road more confidently than standard city runarounds. With an overall length of just 133.7 inches, the vehicle is remarkably compact - it takes up a lot less space than the new Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI.

The performance is somewhat underwhelming, but it adapts to how you choose to drive. In normal conditions, the electric motor draws energy from a 29.6 kWh battery pack to deliver 63 horsepower (47 kW). The vehicle has five selectable driving profiles: ECON, CITY, NORMAL, SPORT, and an exclusive BOOST mode. Activating BOOST mode temporarily unlocks a maximum output of 93 horsepower (70 kW). The CITY setting also enables single-pedal driving, which slows the vehicle to a complete stop when you lift off the accelerator.

To bridge the emotional gap between electric cars and traditional internal combustion sports cars, Honda took inspiration from larger performance EVs on the market - the Super-ONE incorporates a simulated seven-speed transmission. This system works in tandem with an Active Sound Control program. Together, they mimic the shift points, slight mechanical hesitations, and exhaust notes of an old-school gasoline engine. Drivers can interact with these virtual gears via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Inside the cabin, the focus is on technology and driver comfort. The dashboard has a standard 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built directly into the operating system. Drivers sit in heavily bolstered, exclusive sports seats designed to hold them in place through fast corners. Music lovers will also notice a premium Bose sound system, which marks the very first time Honda has included this audio brand in one of its compact models. The audio layout includes eight distinct speakers and a large 13.1-liter subwoofer tucked away into the trunk.

Range and charging position the tiny Honda as an efficient urban commuter that can still handle occasional weekend getaways. The 29.6 kWh battery delivers an official WLTP driving range of up to 170 miles on a single charge. When the battery runs low, the vehicle's fast-charging system allows the driver to replenish the capacity from 10% up to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

So no - the new Super-ONE isn't going to set new speed or range records, but the price is the most compelling part of Honda's new product strategy. In its home market of Japan, the car carries a starting price of 3,390,200 yen, which converts to roughly $21,300. International buyers will not have to wait very long to get their hands on one, either. The electric hot hatch arrives in the United Kingdom this coming July, where it will be rebranded as the Honda Super-N.

British pricing will start at just under £20,000, which translates to around $27,000. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the vehicle well below its main European rivals. For comparison, the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI is expected to enter the market at around $46,000, though it's really hard to put those two EVs in the same basket. The only competition in this price range is the Dacia Spring, and many people will be far more excited about the Honda with its outlandish looks.

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