The automotive landscape in Australia is set for an exciting jolt of electrification, as Honda confirms the arrival of its first-ever Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) for the local market. Forget the long-departed whispers of the Honda e; the future is compact, playful, and distinctly Japanese. Scheduled for the second half of 2026, the car set to lead Honda’s electric charge down under is the newly unveiled, city-focused Honda Super-ONE.
This is more than just a new model launch; it marks a significant pivot for Honda Australia, aligning its local strategy with the global push for carbon neutrality and responding to the nation’s rapidly accelerating EV uptake. The arrival of the Super-ONE will follow the introduction of the reborn hybrid Prelude and expanded e:HEV hybrid offerings for models like the CR-V and ZR-V, signaling a major product shake-up aimed at having close to 90% of Honda’s Australian sales being hybrid or battery-electric by mid-2026.
🌟 Introducing the Super-ONE: Small Car, Big Personality
The Honda Super-ONE is a delightful departure from the burgeoning trend of electric SUVs. Its design draws heavily from the principles of Japan’s celebrated Kei cars (light automobiles), blending small-car usability with Honda’s renowned engineering. The production model, which evolved from the Honda Super EV concept first shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and later the Japan Mobility Show 2025, is specifically tailored for the dense urban environments of Australian cities.
Key Design and Dimensions:
- Ultra-Compact Footprint: Measuring less than 3.6 metres long and under 1.6 metres wide, the Super-ONE is designed to be highly agile and easy to park, competing dimensionally with cars as small as the Kia Picanto, while being a true EV competitor to the upcoming Hyundai Inster and BYD Atto 1.
- Kei-Car Inspiration: Its size and focus on urban agility are direct callbacks to the Japanese Kei car segment, though the Super-ONE features a wider body and tyres, giving it a more planted, performance-oriented stance.
- Performance Look: Prototype images show noticeable wheel arch extensions, sports seats, and a three-gauge instrument cluster, underscoring its focus on a fun-to-drive experience.
🕹️ A Driving Experience Built for Joy
In a world where many EVs focus on silent, sterile efficiency, the Honda Super-ONE is designed to put the joy back into urban driving. Honda has infused the car with unique features aimed at engaging the driver and making the transition from conventional petrol cars an easier, more exciting one.
Innovative ‘Boost Mode’ and Simulated Shifts:
Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the exclusive ‘Boost Mode’. When activated, this mode provides an instant surge in power output, offering rapid acceleration. Crucially, in a playful nod to traditional performance vehicles, it incorporates:
- Simulated 7-Speed Manual Gearbox: It reproduces the sensation of gearshifts, adding a physical element of engagement often missing in single-speed EVs.
- Virtual Engine Sound: Engine-like noises are piped into the cabin to fill the typical electric silence, rising and falling with the simulated shifts to further enhance the driving drama.
Honda Australia President and CEO, Jay Joseph, emphasized that the Super-ONE is a “unique proposition for Australians living and working in dense urban environments,” and that its distinction lies in being “small, it’s sporty, it’s really fun to drive,” standing out from the “sea of sameness” in the current EV market.
🇦🇺 Local Testing and Market Positioning
Honda is not simply shipping a global model; it’s meticulously preparing the Super-ONE for Australian conditions.
Commitment to Localisation:
- Australian Road Testing: Mr. Joseph confirmed that extensive local testing has already commenced. This evaluation program includes checking driving performance, charging compatibility, and ride and handling across Australian roads and charging systems.
- Safety Focus: Honda is targeting a minimum of a four-star ANCAP safety rating, ensuring the compact car meets local safety expectations.
Competition and Pricing:
While official Australian pricing is yet to be announced, early indications suggest the Super-ONE will be positioned as Honda’s most affordable passenger car, undercutting the hybrid-only Civic. It’s speculated to start in the mid-$30,000 bracket (AUD), placing it in direct competition with the new wave of affordable compact EVs:
| Competitor Model | Expected Arrival/Price (Approx.) | Super-ONE’s Advantage |
| BYD Atto 1 | Early 2026, from $25,000 | Faster, more nimble, “fun-to-drive” focus, established brand network. |
| Hyundai Inster | 2026, TBC | Unique character, premium Honda engineering and reliability. |
Honda acknowledges the challenge posed by cheaper Chinese rivals like the BYD Atto 1. However, the company believes its reputation for quality, innovation, and a robust after-sales and service network—a distinct advantage over some fast-growing newcomers—will be a key part of its value proposition for Australian customers.
🔋 Specifications and Range Expectations
While final Australian-spec details are still pending, we can glean some expectations from the related Japanese-market model, the Honda N-One e: Kei car, on which the Super-ONE is based.
| Feature | Related N-One e: Specification (Indicative Only) | Expected Super-ONE Details |
| Electric Motor | 47kW / 162Nm (Front-mounted) | Expected to offer more power than its Kei-class relative, especially with Boost Mode. |
| Battery Pack | 29.6kWh | Unclear if the Super-ONE will get a larger pack. |
| Driving Range | 295km (WLTC cycle) | Expected to be in the 250km–300km range, competitive for an urban EV. |
| Charging | TBC, but local testing will validate multi-standard charging. | Local testing will ensure suitability for Australian charging infrastructure. |
Honda’s local CEO admitted that the Super-ONE’s sales ambitions will be “really small” initially, as it targets “urban metro drivers” who don’t require inter-city range. Its purpose is to be a low-volume, high-profile “learning device” that reintroduces the brand’s pioneering spirit and brings back loyal customers who have temporarily strayed to other brands in search of an EV.
🛣️ The Road Ahead: Honda’s Electrification Journey
The Super-ONE is just the beginning. It sets the stage for the next wave of Honda EVs, including the much-anticipated ‘0 Series’ models, previewed by the radical Saloon and SUV concepts. These next-generation EVs, featuring new, dedicated architectures, are expected to debut globally around 2027, and Honda Australia has already signaled its strong interest in bringing the full range to local showrooms.
The 2026 launch of the Super-ONE is Honda’s declaration that it is back in the innovation game for Australia. By mixing the fun-focused legacy of its smaller cars with a commitment to electrification and a sharp focus on local market validation, the pint-sized Super-ONE promises to deliver a genuinely unique, compelling, and fun option for Australians ready to embrace an electric future.
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