Honda is taking a different approach to the Australian electric vehicle market with the Super-ONE, a compact battery electric hatch designed around low weight, urban driving and a relatively small battery.
Priced from $36,900 driveaway, the Super-ONE will become Honda Australia’s first battery electric vehicle when deliveries begin from 1 October.
A second Two-Tone grade, finished in Violet Boost with a contrasting black roof, will be priced at $37,400 driveaway.
Rather than following the industry trend towards larger electric SUVs with increasingly large battery packs, Honda has based the Super-ONE on the Japan-market N-One e: kei car.
At approximately 3.5 metres long and weighing just 1,093kg, it is significantly smaller and lighter than most of the electric vehicles currently being offered in Australia.
Its 29.6kWh lithium-ion battery provides a claimed driving range of up to 253km, positioning the Super-ONE primarily as a vehicle for metropolitan and shorter-distance use.
The smaller battery also helps keep vehicle weight down and can be charged from 15 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes. Regenerative braking and one-pedal driving are also included.
An EV designed to feel different
Honda is also attempting to give the Super-ONE more character than a conventional small EV.
Its standard electric powertrain produces 47kW, but a dedicated BOOST Mode increases output to 70kW and 162Nm.
BOOST Mode also activates a simulated seven-speed transmission designed to reproduce the sensation of changing gears.
An Active Sound Control system adds a synthesised engine-style soundtrack that responds to the way the vehicle is being driven.
The approach is unusual in an electric vehicle, where smooth, silent acceleration is normally one of the main characteristics manufacturers promote.
Honda is instead using software and sound to recreate some of the interaction traditionally associated with an internal combustion engine vehicle.
The exterior follows a similar philosophy.
Its boxy proportions draw inspiration from the Honda City Turbo II of the 1980s, with enlarged wheel arches, black wheels and a roof spoiler giving the small hatch a more distinctive appearance.
Inside, Honda’s Magic Seats are intended to provide additional flexibility despite the vehicle’s small footprint.
Strong early interest
Honda says more than 6,500 Australians registered an expression of interest before pricing was announced, exceeding the number recorded for the Civic Type R FL5.
Pre-orders opened through Honda Centres on 4 August, although initial Australian supply will be tight.
Fewer than 130 vehicles are expected to be available for delivery during 2026, with Honda forecasting improved supply from early 2027.
Honda Australia Director of Automotive Robert Thorp said the company wanted the Super-ONE to translate Honda’s traditional focus on enjoyable driving into the electric era.
“Honda Super-ONE is our first BEV in Australia and is not only truly unique it’s also bursting at the seams with character and content,” Thorp said.
The vehicle will be covered by Honda Australia’s five-year warranty and five years of roadside assistance, while five scheduled services are priced at $199 each. An additional three years of warranty and roadside assistance is available through Honda Extend.
While its 253km range will limit its appeal for drivers regularly covering long distances, the Super-ONE represents a different interpretation of the electric car.
Rather than chasing maximum range, size or performance, Honda is betting that some Australian buyers will prefer a smaller, lighter EV designed primarily for everyday urban use.
