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One for us? Honda's electric kei signalled
Richard Bosselman
October 30, 2025
Nippy, zippy street-wise battery baby is heading this way. It’s here later next year. (This story was updated on November 2).
REGIONAL availability of a teensy Honda electric hatchback has been signalled, with delivery beginning around mid-2026.
The Honda Super-ONE stands as the first export-ready battery-fed car designed to meet the size restrictions required to meet Japan’s Kei micro-car class requirement.
It has been announced by introduction to New Zealand and Australia, markets run under a mutual management umbrella.
It stands to be Honda New Zealand’s second all electric choice, after the e:N1, an HR-V adjacent that slots in at $52,000, which our neighbour has yet to decide on also adopting.
Super-ONE also to be called Super-N in some other markets) takes the baton from the now-defunct Honda e, which also pitched as an A-segment (micro/light) electric hatchback, but is taller and more box-like. The Honda-e came to NZ as a grey import.
Conceivably, the Super-ONE would be a rival for the electric Mini Cooper, Fiat 500e, the impending BYD Atto 1.
Auckland-based Honda NZ confirmed the four-seater in wake of our neighbour announcing commitment.
Honda NZ managing director Carolyn McMahon believes the Honda Super-ONE will appeal strongly to Kiwis looking for a compact, sustainable, and spirited way to move through the city.
“The Honda Super-ONE is an exciting addition to our line-up and perfectly suited to NZ’s urban lifestyle,” said Ms McMahon.
“It embodies Honda’s philosophy of creating mobility that’s not just practical but genuinely enjoyable – an agile, quiet, and confidence-inspiring EV that makes every drive around town a pleasure.”
In measuring less than 3.6m long and less than 1.6m wide, the baby conforms to Kei car regulation. Honda has yet to detail the drivetrain for the Super-One, but says it relates in that respect to the Honda N-One e: it retains in Japan.
That model has a 47kW single motor driving the front wheels and can manage roughly 270km on a charge. Battery capacity is unclear but it can hook up to a 50kW DC fast charger. It also features vehicle-to-home (V-2-H) capability.
A key part of Honda Super-ONE’s development has been extensive testing in the densely populated cities of Japan, as well as across stretching open roads. Compatibility to a range of EV charging solutions has also been an integral part of the programme.
Honda Australia has committed to ensure the regional pre-sale will include local and international testing under its belt, ensuring its composed ride and handling, charging solution, and vehicle safety systems perform optimally.
The car was on the stand at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, which opened yesterday, sitting beside the 0 Series Saloon and 0 Series SUV that are also cited for international markets.
Honda is also planning release of the new Prelude, and has notified updated e:HEV line-ups of CR-V and Honda ZR-V.
