Honda is preparing to launch a brand-new electric city car that promises to put the fun back into small EVs – and it’s coming to the UK next year.
The new model, dubbed the Super-ONE, is aimed squarely at urban drivers and enthusiasts alike. It builds on the foundations of the Super EV Concept, which wowed crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. That car, a cheeky, box-shaped hatchback with throwback styling, gave us a clear hint that Honda wants to rekindle the spirit of the much-loved Honda e, but with a more affordable and accessible twist.
At Goodwood, the Super EV impressed spectators with its striking looks and its run up the famous hillclimb. Its minimalist design, upright stance and wide arches struck a perfect balance between retro charm and modern simplicity, capturing the crowd’s attention and earning it a reputation as one of the surprise stars of the event.
Fast-forward to this week’s Tokyo Motor Show, and Honda has revealed the Super-ONE prototype – a production-ready evolution of that concept. Built on the brand’s N-Series kei car platform, it shares much with the Japanese-market N-One E, but features a wider track, chunkier bumpers, functional aero ducts and a subtle rear lip spoiler to give it a sportier edge.
Honda hasn’t confirmed full technical details yet, but the Super-ONE is expected to be one of the smallest electric cars available in the UK, measuring around 3.4 metres long – even shorter than a Fiat 500e.
The Super-ONE Prototype comes with a bespoke Boost Mode designed to make driving a small EV feel far more exciting. Activating Boost Mode ramps up the power output, letting the motor unleash its full performance potential and deliver sharp, punchy acceleration.
But Honda hasn’t stopped there. The Super-ONE also combines a simulated 7-speed transmission with Active Sound Control, which generates a dynamic virtual engine note in the cabin that responds to your inputs on the accelerator and brake pedals. The result? You get the thrill and engagement of a sporty, multi-gear petrol car while enjoying all the advantages of an electric powertrain – instant torque, smooth delivery, and zero tailpipe emissions.
The production version will go on sale in Japan next year, with the UK confirmed as one of a “select” group of global markets to receive it – and, initially, its only European destination.
Pricing is still under wraps, but Honda insiders hint it will sit well below the £37,000 price tag of the discontinued Honda e, making it a far more attainable way to join the brand’s growing electric line-up.
