Honda's First EV is Coming to Australia in 2026!

Honda Australia has announced that its new small electric vehicle, the Honda Super-ONE, will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026. It will compete with compact EVs like the upcoming BYD Atto 1 and Hyundai Inster.

The Honda Super-ONE was developed from the Honda Super EV concept, which was first shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. It is designed to be a fun and unique option for people living in cities. It combines the ease of a small car with Honda's premium design and engineering.

In Europe, the Super-ONE will be called the Super-N. It will replace the Honda e, which was never sold in Australia. The Super-ONE will go on sale in Australia in the second half of 2026. Pricing and specific features are not yet known.

However, it will be the first of many EVs for Honda Australia. The 0 Series SUV is expected to follow in 2027.

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Compact Design and Fun Features

Measuring less than 3.6 metres long and less than 1.6 metres wide, the Super-ONE is only slightly larger than Japanese Kei cars. These cars are built to special size rules to get tax benefits.

The Super-ONE is closely related to the Honda N-One E Kei car, which recently launched in Japan.

It is unknown whether the Super-ONE will share the N-One E's 47kW electric motor, it will include a boost mode. It will also have a simulated seven speed manual gearbox and engine like noises played into the cabin. The prototype also features noticeable wheel arch extensions, sports seats, and a three gauge instrument cluster. These details highlight its performance focus.

Local Testing and Safety

Jay Joseph, Honda Australia president and CEO, confirmed that testing for the Super-ONE in local Australian conditions has already begun. This includes checking both driving and charging performance.

He stressed that this in market testing is vital to ensure everything works as intended. He added that they must match laboratory results to real world conditions, which only happens by testing in the market.

Honda is aiming for at least a four star ANCAP safety rating. The highest possible rating is five stars.

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Competing in the Australian Market

Joseph acknowledged the challenge the Super-ONE will face from Chinese rivals like the BYD Atto 1. The Atto 1 will be slightly larger and cheaper, with a starting price of around $25,000, although it will not compete on the performance front with the Super-ONE being faster and more nimble to drive.

He stated that the value proposition of those vehicles is definitely something they must consider. Part of how they compete is by how they care for their customers. He mentioned Honda's reputation for quality, innovation, and engineering. He added that part of their value is their ability to look after customers.

He observed that some new, fast growing companies struggle when there is a vehicle issue. They struggle to get parts and lack the network to service vehicles. He believes this is one of Honda's strengths.

zecar's Take

The arrival of the Honda Super-ONE in Australia in late 2026 will bring a new, very compact electric vehicle option to the market. Its small size and focus on urban agility could appeal to city dwellers looking for an easy to park and drive EV. With its Kei car inspiration, it offers a different approach compared to larger electric SUVs. The "fun to drive" features like Boost Mode might also help it stand out in a growing segment.

However, its small size could also limit its appeal for those needing more space. Honda’s commitment to local testing is good for Australian conditions. The key will be its pricing and how its range and features compare to other compact EVs that will before it in 2026, notably the BYD Atto 1 and Hyundai Inster.