00:44 03-01-2026

Honda Super-One 2026: a small EV that takes safety seriously

2026 Honda Super-One: a small electric car with 30 kWh battery, ~290 km WLTP range, full Honda Sensing, targeting 4-star ANCAP safety for Australia and Europe.

Honda is preparing a small electric car that aims to win buyers not with cutesy charm but with sound engineering and real safety. The 2026 Super-One is built on the N-One platform, stretched and widened enough that it no longer counts as a kei car.

The added length and width make room for a stiffer structure, a broader track, and a floor-mounted battery—changes that benefit stability, handling, and passive safety. The upright, toy-like silhouette remains, yet flared arches, a lower stance, and larger wheels shift the vibe toward a compact hatchback rather than a micro-commuter. That subtle recalibration alone broadens its appeal.

The technical recipe is straightforward: a single front-mounted motor and a battery of about 30 kWh. The range target is roughly 290 km on the WLTP cycle, which is right in the sweet spot for dense urban use and daily suburban runs. For a bit of theater, there’s a Boost Mode that simulates gear changes, sound, and vibrations—Honda clearly wants even its entry EV to feel more alive than a silent battery box. It’s a simple way to add character without straying from the brief.

The core pitch, though, is compliance with “grown-up” safety standards in markets such as Australia and Europe. Development is anchored to real regulations and tests, including demanding scenarios like pole side impacts where many imported kei cars struggle. Honda is targeting at least four ANCAP stars and promises the full Honda Sensing suite without deletions: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. If the car delivers on that promise, it stands out as a small EV that doesn’t ask buyers to trade size for safety.

Positioned as an accessible entry point into Honda’s electric range, the Super-One will sit below the Civic and CR-V and be sold through the regular dealer network in Japan, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, it may be badged Super-N due to a naming conflict.