Honda launches new compact EV in Japan while winding down overseas production
Japanese automaker, Honda Motor Co. has launched its new ‘Super-ONE compact electric vehicle (EV). The model is based on the ‘N-ONE e,’ a compact EV model launched last year, but has an increased overall width.
It features a “boost mode” function, which increases motor output, and has a driving range of 274 kilometers on a full charge. The car costs ¥3,390,200, including tax. However, with government subsidies, the price falls to the ¥2.09 million range, making it roughly the same price as other kei EVs.
Although the company had only just revised its strategy for promoting EVs overseas in response to declining demand in the North American market, it still plans to expand its lineup in Japan, citing strong demand from customers who use them in their everyday lives.
Honda in March announced that it had canceled development of three EV models scheduled for the U.S. market and said it intended to focus on hybrid vehicles.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the company anticipates growing demand for small EVs, including kei cars, to be used for grocery shopping and other everyday tasks.
In 2028, Honda plans to launch an EV version of its popular “N-BOX” kei car. Preorders for the SuperONE have already reached about 7,000 units. In fiscal 2025, Honda sold about 11,100 EVs in Japan.
A Honda official in charge of Japan regional operations speaking at a launch recent event said “we will make the Japanese EV market and our customers’ daily lives exciting and fun.”
