While proliferation will be greater in 2027, fewer than 50 examples of the Super-ONE are set to reach NZ this year.

AVAILABILITY of Honda’s big boy-priced electric baby car has begun, with warning the initial shipment is a teensy count.

In sharing images of the first one coming off a carrier and also confirming launch is on August 1, Honda New Zealand has also said that ‘fewer than 50’ examples of the Super-ONE electric that reprises the tall and square look of its 1980s City hatchback and is designed as an urban commuter choice will be available this year.

A greater volume is promised for 2027.

Outfitted with a 29.6kWh battery feeding an electric motor in front drive, the Super-ONE stands as the first export-ready battery-fed car designed to meet Japan’s Kei micro-car configuration; a category that used to do well here with the Suzuki Alto and Daihatsu Mira.

It outputs 70kW power and 162Nm torque, features a standard single pedal driving City mode and incorporates a Boost mode that enlivens the acceleration. Honda says the powertrain is designed specifically for “nimble, inner-city driving.”

Credibility of small electric cars for pure urban use has been often touted and acknowledged, but actual buy-in has proven challenging.

Mazda NZ tried, and failed to sell, the MX-30 in electric and hybrid on those very same strengths several years ago.

Honda’s price positioning means Super-ONE might find stiff competition from it’s own Jazz, which though petrol at heart runs a very frugal electrified drivetrain and offers a roomier and highly flexible cabin.

Certainly, the Super-ONE reflects that for all the advances in electric and the greater proliferation of EVs, battery-fed still carries a premium.

Those past Kei cars, when in the traditional format of being very frugal sub 1.0-litre petrol models, were stickered to appeal to budget-minded first car buyers so they often stood as the cheapest new cars sold here.

The Honda is in a more expensive category.

Pricing that went live on Honda NZ’s website recently shows the two choices - a standard car and a Kuro model with styling embellishments - will cost $41,900 and $44,900 respectively.

That puts it above the BYD Atto 1 and the MG4 Urban electric cars from China that also aim primarily at city users, but are larger and have longer ranges. The Honda is also more expensive than the Fiat 500e, which currently sells for $37,990 (this being a substantial discount on its full RRP of close to $65k).

Super-ONE stands as Honda New Zealand’s second all electric pitch here, coming in to fill a showroom gap left by the e:N1, also a larger car that only availed for a limited period.

Because this year’s shipment is so modest, the brand is is encouraging customers considering a Honda Super-ONE to register their interest or speak with their local dealership as soon as possible.

Honda NZ managing director Carolyn McMahon says the new car has attracted strong interest from Kiwi customers since pricing and launch details were announced.

“The response … has been incredibly encouraging, with strong early interest from customers across the country.

“The first vehicles have now arrived in New Zealand and we can't wait for customers to experience what makes Honda Super-ONE so unique.”

Honda proposes Super-ONE as a product designed to bring a fresh sense of fun to electric driving, with combination of compact urban practicality with Honda's distinctive driving character.