Honda's $21K Electric Hot Hatch Sells 7,000 in a Month

Affordable electric cars just got a lot more exciting, and drivers in Japan are proving it with their wallets.

Honda's new Super-One electric hot hatch has racked up more than 7,000 preorders in about a month, far exceeding the company's expectations. Starting at roughly $21,000, the tiny electric car is showing that fun, sporty EVs don't need to cost a fortune.

The Super-One officially launched in Japan on May 22, based on Honda's compact N-ONE e but with a sportier twist. The boxy, retro design gets upgraded with a wider stance, blister fenders, and an aggressive look that turns heads despite its tiny 11-foot length.

Under the hood, the electric hot hatch delivers 63 horsepower in normal mode, but flip on the exclusive Boost Mode and output jumps to 93 horsepower. Drivers can choose from five different drive modes including ECON, CITY, NORMAL, SPORT, and BOOST, adjusting the car's personality to match their mood.

The 29.6 kWh battery provides up to 170 miles of range and charges to 80% in about 30 minutes. Honda even borrowed a page from Hyundai's performance playbook, adding a fake seven-speed transmission and Active Sound Control that mimics the sounds and feel of a classic combustion engine sports car.

Inside, drivers get a 9-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in and access to Google Maps. The Super-One is also Honda's first vehicle ever to feature a premium Bose sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer, making it clear this car is designed for enjoyment.

The Ripple Effect

The Super-One's success signals a turning point in the electric vehicle market. For years, EVs have been criticized as either boring economy cars or expensive luxury vehicles out of reach for average buyers.

Honda is proving there's a massive market for affordable electric cars that prioritize fun and driving enjoyment. After Japan, the Super-One heads to Europe, the UK, and Australia, where it will sell as the Super-N starting at under £20,000 ($27,000), significantly less than competing electric hot hatches like the $45,000 Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI.

This approach could open the door for more automakers to build accessible, exciting EVs that everyday drivers actually want.

The message is clear: electric doesn't have to mean expensive or boring, and thousands of excited customers agree.