Japan Mobility Show 2025: Honda Unveils Super-N Prototype Compact EV for Global Markets

Honda has revealed the Super-N Prototype at the Japan Mobility Show, a compact electric vehicle set to launch in Japan from 2026, followed by Great Britain and select Asian markets. The prototype, built on the lightest platform from Honda's N Series kei car range, was previously exhibited as the Super EV Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.

The vehicle features a wide stance, blister bumpers, and aero ducts on the exterior, whilst the interior includes blue-accented asymmetrical seats and a horizontal instrument panel. A unique Boost Mode increases vehicle output whilst simulating multi-gear shifts with Active Sound Control, combined with interior displays and lighting sequences.

Also Read: Honda 0 Alpha EV Confirmed for India 

Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, stated the Super-N Prototype offers "a great entry point to Honda EV ownership" when it arrives in the British market next year. The model builds on the excitement generated by the concept shown at Goodwood during summer.

Honda has no immediate plans to introduce the Super-N Prototype to other European markets beyond Great Britain. The success of this model will help Honda understand consumer appetite for small EVs within the region.

The production version is expected to launch in Japan starting 2026, followed by markets with strong demand for compact EVs, including various Asian countries and the United Kingdom. The vehicle will be named Super-ONE in Japan and Asia-Oceania region, whilst retaining the Super-N name in the UK. 

Honda has not confirmed plans to launch the Super-N in India. The Japanese manufacturer is focusing on the premium 0 Series SUV for the Indian market, scheduled for launch in 2027. 

The Super-N faces challenges for India introduction. Expected UK pricing under £30,000 (approximately ₹32 lakh) positions it above budget EVs like the Tata Tiago EV, priced between ₹7.99-11.14 lakh. The N-One e on which the Super-N is based offers around 269 km range from a 29.6 kWh battery, comparable to the Tiago EV's 223-315 km range. 

The compact kei car-derived platform may not suit India's preference for practical family vehicles. Analysts note two-door configurations have historically struggled in India, where 71% travel alone or with one passenger, yet families prefer four-door practicality. The narrow cabin dimensions from kei car origins could limit appeal despite space-efficient design. 

India's compact EV segment is growing, with models under ₹15 lakh expected to account for 35% of new electric vehicle sales by 2026. Competitors include the Tata Tiago EV, Maruti eWX, MG Comet Plus, and Hyundai Casper EV, all targeting 280-350 km range at ₹8-15 lakh pricing. The Super-N's likely premium positioning may limit competitiveness against these locally-manufactured alternatives. 

Honda's electrification strategy for India prioritises hybrid technology alongside EVs. The company aims for 40% EVs and fuel cell electric vehicles globally by 2030, though this target has been revised downward from the original 30% EV-only goal. For India, Honda emphasises local manufacturing through the ACE (Asian Compact Electric) project, with 50-70% production earmarked for export. 

The Super-N represents Honda's return to small electric vehicles following the discontinued Honda e. Whilst various Asian countries feature in launch plans, India appears focused on larger SUV offerings and locally-developed platforms rather than kei car-derived imports.