Honda’s Cutest EV Also Has Simulated Gear Shifting

Honda may have given up on its own self-developed EVs for North America, but that doesn’t mean it's down for the count everywhere else. 

Meet the Honda Super-N. We’ve seen it in preproduction prototype form, and barely camouflaged, running around the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now it’s been revealed. This car is headed to “select global markets,” starting with the UK. Oh, and it shouldn’t break the bank. Honda says that it’ll start under £20,000, or around $26,900 according to current exchange rates.

Mechanically, the Honda Super-N started life as the Honda N-One kei car. From there, Honda has converted it to electric power, while widening the N-One’s narrow body. The Super-N’s output is only 63 horsepower, but its boost mode increases that to 94 horsepower on demand. Honda hasn’t said much about official 0-60 times or top speed yet.

To make it sharper to drive, the Super-N has simulated shifting and artificial combustion noises. I’ve tried a prototype version of this system in Japan; it’s remarkably convincing and definitely adds charm to the EV experience. It’s not clear if Honda’s greatest-hits style selectable engine sounds will be available here, though.

The Super-N is rated for 128 miles of range (combined) from the WLTP cycle. If the Super-N were to ever come to the U.S., I’d expect that to be closer to 100 miles. Honda hasn’t confirmed the battery size, although older prototype drives do suggest that a 29 kWh battery is under the floor.