Is the Acura NSX electric?
No. The Acura NSX is not electric. It is a hybrid that pairs a gasoline engine with electric motors, and it does not offer a dedicated all-electric drive or external charging option.
The NSX relies on a sophisticated hybrid system to deliver performance, combining a turbocharged gasoline engine with multiple electric motors to drive all wheels and manage torque. This setup emphasizes speed and handling while still using gasoline for the primary power source.
Powertrain overview
The core of the NSX is a mid-mounted 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with three electric motors. Two front-mounted electric motors provide independent wheel drive and enhanced torque vectoring at the front axle, while a third motor at the rear assists the transmission and rear wheels. A compact lithium‑ion battery stores energy for the electric motors, and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission coordinates the power delivery. The combination yields high performance and precise handling, with electric assist supporting the gasoline engine rather than replacing it.
Key components of the NSX's hybrid setup include:
- 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine
- Three electric motors: two at the front axle and one at the rear connected to the drivetrain
- About a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) for traction and torque vectoring
- 9-speed dual-clutch transmission
In practice, the NSX blends gasoline power with electric propulsion to deliver high performance and agile handling, but it remains a hybrid rather than a pure electric car.
How the hybrid system operates
The electric motors on the NSX are designed to support the gasoline engine by providing instant torque at low speeds, enabling torque vectoring at the front axle, and assisting the rear wheels through the transmission. The system is managed by the vehicle's control software to optimize performance, efficiency, and all-wheel-drive stability. Importantly, the car is not designed to run on electric power alone for meaningful ranges; the gasoline engine is central to propulsion, especially at higher speeds or over longer distances.
Plug-in capability and electric range
There is no external charging port on production NSX models, so it cannot be plugged in to charge. The battery is charged through the vehicle's electrical system and regenerative braking, and electric propulsion serves to augment the gasoline engine rather than to power the car independently for extended distances. As a result, there is effectively no all-electric driving range, and the NSX is not marketed as a plug-in hybrid or a full electric vehicle.
Performance and power figures
Across its variants, the NSX delivers roughly 570 to 600 horsepower when the hybrid system is engaged. The standard NSX and the higher-performance Type S achieve these figures with the help of the electric motors in addition to the turbocharged V6, contributing to brisk acceleration and strong on-road capability. Exact numbers vary by model year and configuration.
Bottom line for buyers
If your priority is a fully electric sports car, the NSX is not the right fit. If you want a high-performance hybrid that blends gasoline power with electric assist, the NSX offers that combination with all-wheel drive and advanced torque vectoring. It also means refueling is typically done with gasoline, while the electric portion supports performance and handling rather than providing long-range electric driving.
Summary
The Acura NSX represents a hybrid approach to performance rather than a battery-electric vehicle. It uses a gasoline V6 with three electric motors and a compact battery to deliver power and advanced handling, but it does not operate as an electric-only car and cannot be charged from an external outlet. For buyers seeking a fully electric Acura, options exist in other model lines or future releases, but the NSX remains a high-performance hybrid as of 2025.
Is the Acura NSX a hybrid?
Yes, the second-generation Acura NSX (introduced in 2016) is a hybrid sports car. It combines a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with three electric motors to achieve high performance.
You can watch this video to learn more about the second-generation Acura NSX: 56sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Mar 25, 2025
- Powertrain: The hybrid system pairs a mid-mounted 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors.
- Performance: This combination produces a total of 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque.
- All-wheel drive: The system uses electric motors on the front wheels to provide torque vectoring, which helps with handling and all-wheel drive capabilities.
This video explains how the hybrid system works in the Acura NSX: 59sNothin’ But Car ReviewsYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Is the Acura NSX gas or electric?
Power comes from a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain that features two electric motors driving the front wheels, plus a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine and an additional electric motor powering the rear wheels. Total output is 600 horsepower.
Does Acura have a fully electric car?
Yes, Acura now has an electric car, the Acura ZDX, which was released in 2024. This all-electric performance SUV is the brand's first fully electric vehicle and is available in various trims, offering features like a long driving range and advanced technology. Acura has plans for more electric vehicles, with a new electric SUV, the Acura RSX, also scheduled for production in late 2025.
- Acura ZDX: The 2024 Acura ZDX is Acura's first all-electric vehicle, a performance SUV with an estimated range of up to 313 miles on a single charge.
- Features: The ZDX includes advanced technology, premium amenities, and a quiet, low-maintenance electric powertrain. It also offers flexible charging options, including at home, work, or on the road.
- Future models: The 2026 Acura RSX EV is planned as the next all-electric SUV, with production expected to begin at Honda's new EV hub in late 2025.
Is the Honda NSX electric?
The second-generation Honda NSX (marketed as the Acura NSX in North America, China and Kuwait) is a two-seater sports car which was developed and manufactured by Honda. It is a two-door coupe with a rear mid-engine, all-wheel-drive layout and a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain.
