Is the new NSX electric?
Not entirely. The latest Acura NSX is a hybrid, pairing a gasoline V6 with multiple electric motors. It is not a fully electric vehicle and does not offer a plug-in charging option on current models.
How the NSX's hybrid system works
The NSX uses a performance-focused hybrid drivetrain that blends internal combustion power with electric torque. Here are the core components and how they interact:
- A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine powering the rear wheels
- Three electric motors: two positioned at the front axle and one on the rear axle
- A lithium-ion battery pack that stores energy for the electric motors
- A 9-speed dual-clutch transmission integrated with the V6 drivetrain
- SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system that dynamically distributes power for grip and cornering
In practice, the system delivers instant electric torque at launch and high-speed acceleration while the gasoline engine provides sustained power for long-distance driving. The motors also support torque vectoring and enhanced handling characteristics that are central to the NSX's performance profile.
Does it plug in or charge via external charging?
No. The NSX relies on a self-charging hybrid setup. Its battery is charged by the engine and through regenerative braking; there is no external charging port on the current models.
Current NSX lineup and performance figures
As of the early- to mid-2020s, Acura's NSX lineup centers on the original hybrid model and the higher-performance NSX Type S. Both variants use the same hybrid architecture but differ in power output and tuning.
- Standard NSX: a hybrid system delivering about 570+ horsepower, with a focus on balanced performance and everyday usability
- NSX Type S (introduced in 2022): higher output, typically cited as around 600+ horsepower, with aero and chassis refinements for sharper handling
- drivetrain and transmission: 9-speed dual-clutch automatic with SH-AWD for all-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph timing and track-oriented dynamics vary by model year and conditions, but the Type S aims for brisk, competition-level performance
These figures can vary by model year and configuration. The Type S represents the apex of the NSX hybrid's performance, offering more power and refined dynamics while staying true to a non-plug-in hybrid approach.
What this means for Acura's electrification strategy
ACURA has signaled a broader push toward electrification across its lineup, including plans for all-electric and hybrid models in the coming years. However, the NSX remains a hybrid-focused, performance-oriented car rather than a fully electric one. Prospective buyers seeking an all-electric Acura or NSX-style experience will need to look to future models or other segments within the brand’s broader electrification roadmap.
Summary
The new NSX is not electric. It remains a high-performance hybrid that combines a turbocharged V6 with multiple electric motors, delivering rapid acceleration and sophisticated handling without a plug-in charging requirement. Acura continues to push electrification across its range, but the NSX itself stays hybrid for now, preserving its distinctive gasoline-driven performance while integrating modern electric assist.
