Honda launches Micro Sized Electric Vehicle

Honda Motor Co. has come up with a micro size short distance EV commuter called the ‘Micro Commuter Prototype’. The vehicle was developed due to the need for micro sized mobility products, as articulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan.

Honda intends to use vehicles based on this prototype model and will conduct demonstration testing in Japan in 2013, to test the potential of the vehicle in different uses like short distance transportation for families with small children, home delivery services, commuting and car sharing. The Micro Commuter Concept was first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011 and is now successfully materialized into the Micro Commuter Prototype which is a car spacious enough for one adult and two children. The rear seat can however be changed to accommodate one driver and an adult passenger.  The Micro Commuter Prototype aims at accommodating much into one compact vehicle, with up to date technology which will be a huge hit among customers. The architecture of the vehicle is based on the Variable Design Platform which fits in several vehicle features into its compact space. This further allows for the battery, motor and control units to be placed under the floor and in the rear space of the car.

Other features offered by this model are a user owned tablet device. The tablet enables navigation, meter display, audio and back up camera display. The car contains solar cells attached to the roof of the vehicle through which the tablet can be charged. This is still an ongoing research by Honda using solar energy to aid in driving.

Honda is also devising ways develop the CO2 reduction effect through collaboration with Honda Smart Home System (HSHS) which has already commenced demonstrations and testing in Saitama city, Japan. This initiative of Honda is to provide an environmental friendly car by studying how the level of CO2 can be reduced through optimized high energy management, rendering it an electric vehicle and household battery.

Honda is still committed to developing many more concepts and variables of this prototype to engender and contribute reduction in environmental pollution. The ability to also accommodate many components into a compact vehicle proves a high end level of engineering. The body of the car is designed to make it a light yet sturdy vehicle which is comfortable and easy to drive. The concept of providing an environmental friendly vehicle will help in reducing pollution, by minimizing carbon footprint.

This concept will prove to be highly useful in India which is known for its high emission levels causing grave concern of the pollution levels. In the near future the need for smaller cars and simultaneously for low cost cars is imminent and indispensable. Such concept cars as Honda’s Micro Commuter Prototype will serve multi-purposes in India, including use as taxis, small-scale transport systems, for new young drivers and will even find abundant use in the many new luxurious golf courses cropping up as also at senior citizen centre facilities.