Honda Debuts EV-neo Electric Scooter Prototype

Japanese manufacturer Honda unveiled yesterday the latest prototype of the EV-neo electric scooter and announced plans to begin lease sales in Japan in December 2010 to businesses and business owners who provide mainly delivery services. The vehicle was first shown this past October as a concept model at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Honda, however, states the mass market model of the vehicle is still in development. Powered by a lithium-ion battery manufactured by Toshiba and a brushless motor, the Honda EV-neo electric scooter is extremely environmental friendly, with zero CO2 emissions when in use.

The battery is rechargeable using a household power source, and Honda claims its performances can be compared to that of conventional internal combustion 50cc scooter.

“Under the key words of “quiet and clean” Honda held the world premier exhibition of the EV-neo concept model (under the name EVE-neo) at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in 2009 as one of Honda’s new-generation personal mobility products which will contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society while transporting people and cargo. The mass-market model of EV-neo is currently under development,” a company statement reads.

Key specifications of the EV-neo prototype are listed below:

• Dimensions (L×W×H): 1,820×693×1,066 (mm)
• Range: Over 30km (at 30km/h on a flat road) per charge
• Battery type/make: Lithium-ion battery manufactured by Toshiba
• Charge performance: charged in approximately 4 hours (100V power source)