Honda EV-neo Electric Scooter Under Lease in Japan

Japanese motorcycle brand Honda will start leasing 100 units of the EV-neo electric scooters in its domestic market starting December 24, 2010, as part of a government-backed project. Designed as urban delivery vehicles, the scooters are seen by Japan’s Ministry of Environment “as technology development projects for global warming courtermeasures.”

There have already been 10 EV-neo prototypes monitored since October 2010, while the 100 units are expected to roll out through April 2011. They will become available to purchase by August 2011, and Honda targets 1000 annual sales for the new model.

Specifically, pricing for the base model has been set at 454,650 yen (about $5,400), while the EV-neo PRO, which comes with a rear carrier and front basket racket, rests at 459,900 yen (about $5,460). A standard battery charger adds 20,000 yen (about $240) to the base price, while a quick-charger will cost 120,000 yen (about $1,425).

As for the quick-charging system, Honda claims it takes just 30 minutes for a full recharge via a  200-volt power source, while a portable standard charger, stored underseat, takes 3.5 hours to fully charge from a 100V outlet.

Performance wise, the brushless AC motor comprises 72-volt batteries power that develop 8.1 lb-ft (11 Nm) at 2000 rpm. According to the manufacturer, its performances can be compared to that of a conventional internal combustion 50cc scooter.

The EV-neo scooter is capable of running 34 km (21 miles) on a steady 30 km/h (18.6 mph) pace on a level road. The vehicle also benefits form a pedestrian alert system that produces an audible sound when traveling at less than 28 km/h (17 mph), complying with a Japanese government requirement for EV and hybrid vehicles that “a warning must be sounded to alert pedestrians and others nearby of an approaching vehicle.”