Honda has developed, a short range ‘Micro Commuter’ electric vehicle to be used by Japanese confectionary maker, Toshimaya. The car is a joint development with Kabuku Inc., and is based on an open innovation model which incorporates the idea of variable design platform.
The vehicle uses a chassis constructed from Honda’s rigid but lightweight pipe frame structure, and 3D printing techniques have been used to create the exterior panels and luggage space. This electric car tip the scales at only 600kg.
The Micro Commuter is powered by Honda’s Micro EV technology, designed for short-range trips up to approximately 80 km and is used on the MC- β ultra compact EV in Japan. The electric motor produces a maximum output of 15hp with a top speed of 70 km/h. The battery can be charged under 3 hours using an AC200V or less than 7 hours using an AC100V.
Measuring at 2495mm long, 1280mm wide and 1545mm tall, this unique car provides ample space for a driver only and a generous amount of space to carry deliveries of sweet treats. It will conduct local deliveries of Toshiyama’s most famous product, a dove shaped shortbread called ‘Hato sablé’’.