Honda launches electric scooter

Honda is introducing its new EV-neo electric scooter in Europe. The scooter was launched with a demonstration and short test ride at Honda’s innovative Safety Centre, based at the Montesa Honda factory in Barcelona, Spain. Initially introduced as a concept model at the 2009 Tokyo Motorshow, the EV-neo attracted interest and lease sales of the model started in Japan in April 2011. The scooter is primarily aimed at use by delivery services. However, the EV-neo can also provide for recreational use as well as
April 17, 2012 Read time: 3 mins
1683 Honda is introducing its new EV-neo electric scooter in Europe. The scooter was launched with a demonstration and short test ride at Honda’s innovative Safety Centre, based at the Montesa Honda factory in Barcelona, Spain. Initially introduced as a concept model at the 2009 Tokyo Motorshow, the EV-neo attracted interest and lease sales of the model started in Japan in April 2011.

The scooter is primarily aimed at use by delivery services. However, the EV-neo can also provide for recreational use as well as have the durability necessary for business use. Initial feedback suggests that users appreciate its low noise, emission free clean exhaust and quick charge system. Honda Japan is expecting to sell approximately 1,000 EV-neos in the first year.

The EV-neo is also being used in Honda Electric Vehicle Testing Programmes in Kumamoto and Saitama prefectures in Japan. These testing programmes, which include motorcycles, automobile and power equipment products based on electromotive technologies, will help to test future forms of personal mobility and their potential in CO2 reduction, as part of Honda’s ‘Road to Zero Emissions’ commitment for machines while in use.

In the Kumamoto Programme, EV-neo scooters are rented to residents and tourists to provide feedback on their use and benefits and in Saitama they are leased to delivery companies. A trial demonstration and evaluation programme in conjunction with 4969 Barcelona City Council will further get underway from the beginning of July 2011, which will see 18 EV-neos in use around the city for a period of one year. This also represents a significant step in Honda’s European electric vehicle trial and development programme and Montesa Honda, Barcelona City Council and 4970 RACC - Spain's leading Automobile Club - will work together to carry out daily research and monitoring activities on the EV-neo’s usage in Barcelona.

The EV-neo battery electric scooter operates using a 2.8kw motor and Lithium-ion battery and has a range of 34km at 30km/h on level ground. On top of its excellent environmental performance - zero emissions in use, in particular CO2 - the EV-neo uses a motor that even with cargo loaded, generates high torque in the low-speed range to achieve a powerful start and hill-climbing performance. This in-house manufactured motor adopts the Insight technology from Honda's leading hybrid automobile, and an exclusively developed quick charger enabling full recharge in 30 minutes in an optimum 25°C environment.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Delivery Mates cleans up with Laundryheap e-cargo bikes
    October 5, 2023
    On-demand laundry service plans to expand using Bike as a Service firm's hubs
    Read More
  • Electric motor market expected to flourish in the next decade
    September 19, 2012
    Developments in the electric vehicle market are expected to boost growth in the electric motor market according to consulting and research organisations IDTechEX and Frost & Sullivan. As electric vehicles head towards mass production, the model of electric motor supply also requires changes in the future. In its 2012 market forecast with a ten year horizon, IDTechEX, a consulting and research organisation, argues that: “Any motor manufacturer without a compelling line up of electric vehicles by 2025 is sign
    Read More
  • Japan to develop 3-D maps for self-driving cars in time for Tokyo Olympics
    September 13, 2016
    A joint venture in Japan will begin creating high-definition 3-D maps for self-driving cars in September as part of a government effort to have such vehicles on the road by 2020, when the Tokyo Summer Olympics will be held, reports Nikkei. Mitsubishi Electric company Dynamic Map Planning, mapmaker Zenrin and nine Japanese auto makers will begin creating high definition 3D maps for self-driving cars, digitally charting the country's key expressways by driving a vehicle loaded with special surveying equipm
    Read More
  • First pan-London Car Club Action Plan launched
    May 21, 2015
    Around 85 per cent of UK car club members already based in London New plan will help reach new joint target of one million London car club members by 2025 Future growth of car clubs will help improve London’s air quality and reduce congestion in the Capital A new ‘strategy for car clubs’ in London has been launched today (21 May), to encourage residents and businesses across the capital to sign up to car club schemes as an alternative to direct car ownership. The new action plan, jointly developed b
    Read More

Highlighted Content