Carmakers from Europe and Japan seem to be pushing for the development of diminutive city cars powered by batteries for one or two adult passengers. Renault essentially ignited the trend with the launch of its quirky looking Twizy, which in all fairness, is more quadricycle than car.
Honda wants some piece of the action with the introduction of the new Micro Commuter Prototype that is loosely based on last year’s concept of the same name displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The micro-sized four-wheel model measures just 2,500mm (98.4-in.) long, 1,250mm (49.2-in.) wide and 1,445mm (56.9-in.) tall and can fit an adult driver plus two children, or alternatively if the rear seat is changed, one adult passenger.
The Micro Commuter Prototype’s electric powertrain components such as the 15kW lithium-ion battery, motor and control unit are all placed under the floor and in the rear space.
Honda says the battery can be charged in less than 3 hours, in which case, it offers a maximum driving range of around 60km or 37 miles, and a top speed of up to 80km/h or 50mph.
Other features highlighted by the Japanese company include the use of the owner’s tablet device for the application of functions such as meter display, navigation, audio and back-up camera display, as well as the ability to charge the battery of the tablet using solar cells mounted on the micro car’s roof.
Honda said that it has designed the Micro Commuter Prototype to conform to regulations for both Japan and Europe’s L7 category.
The automaker will begin trial runs of prototypes in Japan in 2013, with the intent to present a production version in the near future.
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