Honda EV-Cub concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Honda’s little Cub motorbike has been nothing if not successful for the Japanese company, with literally tens of millions of the fuel-efficient small-bore machines have rolling out of Honda factories all around the world. Perhaps, then, it’s time for Honda to refine the formula that turned the Cub into such a success story? And if so, what should power the next Cub?
We know that Honda is investigating electric motorcycle technology with plans to launch its first such machine before 2011, so it’s not terribly surprising to see the motorcycle manufacturer showing off an electric version of the Cub at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Details are decidedly scarce, but it appears there may be electric hub motors powering both the front and rear wheels. Honda will also be showing off solar panels that are capable of charging the batteries of the electric vehicles on display.
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[Source: Honda]
PRESS RELEASE
Honda Announces Overview of Display for the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009
September 30, 2009 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights for its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, from October 24 to November 4.
HELLO! Lineup
Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, Honda booth combines automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights to present the distinctive world of Honda mobility. Driven by dreams and passion, and with the booth concept of “Creating the never before!” Honda strived to propose attractive products that please and amaze its customers.
Honda’s automobile exhibit will present a variety of environmentally responsible approaches to mobility, including hybrid vehicles, a fuel cell electric vehicle and a battery electric vehicle. The display will also highlight models with innovative packaging and enhanced driving performance that communicate the enjoyment an automobile can provide.
With the motorcycle display, Honda proposes products which are filled with creativity and dreams and create new value to further broaden the potential of motorcycles.The motorcycles on display range from large-displacement sports bikes that offer new riding pleasure to compact commuter models powered by electricity.
Also on display are butane gas canister-powered power products, as well as a new personal mobility device which was developed based on the concept of “harmony with people.”
The special display zone named “HELLO!” (Honda Electric mobility Loop) will feature a comprehensive display of electricity-based products, including products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and products with innovative electronic technologies.
♦ Outline of the exhibition at the Honda booth
Power products on display include two that are powered by small household-use butane gas canisters: the newly developed ENEPO generator and the PIANTA tiller, which has been well received since its introduction in Japan. Also on display will be the Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist walking assist devices, which feature the cooperative control technologies developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda’s bipedal humanoid robot.