Honda to Show Hybrid and Battery-Electric Vehicle Concepts at Tokyo Motor Show; CR-Z Concept 2009
30 September 2009
| The CR-Z Concept 2009. Click to enlarge. |
Honda will reveal the CR-Z Concept 2009, the most recent prototype of a compact sports car using Honda’s IMA technology, at October’s Tokyo Motor Show. Honda introduced the first version of the CR-Z concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. When the production version goes on sale in 2010, it will be the first series-production sports hybrid car from a major OEM, and the first gasoline-electric vehicle to employ a 6-speed manual transmission.
Honda will also reveal two more concepts at the show. The EV-N is a small, 4-seater battery electric vehicle, inspired by the N360, Honda’s 360cc micro car launched in the 1960s. It features solar panels in the roof, which could be used to help to charge the on-board battery. The EV-N is purely a design study and there are no plans for production.
| The EV-N. Click to enlarge. |
The show will also mark the debut of the Skydeck concept, a 6-seater hybrid MPV. This is still a design study, but Honda is positioning it as an example of how the IMA technology can be placed in a range of different cars for different needs.
To give the Skydeck the practicality of a conventional MPV, many of the hybrid system components—including the high power battery—are housed in the car’s center tunnel (rather than behind the rear seats or under the floor, as with previous production hybrids). This allows for greater cabin space, and the room for three rows of two seats. It also gives a lower center of gravity.
| The SKYDECK. Click to enlarge. |
A special display zone named “HELLO!” (for Honda Electric mobility Loop) will feature a display of electricity-based products, including products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and products with innovative electronic technologies. As well as the EV-N, this area will display FCX CLARITY, a fuel cell electric vehicle that runs on the electricity it produces from hydrogen; a new EV-Cub electric motorcycle; the new U3-X, a one wheel personal mobility device that uses balance control technology developed through the ASIMO robot project (earlier post); and LOOP, a portable communication tool that allows people and mobility devices to communicate with each other.
| The EVE-neo. Click to enlarge. |
Honda’s motorcycle display will share the same stand area as four-wheeler, with features from larger-displacement sports bikes to compact commuter models powered by electricity. Advanced models that address environmental elements include the PCX, an idle stop function-equipped global scooter; and the EVE-neo, an electric scooter. The new Dual Clutch Transmission technology for larger-displacement and sportier bikes will also be showcased. (Earlier post.)
Crazy, CR-Z.
By putting solar cells on a vehicle roof, Honda is promoting false views about solar energy. The power derived from such a set up would not move the vehicle five miles a day. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 30 September 2009 at 11:50 AM
The EV-N pictured looks a bit like the Honda 600 made in the 70s, they have come a long way since then.
Posted by: SJC | 01 October 2009 at 09:40 AM
HG:
Could a expandable e-cell roof (extend the roof area from 2 to 8 M2) while parked? If so, using 30% efficient PV could recharge a fair size battery while at work. It may even keep the car interior cooler. Buses, truck trailers, mobile units etc with much larger roofs could even to much better. A fully independent sun powered vehicle (and airplane) may be a possibility in another 100 years or so if we can capture 50% + of the sun energy and store it in a very small light weight e-storage unit.
Posted by: HarveyD | 01 October 2009 at 02:25 PM
@ Henry Gibson
False views about solar energy? Such as: it's free and renewable? Hmmmmm....
Also, even if they only provide the energy to move the vehicle five miles a day, that's >18000 miles over the vehicle's lifetime. That's nothing to scoff at.
Besides the Zebra battery and/or a Capstone microturbine, what do you propose which is better than photovoltaic?
Posted by: Multi-Modal Commuter Dude (formerly known as Bike Commuter Dude) | 01 October 2009 at 09:32 PM
This is one area where Honda can beat Toyota. If they offer EVs and PHEVs to test the market, they can gain a foot hold in an area that could have good growth. There is a lot of upside and very little downside here.
Posted by: SJC | 02 October 2009 at 08:14 AM
Agree with you SJC.
Toyota may regret staying on the side line too long with regards to future PHEVs and BEVs.
BEVs and e-books may be the two world changing technologies for the next decade or two.
I'm waiting to buy my first inter-ative e-book with audio and visual capabilities. It would feel so good to get rid of the huge morning newspaper and have access to selective information almost everywhere.
Posted by: HarveyD | 02 October 2009 at 03:58 PM
1. "Toyota may regret staying on the side line too long"
2. " ... Honda can beat Toyota. .. they can gain a foot hold ....
Each of these concepts invalidates the other.
1. The Prius (10 years on the market) does not prevent Honda or Nissan (Leaf) from jumping into the lead.
2. If Honda or Nissan or Tesla or Fisker or GM (Volt) DO jump into the some kind of lead, it does not prevent Toyota or another from jumping back to the front or at least back into the mainstream.
This type of thinking leads to all this "killing the electric car" and "MiMH battery patents" insanity.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 04 October 2009 at 04:09 AM
Even though it is "purely a design study" they still only claim that the panels "COULD" be used to help to charge the on-board battery. They know it's a gimmick and want to avoid ridicule.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 04 October 2009 at 04:15 AM