The Honda, just before the official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, revealed to the public the MC-B, a two-seater prototype with plastic body and what the manufacturer describes as pipe frame chassis that supports that is lightweight and rugged.
The MC-b is a means of travel short distances, electricity and tiny. To move the original, arrange a motor with a maximum return of 15 horsepower powered by a lithium-ion battery. The maximum speed of MC-B is 70km/h while the autonomy reaches 80km. When the battery is exhausted, can be fully charged in less than 3 hours using a 200V outlet and in less than seven hours with plug 100V.
Later in November, the MC-b will start presenting a multitude of tests to “explore desired patterns and the need for micro-sized products as part of a social system that will help the design within the city, and address issues related to moving people in each community.”
Honda Unveils MC-β , New Micro-sized EV
- Field tests will begin in Kumamoto, Saitama and Miyakojima -
TOKYO, Japan, November 19, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled the MC-β, a new micro-sized short-distance EV commuter developed in consideration of the vehicle categories for micro-sized mobility products that are currently being discussed under the initiative of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan as well as the L7* category in Europe.
Honda will provide the MC-β for separate field tests started this month, jointly conducted with Kumamoto Prefecture, Saitama City, and Miyakojima City in Japan. In these field tests, Honda and each partner will explore desirable usage patterns and needs for micro-sized mobility products as a part of a social system that will help promote city planning and address issues related to transportation of people in each community.
•Key features of MC-β
- In the pursuit of Honda's philosophy for automobile design that puts the first priority on space for people, the MC-β provides cabin space that fits two adults comfortably as well as utility space inside the micro-sized body through adoption of an "offset seat layout."
- The micro-sized body, which is approximately 90 cm shorter than the body of a typical mini-vehicle, realized a minimum turning radius as short as 3.3 m to achieve outstanding ease-of-handling. Moreover, the MC-β features nimble driving performance unique to Honda EVs, offering a comfortable drive in a wide range of road conditions.
- The pipe frame body, which represents the application of motorcycle technology, realized a lightweight and yet rigid body.
- The use of a plastic outer panel made possible a bold exterior design, embodying a friendly design loved by people.
- An AC100V/AC200V charging system was adopted to shorten the charging time. The MC-β can be charged by using a conventional, public EV charging stand.
The MC-β is scheduled to be exhibited at SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013.
Honda will continue to proactively propose next-generation mobility products which expand the joy of mobility while minimizing environmental footprint, and match city plans for each community.
