Honda begins leasing the EV-neo electric scooter

Honda has long been investigating next-generation power sources for its motorcycles with the goal of reducing exhaust emissions and reducing the effect of its products on climate change. In 1994 the CUV ES, a scooter powered by an electric motor, was developed and leased to governmental organizations. In 2004, Honda developed an electric moped prototype designed for convenient city driving and commuting, moving one step closer to a production electric bike.

At the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in 2009, two concept models were unveiled: the EV-Cub and the EVE-neo. These two electric bikes, which ran on batteries and produced zero CO₂ emissions during operation, represented a further advance over previous technologies.

Subsequently, development of the EVE-neo later continued, culminating in the leasing of a production model, the EV-neo, starting December 2010. 

A tough electric scooter designed for commercial applications, the EV-neo features an electric motor that incorporates technologies developed for the Insight hybrid vehicle, as well as a lithium-ion battery that charges rapidly, provides power effectively in cold temperatures and tolerates frequent charging and discharging over a short period of time. In Japan, the EV-neo qualifies as a first-class motor-driven cycle.

The motor of the EV-neo offers ample torque at low rpms for superb off-the-line acceleration and hill-climbing performance. The EV-neo’s design allows it to accommodate an ample amount of cargo, and its battery can be fully recharged from zero in 30 minutes (with rapid charger at a temperature of 25 °C). In addition, the EV-neo is extremely quiet during operation. These and other qualities have quickly endeared the EV-neo to delivery personnel and other workers who make frequent stops and starts.

The EV-neo also offers outstanding environmental performance. During operation, it emits no CO₂ or harmful exhaust gases like CO, HC or NOx. The EV-neo is far superior to its gasoline engine counterpart in terms of well-to-wheel efficiency, which includes the energy used to mine and transport fuels; the energy lost during generation, transmission and charging; and the energy used to power the vehicle. As a result, as compared to using a gasoline engine motorcycle in the same class, using the EV-neo results in 60 percent lower CO₂ emissions.
(When used in Japan. Does not include CO₂ emissions from vehicle manufacture and disposal.)

Honda commenced demonstration testing on the EV-neo in December 2010 in collaboration with Saitama and Kumamoto prefectures in Japan, and in July 2011 with Barcelona in Spain.

Honda is striving to put more customers in the driver's seat of environmentally responsible products like these to do its part in reducing global CO₂ emissions.