Honda has unveiled the Fastport eQuad, a compact electric delivery car
By ForGeeks If you’ve ever walked the streets of New York, Amsterdam, or any other major city, you’ve likely noticed small four-wheeled pods maneuvering in bicycle lanes. These vehicles are called e-quads – something between a bicycle and a mini-truck. They are becoming increasingly popular with delivery companies, including Amazon and UPS, because of their maneuverability and ability to bypass city traffic jams.
Now Honda has joined the trend, introducing its own version of such transportation, the Fastport eQuad.
Compactness, cargo capacity and legality on bicycle lanes
Fastport eQuad will be available in two sizes built on the same platform: a small and large version. Despite its compact dimensions (both smaller than the smallest Mini Cooper), the eQuad can carry between 145 and 295 pounds of cargo. To comply with the norms of use on bicycle paths, the vehicle is equipped with pedals and limited in speed – no more than 20 km / h.
The eQuad is equipped with pedals and is limited in speed – no more than 20 km / h.
The eQuad is powered by Honda Mobile Power Pack replaceable batteries. Each pack weighs around 10kg and can be replaced with a fresh one in seconds – similar to the Gogoro or Zeno solutions. The battery compartment is located under and behind the driver’s seat.
Management and program features
The driver’s cockpit resembles a bicycle seat: seat, pedals and windshield. There’s a display on the steering wheel panel that shows the route and driving parameters. Interestingly, Honda emphasizes in the press release that the eQuad is a “software-defined vehicle.” The company promises continuous improvements and updates throughout its life cycle, although no specific examples are given yet.
Production and unexpected origins
The American version of the Fastport eQuad will be produced at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. That’s quite a surprising twist, given that the facility was previously known for building the second-generation Acura NSX supercar, a powerful 500-horsepower car that tops out at 307 km/h.
Now, the factory’s craftsmen are going after a much slower but no less technologically advanced vehicle: the quiet and stable eQuad, designed for delivery in the modern city.
Honda is thus entering the nascent race for urban micromobility with a compact, eco-friendly and legally safe last-mile solution.
Material Honda unveils Fastport eQuad – a compact electric delivery car was first published on ITZine.ru.
