Japan Auto Show 2023: Honda SC e: electric scooter concept unveiled with swappable batteries

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Honda is working on a range of electric two-wheelers globally that will arrive in the next few years and the company previewed one such model at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show with the SC e: concept. The Honda SC e: electric scooter concept is positioned above the EM:1 electric scooter, also showcased in the production guise at the auto show, and hints at a more family-oriented offering.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 02 Nov 2023, 18:04 PM

Honda SC e concept
The Honda SC e: concept looks like a 125 cc equivalent electric scooter that could influence the future e-scooters from the manufacturer

The Honda SC e: looks like a more fleshed-out idea of an electric scooter and could be comparable to a 125 cc offering. The design language is modern yet appealing to a wider customer base with smoother lines, a contoured single-piece seat and a full-size pillion grab handle. The front apron houses the LED headlamp with the LED DRL that brings a signature element to the concept, while the 12-inch alloy wheels look nice and chunky with a perforated disc design. The turn indicators are finished in teal.

Also Read : Honda’s latest concept vehicle uses recycled acrylic resin

The SC e: concept draws power from a PMS mid-drive motor, while power will come from two Honda Mobile Power Pack e: battery packs. Each battery pack weighs 10 kg and will be placed under the seat. This leaves little room for practical under-seat storage space but will allow the flexibility to swap batteries and maximise productivity with the e-scooter. Honda does not confirm a range on the concept but it could offer a real-world range of about 100 km on a single charge. The top speed is likely to be around 70 kmph.

There’s no word on when the Honda SC e: concept will enter production. However, it will be interesting to see how much it will influence the electric scooters being designed for India. Honda 2Wheelers India has already announced its plans to introduce two electric scooters in the country by March 2024, one of which will use swappable batteries. The company is expected to bring an e-scooter for last-mile deliveries and one for private customers. The company is already setting up battery-swapping stations in India.

First Published Date: 02 Nov 2023, 18:04 PM IST

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In pics: Honda showcases hands-free personal mobility concept

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Users of the Honda UNI-ONE can steer this concept vehicle simply by shifting their body weight while sitting without using hands.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 29 Oct 2023, 17:56 PM

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Honda Motor has displayed the UNI-ONE personal mobility concept at the ongoing Japan Auto Show, Users can steer this concept vehicle simply by shifting their body weight while sitting without using hands and thus perform certain tasks while moving. It has been designed to expand opportunities for users with mobility challenges.

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One of the unique features of the Honda UNI-ONE is that it changes its height. It takes the low position for more stability while the user is getting on, and shifts to the high position once moving, so that the user will have an eye level close to that of people who are standing. 

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A Honda UNI-ONE user can move in all directions just by shifting their body weight, thus using both hands freely. The idea is that having an eye level close to that of standing people enables natural communications while moving.

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By using data such as inclination angle and angular velocity, the intension estimation controller performs calculations to estimate the user’s intentions, such as whether the user wants to stay in place, or to move toward which direction and at what speed. Based on the results of the estimate, the stabilization controller performs calculations to control the wheels so that the UNI-ONE does not lean too far and applies feedback control to achieve natural behavior that is neither too fast nor too slow.

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UNI-ONE will be in Low Position Mode while the user is getting on, and in High Position Mode while the user is moving around with the balance control. 

First Published Date: 29 Oct 2023, 17:56 PM IST

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Suzuki to focus on vehicles with biogas fuel for India, showcases WagonR CBG

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Japanese auto giant Suzuki has showcased a new WagonR at the Japan Auto Show which is powered by compressed biogas, or CBG. First showcased at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May this year, the WagonR CBG highlights the Japanese carmaker’s intention of using alternative energy, other than electricity, to power vehicles while attaining carbon neutrality by ditching petrol or diesel. Toshihiro Suzuki, CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, highlighted the usefulness of cow manures to produce biogas as alternative fuel. He said India could play a key role in making Compressed Biogas mainstream.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 27 Oct 2023, 16:20 PM

Suzuki WagonR CBG
Suzuki WagonR powered by compressed biogas, or CBG, for India is displayed at the Japan Auto Show on October 26, in Tokyo. (AP)

Compressed Biogas (CBG) is made from decomposed organic waste like agricultural items, cow manure and even. The decomposed waste is refined through a process to reduce carbon dioxide and increase the methane content in the fuel. The process is somewhat similar to the way Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is made. The difference is that for CNG, the source of the fuel is natural gas.

During his speech at the Japan Auto Show this week, Toshihiro Suzuki said massive amount of cow manure is potentially a gold mine to generate Compressed Biogas. He said, “It is said that there are about 300 million cows in India. Do you all know? One day’s worth of cow dung from 10 cows is enough fuel to power one car for one day. From this basic point of view, we have developed the WagonR that runs on purified biogas.”

Suzuki also said that to achieve true carbon neutrality, the auto industry should look beyond electric vehicles and venture into alternative fuel like CNG and CBG. Suzuki’s plans to use CBG as alternative fuel for its vehicles is not new. The carmaker had earlier signed a deal with Banas Dairy and the National Dairy Development Board to setup a biogas production plant in Gujarat. In the next three years, Suzuki aims to set up around four biogas facilities at an investment of up to ₹230 crore.

The CBG version of the WagonR hatchback is unlikely to hit Indian shores anytime soon. Maruti Suzuki sells the CNG version of the hatchback besides the regular petrol version. There are also talks of an electric avatar of the boxy WagonR in near future.

First Published Date: 27 Oct 2023, 16:20 PM IST

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