Honda to sell electric scooters this year

According to a report in Japanese newspaper Nikkei,

Why the Honda EV-Cub and not a generic scooter with a couple of batteries thrown under the seat? For one, the price. ¥500,000 is nearly equivalent to a new VTR250, meaning that any product with 50cc equivalent performance will need to be a premium luxury good and not just basic transportation.

For another, the historic significance of the product. 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of Honda, the first product of which was, of course, the Cub. Ushering in a new era of electric transportation is a huge milestone for a company with a strong grasp of its own history. Launching the future with a product referencing its beginning carries a symmetry that won't be lost on the company's executives or marketers.

A retro step-through with futuristic styling could also be the perfect fit for Honda's first electric. With only limited performance possible with current technology, an electric bike that looked like something faster could run the risk of disappointing consumers. The Cub carries very little performance baggage both in the form of expectations of speed, but also in image; you'd be hard pressed to find anyone too intimidated to swing a leg over one. The Cub is friendly, electricity is friendly et voilà.

There's no escaping that the concept shown here isn't just styled like a Phillippe Starck sex toy, but also that it appears to be two-wheel drive. Don't expect to see that on a production bike due to cost, even if the two motors two create a pleasing visual symmetry.

via ElectroVelocity

Thanks for the tip, Will.

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