Honda CEO: electric vehicles are a 'core technology'

The production version of Honda's hydrogen-powered FCEV concept remains on target for release in Japan by March 2016, and it's going to be followed by at least two more vehicles that have some form of electric powertrain. Probably more than two, but we can't be more specific than that. This is what we learned today from a speech by the new president and CEO of Honda Motor Company, Takahiro Hachigo.

Speaking about the two main themes he sees for the future of the automaker (the six-region global operation structure and "continuous development of challenging products unique to Honda"), Hachigo once again confirmed an on-sale date for the production version of the FCEV concept that Honda has been trotting out at auto shows for a few years now as happening, "before the end of the current fiscal year" which ends March 31, 2016.

He also said something broader about the company's vision for electric cars: "As the next-generation of mobility products, Honda will evolve products that use electricity as a core technology," he said. While we don't yet know what the electric vehicle products are, Hachigo's statements echo those of Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of American Honda, from when the FCEV concept was unveiled: "The Honda FCEV Concept not only sets our direction for our next generation fuel-cell vehicle in 2015, but for future improvements in electric drive technology." Honda previously promised new all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2018, and today's comments signal that that plan is still in place. Things may change though, since Honda's original release date for the FCEV was 2015.

Honda works updated Micro Commuter, FCX Clarity into 'Smart Mobility' exhibit

Honda plans to show how its super-small electric vehicle prototype fits into the bigger picture. The Japanese automaker is collaborating with electronics giant Toshiba and home-builder Sekisui House in their Smart Mobility City joint exhibit at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show starting later this month. Themed "Being Smarter! Being Freer!", the companies will show off their truly utopian vision of neighborhoods with a "stable supply of renewable energy through the utilization of batteries and management of EV recharging."

As far as the rubber hitting the road, Honda will include one of its FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as well as its updated electric Micro Commuter: the MC-β. Both the revised mini car and an autonomous version of the original will be part of a test-drive/demonstration event.

The Micro Commuter was first introduced to us last year and features a 1+1 tandem setup like the Renault Twizy – though with it's swappable rear seat, it can instead accommodate two children behind the driver. It's said to include a 15-kilowatt motor powered by a lithium-ion battery that can provide a 60-km (37-mile) single-charge range and a top speed of 80 km/h (50 miles per hour). The car's about 98 inches long, or about eight inches shorter than a Smart ForTwo. As of this summer, Honda was reportedly about to begin testing prototypes. The company unveiled a previous version of the MC at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. For more details on the joint exhibition, check out Honda's press release below.

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News Source: Honda