Honda announced at a motorcycle business presentation in September 2022 that it would launch three large-class fan EVs between 2024 and 2025. Now, about a year later, rumors have emerged that this plan is being reconsidered. What kind of models will be exhibited at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 (Tokyo Motor Show)?
Scooter type will likely be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Honda's large fan EV models, whose silhouettes of scooter, naked, and cruiser-type models were unveiled in September 2022, are planned to be introduced in Japan, the U.S., and Europe by 2024-2025. This is expected to be displayed as a concept model at the Tokyo Motor Show.
However, the latest information indicates rumors of a change in plans for a large fan EV, and it is possible that a model different from the three models whose silhouettes have been shown may appear at the Tokyo Motor Show. Conceivably, it could be a scooter type, but what we are hoping for is an EV version of the futuristic NM4.
In 2021, Honda released an experimental model called Riding Assist 2.0 based on the NM4, which incorporates posture control technology based on ASIMO technology. It is capable of standing on its own without the rider's feet, allowing the rider to enjoy a natural riding experience while preventing the rider from falling off the bike.
The futuristic style of the NM4 goes well with innovative technology and is a perfect fit for Honda's new step forward in large fun EVs. I would like to see Honda come up with a new concept that combines the convenience of a scooter with a sporty ride and safety features that go one step further.
Honda Riding Assist 2.0 [HONDA] An experimental model incorporating a riding assist mechanism based on the NM4. This model is independent without relying on the side stand.
Three silhouettes of the large fan EVs that Honda announced in September 2022 were shown. It appears that these may not necessarily be the same appearance, as there have likely been changes in plans since then.
Will Honda's large fan EV use all-individual batteries?
The cornerstone of Honda's carbon neutral (CN) strategy is the EV, and its weapon of choice appears to be the all-individual battery. Honda's strength is its ability to use advanced technologies such as four-wheelers on two wheels. The all-individual battery is about half of a lithium battery. Conversely, they are about twice as capable in the same quantity.
The comments of Takeuchi, then vice president of the company, that a larger battery for a two-wheeled vehicle would be a loss of convenience and would be a good match for an all-individual battery, indicate that they are working toward its adoption.
Honda has set a goal of starting up a line in the spring of 2024 at a cost of about 43 billion yen and launching EVs with all-solid-state batteries in the late 2020s. Depending on the progress of development and lower costs due to economies of scale with 4-wheelers, the world's first all-solid battery EV motorcycle may be on the horizon.
All-individual battery laminate unveiled by Honda. The thickness can be adjusted according to specifications, such as thicker for EVs and thinner for hybrids.
After measuring performance such as charge/discharge capacity, resistance, and degradation state, and meeting quality standards, the all-individual battery cell shown in the photo is completed.
