Japanese carmaker Honda will start testing the Micro Commuter Prototype β electric vehicle (EV) in collaboration with the Japan's City of Saitama during fall 2013.
Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) had earlier approved a proposal from Saitama City council on 28 June, 2013, to promote the use of micro-sized mobility vehicles.
The trial would enable Honda and the City of Saitama to study usage patterns and the requirement for micro-sized mobility products as part of a social system, in a bid to address various transportation-related issues, mainly in urban areas.
The joint trial will also allow determining the suitability of the two-seater commuter for families, senior citizens, car-sharing programs and commercial deployments.
Riding on the Variable Design Platform, the Micro Commuter is equipped with the battery, motor and control unit under the floor to boost interior space.
According to the Japanese carmaker, the platform facilitated development and production of different body and interior types that accommodate various uses and requirements of customer compared to existing vehicles.
Honda has also collaborated with the ongoing E-KIZUNA Project, which involves trialling Honda Smart Home System (HSHS) and study the value of a micro-sized EV as a household battery.