2011 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda Reveals Electric Car Concepts

Honda is really covering all the bases with its latest concepts, due at the Tokyo Motor Show in just a few weeks time.

From a city cars and sports cars to an electric mobility scooter the seven vehicles will appeal to totally different people, but all share a common theme: electric power.

Honda also says the concepts have been designed with the mantra, "what makes people feel good?". That probably applies to some of the vehicles more than others...

Automobiles

AC-X concept

Looking suspiciously like an updated version of the FC-X Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle that's been around for several years, the AC-X instead uses plug-in hybrid technology and is more likely to see series production as a result. The car has an "engine drive mode" for more aggressive driving and an "automatic drive mode" for relaxed driving. As a plug-in hybrid, we'd expect a full EV mode too, unlike Honda's current series hybrids.

Micro Commuter Concept

Yesterday we mentioned that the Suzuki Q looked very much like an interpretation of the Renault Twizy, and the same applies here. Honda's Micro Commuter Concept is more aggressively styled than either the Q or the Twizy but continues the same theme of personal mobility and customizing. A Honda Motor Compo (see next page) can actually be loaded into the trunk.

Small Sports EV Concept

Not a snappy name, and Honda hasn't revealed many details either - only that it's designed to "maximize driving fun while achieving excellent environmental performance". It reminds us a little of the 2008 Honda Open Study Concept, with the benefits of smooth, clean EV running.