Honda will begin lease sales of the Honda EV-neo electric scooter to select customers in Japan on December 24, 2010.
Honda plans to deliver at least 100 electric scooters by March 2011 and up to 1,000 by the end of 2011.
The Honda EV-neo is an electric scooter developed for businesses such as transport of heavy goods or delivery services and which delivers a clean and quiet ride without compromising powerfulness. The vehicle qualifies as a first-class motor-driven cycle in Japan, for engine displacements of 50cc or less.
The electric scooter is powered by a 72V/12.6Ah lithium ion battery and can be loaded with up to 30 kg of cargo.
The EV-neo offers up to 34km of range (based on a riding test at a constant speed of 30 km/h on a level surface) from its Toshiba SCiB lithium-ion battery pack.
Pricing for the base model starts at 454,650 yen (about $5,400 U.S.), while the EV-neo PRO, which comes with a rear carrier and front basket racket, rests at 459,900 yen (about $5,460). A standard battery charger adds 20,000 yen (about $240) to the base price, while a quick-charger will cost 120,000 yen (about $1,425).
Honda claims it takes just 30 minutes for a full recharge with the quick charger, designed exclusively for the EV-neo and using a 200-volt power source. With a portable standard charger, stored under the seat, it takes 3.5 hours to fully charge from a 100V outlet.
