CONCEPTCAR: Honda's sporty EV preview
- Hmm... what exactly is this concept car?
It's the EV-STER, a small sports car concept from Honda that will be on display at the Tokyo motor show starting this weekend.
Over the years, Honda has promised to make sports car that are environment-friendly. One already made is today's hybrid-powered CR-Z, and now Honda is proposing an all-electric roadster with a mid-engine/rear-wheel-drive layout.
- Sounds like a modern replacement for the Beat...
You could say so, because the EV-STER's dimensions are quite compact: 2,325mm wheelbase, 3,570mm length, 1,500mm width and 1,100mm height _ it's even smaller than the Brio Ecocar because it needs to fall into Japan's small car class known as kei.
Twin-lever steering inside.
And yes, the EV-STER shares the same engine, drive system and roadster (open-top, two-seat) concept as the 1990s Beat.
Honda says the EV-STER can drive for 160km on a single charge while attaining a 160kph top speed.
- That interior looks cool...
Yes, especially with that twin-lever steering wheel which still _ even by standards of 2015 _ feel a little too futuristic. But the wrap-around panels for the driver containing vehicle information _ and internet display as well _ is quite realistic.
To help reduce weight, the EV-STER has many components made from carbon materials.
- Will it be made?
Honda insiders say it has a strong chance of being made for production, now that the brand has adopted a concrete roadmap with electrified cars in either semi-electric hybrid or pure electric form (the Jazz has gone full electric in the US just recently).
The EV-STER, however, could move closer to reality for a broader appeal around the world if it gets a range-extender in the form of a small petrol engine so it can be driven over longer distances.
EV-STER is rear-drive.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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