Honda has always been more than just a car company. This Japanese company was the first to produce motorcycles. They have built everything from lawnmowers and motorized tillers to jet-powered aircraft and outboard boat engines.
Now, Honda is getting into the territory of another vehicle, which is named Fastport. This is a new business that will create a fully electric quadricycle. It can be driven in the bike lane and is meant for last-mile delivery. Honda says the eQuad will help meet the growing demand for crowded and faster deliveries in cities.
The eQuad will be available in two sizes and two cargo box sizes. It will cater to different businesses in both Europe and North America. The smaller eQuad is 133.9 -inches long, 82.7 -inches high and 39.4 -inches wide. At the same time, the larger eQuad is 144 inches long, 84 inches high and 48 inches wide.
Honda says that the modular design of the eQuad allows it to be easily changed for any business specific use. The smaller cargo container has a length/width / height of 75 by 57.5 by 38.4 inches, while the larger box measures 89 by 47.9 by 60 inches. The larger eQuad can hold a load of 650 pounds; the smaller eQuad can hold up to 320 pounds.
The eQuad gets its power from the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP). It is an easily replaceable battery. Honda didn't reveal much about the MPP, but when we drove the eGX, Honda said each battery had a capacity of 1.3 -kWh. Honda didn't say how much battery the eQuad uses. But the eGX kart has two MPPs, and photos of the prototype show space for two batteries.
In our experience, it took less than 30 seconds to replace a new fully charged battery. The eQuad has a powertrain named "pedal-by-wire pedal-assist," and also features regenerative braking. The eQuad can run up to 12 mph in any size. According to Honda, the larger model has a range of up to 23 miles.
Honda has also added some features to the eQuad for rider comfort. The eQuad's canopy has the option of UV coating and ceramic tint, which protects the rider from sunlight. A ventilation fan helps in keeping the rider cool. The prototype also features a headlight and camera-based rearview mirror.
Fastport will also offer a "Fleet-as-a-Service" (FaaS) platform. This includes replaceable batteries and cargo containers, as well as service and maintenance plans. It also gives real-time data for driver and fleet management. eQuad can take over-the-air software updates.
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The Fastport eQuad prototype will be shown for the first time at Eurobike in Frankfurt, Germany. Honda aims to deliver the first units by the end of 2025. Mass production will begin in the summer of 2026. The eQuad will be manufactured at Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio.
This is where the first Acura NSX was built and now the CR-V e: FCEV hydrogen SUV is being built. Honda says Fastport is already in talks with large logistics and delivery companies in North America and Europe for pilot test programs.
Source: Car and Driver
