Honda has revealed a compact electric car which was made using 3D printed and can be adapted into various different body styles.
The micro EV was recently shown at the CEATEC show in Japan and has been made by Honda in partnership with the 3D printing company Kabuku Inc. It was presented as a small cargo vehicle, but the EV has a variable design platform, meaning that thanks to its use of 3D printing it could be adapted in different types of transport.
Featuring a chassis made with pipe framing, this EV uses 3D printed parts specifically for the exterior panels and luggage spaces.
With Honda’s latest micro EV technology onboard, this 3D-printed car also has a travel range of around 50 miles, making it suitable for completing delivery runs in local communities. The powertrain produces 11kW, which leads to a top speed of 43mph.
The micro EV can also be fully charged in less than three hours when using a high-power electricity supply, or under seven hours when using a conventional outlet.
For now, at least, this EV will be used by a Japanese confectionary company called Toshimaya Corp. to deliver shortbread. Whether this micro EV will be released outside of Japan is unclear, but the powertrain and 3D printing technology surrounding it is an intriguing insight into how goods are transported within towns and cities in the future.
