HONDA The Power of Dreams

<Final sketch> Japanesque modern and simple design. Honda Omni Traction Drive System allows wheels to be fully covered. Upright design accentuates turning movements.

<Final sketch> Rear design emanates presence and safety in crowded traffic, despite its small size.

Upright layout minimizes footprint. Standard parking space fits four units fit side-by-side.

Upright lights characterize uniquely new mobility. Triangular-pattern front and rear lights matching door and roof lattices add to modern Japanesque impression.

<Final sketch> Spacious, glassy window and simple, modern, friendly center joystick console design.

Drive information concentrated in central, easy-to-see panel. Front glass overlays useful information for strolling or sightseeing.

Upright seating packaging is easy to board, and provides a sense of security. With shoulders touching, two can share their enjoyment.

Joystick easily controls movement, such as forward/reverse, rotation and sideways-slide, with freedom.

Typically Japanese, rich welcoming interior expressed by modern Japanesque textures.

Seat fabric made by textiles that change appearance from different angles enhance the freedom of WANDER STAND's movement.

In initial development, enthusiastic discussions covered a wide scope, such as what small mobility should be to society, and the future of autonomous driving.

Researching (riding) the rickshaw, the WANDER STAND's origin. Realization that the rickshaw makes a stroll, or sightseeing, is even more enjoyable, with the scenery from a higher vantage point, and the chitchat and trivia provided by the rickshaw man.

Before building a model of the vehicle with a shape and size unprecedented, a box with full-scale sketches on all sides allowed designers to confirm and adjust the WANDER STAND's size.

Along with full-scale sketches, rudimentary packaging allowed designers to consider interior space, visibility and riding posture. Without similar prior models as a basis, trial and error prevailed.

Mockup allowed designers to confirm exterior looks and interior space. Improvements are made before building a working model.

Critical to the WANDER STAND's design, optimal materials and colors were carefully considered to enhance the vehicle's image.

The very first operating test. Even the designers and engineers were astounded when the WANDER STAND first moved, and shared a common feeling: "This is fun!"

Seat upholstery was co-developed with Hosoo Co., Ltd. in Kyoto, a leader in Nishijin textiles. No effort was spared in considering how different weaves made different expressions and tones, to arrive at the perfect material.

Steer-by-wire mechanism realizes slim twin frame structure which is both stylish and easy to use.

Urban yet warm colors and see-through structure give the WANDER WALKER a look that matches the city, both indoors and out.

Solid chassis design and nimble, go-anywhere seat gives driver a feeling of security, despite its small size.

Intuitive controls, and twin lever steering suitable for even long drives. Tablet acts as navigation system.

Slim enough to board elevators and pass through ticket gates. Easy to board, and convenient to go shopping.

Ultra-small 1m turning radius mode. Direction changes even in tight spaces poses no problem.

Welcome seat mode - Seat rotates and tilts. This mode is activated when the driver approaches with tablet, which acts as the key.

Soft lighting assists driving on pavements, allowing pedestrians to easily see vehicle movement.

Trying it out: Elevators are surprisingly confined.

Testing Welcome Seat angle. 10º angle allowed driver to sit deeply on the seat while heels maintained a firm and steady footing.

Designers used clay models to check overall size: By moving farther, moving closer, boarding.

Coordinating materials considering usage situations

All involved in exchanging ideas. Free flow of opinions unifies the direction.

Clay model is measured to prepare a solid model. The shape is further refined.

Working model is used to test movement. Operation feel and speed is adjusted to enable safe driving.

How can operation be perfected? Trial and error.

Sudden problems happen. Everyone is involved in finding the cause.

(from left) Seat/Steering test model, Styling model, Working model.

Yutaka Yaegaki's approach to feel-good design
What could make an EV motorcycle interesting? I believe it is Honda's responsibility to answer this question. When a motorcycle runs on the power of electricity, it needs to offer something new to make people feel good. And it is up to us Honda designers to create this new paradigm.

Based on the RC series, this design connects Honda's origins to the future
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
The origin of Honda's super sport bikes is definitely the classic RC series of racing motorcycles. In both styling and coloring, the RC-E takes inspiration from the RC series. The body is compact like that of a 250cc bike, while the torquey but smooth performance it offers goes beyond that class. In sum, the RC-E offers a completely new super sport bike riding experience. 

Based on the RC series, this design connects Honda's origins to the future
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
The origin of Honda's super sport bikes is definitely the classic RC series of racing motorcycles. In both styling and coloring, the RC-E takes inspiration from the RC series. The body is compact like that of a 250cc bike, while the torquey but smooth performance it offers goes beyond that class. In sum, the RC-E offers a completely new super sport bike riding experience.

RCE Concept model
This EV motorcycle creates new possibilities for riding enjoyment and envisions the future of super sport bikes.

Kenji Tako's approach to feel-good design
A three-wheeled scooter is very stable and easy to ride when fully loaded, so it's been a very popular choice for use in pizza delivery and other commercial applications. Yet the stable riding they offer could offer peace of mind to non-commercial users as well. I thought that a three-wheeled EV scooter would be easy on both the environment and riders and could become a new type of vehicle for commuting.

The large canopy offering high visibility lets people ride with peace of mind
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
A canopy lets people ride with peace of mind, even on a rainy day. For the E-CANOPY, I wanted to take the canopy concept to the next level. From head to foot, the clear single-piece canopy blocks wind, rain and dust without obstructing visibility, letting the rider ride with peace of mind. 

A friendly design that offers women peace of mind, too
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
A three-wheeled scooter naturally offers peace of mind, so I thought about how to enhance this quality further. For example, positioning the battery low in the vehicle creates a lower center of gravity. In addition, the smooth, curvy design and color of the vehicle reflect women's tastes.

E-CANOPY Concept model
This three-wheeled next-generation EV commuter is perfect for both business and personal use. It's a vehicle that's easy on the environment and rider alike.

Length 1,600㎜ (1,770 mm with box)
Width 720㎜
Height 1,680㎜

Takayuki Yamazaki's approach to feel-good design
When vehicles become EVs, perhaps they don't need to be vehicles any more. That may sound like a Zen koan, but I was really thinking along these lines. In other words, shouldn't a compact EV be useful even when it's not being used for transportation? It should be compact, chic and cute. One should be able to take it indoors and load it in an automobile. I wondered whether we could create a vehicle that's stylish like a home electronics product.

A vehicle that makes anyone who sees it or rides it smile
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
One potential advantage of an EV is compactness. One can make a vehicle that's small but exciting. The first step is to make it cute. Then it needs to be nimble and go just where the rider wants it to go. That's the kind of vehicle I wanted to create.

More than just transportation, this vehicle has a wide variety of fun uses
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
An EV doesn't need gasoline or oil, so it's easy to bring one indoors. You can also stand it up and store it without worrying about it leaking. Like a digital home electronics product, it can still be useful even when not being used for transportation. Wouldn't a vehicle like that be fun?

Being able to fit in an automobile means even more fun
Since its steering wheel and steps fold up, the MOTOR COMPO can even fit inside a small car. In fact, it's designed to fit inside the MICRO COMMUTER CONCEPT. Outside, the battery can be removed and used as a portable power source. More than a vehicle, it's a completely new type of appliance.

MOTOR COMPO Concept model
Exciting for everyone and designed to make life convenient and enjoyable, the MOTOR COMPO is the EV commuter of the future. It's a new type of vehicle that is always useful, whether being used for transportation or not.

Length 930㎜
Width 489㎜
Height 957㎜

Fumiya Isono's approach to feel-good design
Honda currently offers the Monpal ML200 electric cart as a town mobility option. It was designed as everyday transportation that offers seniors enhanced comfort and peace of mind. Two things I was going for in the new design were a more open feel and enhanced lightness. My ultimate goal was to create a vehicle that didn't seem too much like a vehicle. I wanted the rider to be able to go out and enjoy a very light and easygoing ride.

Even lighter and more comfortable, this vehicle offers easygoing transportation around town
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
One advantage of an EV is its ability to move very stably at slow speeds. An electric cart leverages this advantage and lets the rider travel around town just as if he or she were enjoying an easygoing walk. For additional lightness, TOWNWALKER has an aluminum frame and a hammock-style seat. I was aiming for a design that would look light and feel light to the rider.

Foldable for transport, this electric cart offers even more ways to ride and enjoy
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
To further leverage the slenderness and lightness of the design, I considered how to make TOWNWALKER foldable. The steering column and seat can be folded down, making it relatively easy to load TOWNWALKER in a car and transport it. This feature increases the ways in which an electric cart can be used. Like other Honda concept models this year, the user can insert his or her smartphone, and TOWNWALKER has a solar panel to charge it.

TOWNWALKER Concept model
Exemplifying simplicity and lightness, TOWNWALKER offers all riders town mobility that's easy to enjoy. Using TOWNWALKER is just like taking an easygoing walk.

Length 1,180㎜
Width 550㎜
Height 910㎜
Wheelbase 890㎜

Keisuke Nakamura's approach to feel-good design
In the new era, I think cruising will combine two seemingly opposite qualities: excitement and relaxation. When the driver wants to enjoy driving, he or she should be able to do so to the fullest. When the driver wants to relax, he or she should be able to turn driving over to Auto-Drive Mode. My thought was that people would really feel good if they could experience excitement and relaxation whenever they desire.

Keisuke Nakamura's approach to feel-good design
In the new era, I think cruising will combine two seemingly opposite qualities: excitement and relaxation. When the driver wants to enjoy driving, he or she should be able to do so to the fullest. When the driver wants to relax, he or she should be able to turn driving over to Auto-Drive Mode. My thought was that people would really feel good if they could experience excitement and relaxation whenever they desire.

Exterior fusing two contrasting values
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
I wanted the exterior design to reflect the idea of next-generation cruising offering both excitement and relaxation. Fulfilling the concept of dual solid motion, the upper portion of the body has a look of boundless energy and the lower portion has a look of dependable stability. By combining these two areas, I crafted an exterior design that fuses two contrasting values.

Interior design intuitively responding to people's emotions
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
I also considered next-generation cruising when designing the interior. When the driver wishes to enjoy driving, he or she controls the vehicle with the twin lever steering column in an environment that supports an exciting experience. When the driver wishes to relax, he or she turns on Auto-Drive Mode. The steering column retracts into the dashboard, and an ottoman appears. At night in particular, the interior illumination is extremely pleasant, supporting a relaxing interior. In this way, I aimed for an interior design that responds to people's emotions.

An automobile that changes its “expression” to enhance enjoyment of high-speed cruising
[Feel-good design idea No.3]
I wanted to make the AC-X offer exceptional aerodynamic performance to support comfortable enjoyment of high-speed cruising. For this reason, the front bumper, side skirt and rear diffuser are variable parts that adjust the level of air resistance during cruising. When a certain vehicle speed is reached, these parts lower to enhance aerodynamic performance. In addition, the tires feature aero wheel diffusers that do not revolve, preventing air intake.

An automobile that changes its “expression” to enhance enjoyment of high-speed cruising
[Feel-good design idea No.3]
I wanted to make the AC-X offer exceptional aerodynamic performance to support comfortable enjoyment of high-speed cruising. For this reason, the front bumper, side skirt and rear diffuser are variable parts that adjust the level of air resistance during cruising. When a certain vehicle speed is reached, these parts lower to enhance aerodynamic performance. In addition, the tires feature aero wheel diffusers that do not revolve, preventing air intake.

AC-X Concept model
The AC-X is a plug-in hybrid and a next-generation cruiser. It lets people experience feel-good driving to their heart's content.

Length4,700㎜
Width1,820㎜
Height1,400㎜
Wheelbase2,750㎜

Ryoji Iida's approach to feel-good design
This vehicle communicates well with people. Once you've accessed some information and decided you want to do something, it helps you realize that desire right away. In other words, it's a vehicle that's like a smartphone. Plus, the driver can "wear" it just like a comfortable jacket. It's as if a smartphone had become a power suit. Wouldn't a car like that make people feel good?

Ryoji Iida's approach to feel-good design
This vehicle communicates well with people. Once you've accessed some information and decided you want to do something, it helps you realize that desire right away. In other words, it's a vehicle that's like a smartphone. Plus, the driver can "wear" it just like a comfortable jacket. It's as if a smartphone had become a power suit. Wouldn't a car like that make people feel good?

Even a micro car should have room for family and friends
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
In the EV era, ideas for small commuting automobiles are on the increase. Most of these are for a single occupant, but won't it get a bit lonely in there? After all, communicating with other people is fun. It would be great if a car could have the same micro size as a single-occupant vehicle yet still have room for family and friends. Based on this idea, I created a new type of packaging.

Nimble footwork makes it fun to get around the city
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
To create a commuter that can get around the city with nimble footwork, the wheels are positioned at the very outside corners of the vehicle, while the fender covers help give the exterior design a look of readiness to take off and explore. The interior is functional and simple yet unexpectedly dynamic. People will be surprised how roomy it is when they get in.

Nimble footwork makes it fun to get around the city
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
To create a commuter that can get around the city with nimble footwork, the wheels are positioned at the very outside corners of the vehicle, while the fender covers help give the exterior design a look of readiness to take off and explore. The interior is functional and simple yet unexpectedly dynamic. People will be surprised how roomy it is when they get in.

A car that people can easily personalize like a smartphone
[Feel-good design idea No.3]
You can easily change the cover of a smartphone or the sheet inside a tumbler to customize it based on your personal style. I wondered if a car's exterior could be customized just as easily. Simply by sliding graphics sheets into the front, sides and rear, you can personalize this car and make it completely yours.

MICRO COMMUTER CONCEPT Concept model
This futuristic urban mobile power suit lets the driver

Length 2,500㎜
Width 1,250㎜
Height 1,430㎜
Wheelbase 1,860㎜

Ryo Sugiura's approach to feel- good design
When I was told at the R&D Center that I'd be designing a genuine EV sports car, I was overjoyed. I had originally joined Honda with the dream of designing a true small sports car, and many of my colleagues have the same dream. For my design, I wanted to let people experience the fun of a small convertible sports car that's perfect for the EV era.

The goal: a car that surprises people with just how cool it is
[Feel-good design idea No.1]
Honda has a history of successful small sports cars and therefore has a wealth of design history to draw upon. Although I wanted to avoid basing my design on nostalgia, I didn't feel that designing an EV sports meant making everything different from the past, either. Certainly, some things would change while others would not. I wanted this to be a car that would make car lovers smile and make young people who are not yet into cars think, “Wow, a car is a really cool vehicle.” Creating this kind of coolness was my goal.

A convertible with a stylish interior that puts the driver first
[Feel-good design idea No.2]
Usually, the exterior and interior designs of an automobile are clearly divided and assigned to two different designers, but for the EV-STER there was no such boundary, and both design tasks were combined. After all, the exterior and interior of a convertible are one and the same. With everything focused on the driver, the EV-STER represents a completely new approach to the sports car.

EV-STER Concept model
EV-STER is a next-generation roadster powered by electricity. Based on Honda's unchanging principles, it shows what a genuine small sports car can be.

Making environmental responsibility enjoyable through design①
The benefits of a large automobile include a relaxed driving environment and the comfort of a large cabin. In accordance with the Honda principle of man maximum, machine minimum, Honda strives to reduce the volume of mechanical parts to make the space inside vehicles as large as possible. In the case of minicars as well, Honda seeks to create as large a space as possible within a small body.

Making environmental responsibility enjoyable through design②
The designer of EV-N, Kanna Sumiyoshi thought, “Wouldn't people want a car even smaller than a minicar if its interior were sufficiently large and felt just right, and if the car were inexpensive and could be freely enjoyed? A car in which one could relax, a car that would be great just to have around. Wouldn't such a small and cute partner be appealing?”

Making environmental responsibility enjoyable through design③
A small car requires fewer resources, and a lighter car can operate more efficiently, using less energy and imposing less of a burden on the environment. Going forward, small form factor will be an important feature, especially for battery electric vehicles.

A small and simple car offers its own type of enjoyment①
When Honda decided to create a concept battery electric vehicle for the Tokyo Motor Show, Sumiyoshi was delighted: “This is my chance to make that small car a reality!” Especially in the case of a battery electric vehicle like EV-N, using the energy in the battery as efficiently as possible requires a light vehicle.

A small and simple car offers its own type of enjoyment②
Making such a vehicle small and light is important, but people won't want to drive it simply because it's better for the environment. Rather than invite people to eat a dish because it's healthy, it's better to make it both healthy and delicious, for then people will eat it because they enjoy it. Similarly, it's preferable to design a car in which smallness and lightness make for greater enjoyment so that people will want to drive it. Sumiyoshi began her design process with this principle in mind.

A small and simple car offers its own type of enjoyment③
In EV-N, the seats with their thin mesh covering contribute to the lightness of the automobile and the effective use of space in it. But also, the fabric panels can be detached from the frame, and customers can replace them with patterns that match their taste—sporty, cute, vivid, chic—creating a personal style that adds to their enjoyment of driving.

A small and simple car offers its own type of enjoyment④
To make the instrument panel as lightweight and use as few resources as possible, Sumiyoshi removed absolutely everything that was decorative and without function. Using shapes and colors creatively, she made sure that the functional remained visible, creating an interface that is cozy and easy to use. By keeping the exterior simple as well, she further enhanced customizability. EV-N appears to be leaning a little bit forward, indicating that, although small, it will bravely give its all when driven.

Honda's long-term goal①
In taking on the design of EV-N, Sumiyoshi took time to revisit Honda's design initiatives of the past and found inspiration in the N360, which Honda released in 1967. Among the people working on the design of EV-N, few could recall the birth of Honda's N automobiles or the time when they were everywhere on the streets, but they were delighted to encounter these Honda classics. Their cuteness made their owners want to have them around, and, since they had power and could transport four adults despite their small size, they became an important part of people's lives. Honda's N automobiles were the first implementation of design principles that Honda continues to uphold.

Honda's long-term goal②
It may be a while before battery electric vehicles are common on city streets, but, when that day arrives, Honda will continue to remember the importance of making automobiles fun. We hope the challenge of commercializing the battery electric vehicle can be fun, and that the design of the EV-N will communicate Honda's determination to continue building fun into the mobility products we offer.

Super Cub essence—electromotive evolution①
For the past 50 years, the Super Cub has graced the road in essentially the same form. Easy to use and ride, durable and inexpensive to maintain and environmentally responsible, the Super Cub has been sold more than 60 million time and is the world's most popular motorcycle.

Super Cub essence—electromotive evolution②

Super Cub essence—electromotive evolution③
Honda decided to create an electric version of the Super Cub because the essence of a battery electric vehicle is to be in harmony with people and the environment and the original Super Cub was just such a vehicle.

Super Cub essence—electromotive evolution④
The more time passes, the more this venerable design makes sense. So a Honda designer took on the challenge of turning the venerable megahit into an electric vehicle.

Polishing a gem—creating a Super Cub for a new era①
In designing the EV-Cub, the first thing designer Tokumaru Watanabe did was to take a look at every single Super Cub design since the very first. He quickly saw that the size, shape and position of all the Super Cub parts had a kind of necessity to them, and that the design of the Super Cub was very rational and rider-centric.

The human body has not changed in the past 50 years, and the fact that the Super Cub has served riders so well in the same period without a major design change indicates how rational this design was and how well it matched the human body in the first place. In designing the EV-Cub, however, it would not be appropriate simply to copy the design for the gasoline engine Super Cub. A design that matched the characteristics of a battery electric vehicle was required.

Polishing a gem—creating a Super Cub for a new era②
In the EV-Cub, the riding position and such basic dimensions as wheel size and wheelbase remain nearly identical, but changes had to made to accommodate a different source of power. Originally, the gasoline engine located in the center of the body provided power to the rear wheel via a chain. Since an electric motor is much smaller and lighter than a gasoline engine, Watanabe decided to locate one motor each at the front and rear wheels, and providing power to both wheels at once resulted in enhanced stability in operation.

Polishing a gem—creating a Super Cub for a new era③
In addition, now that the gasoline engine no longer took up the space it once did, the body became more slender the bike got even easier to ride. Without the need for a gas tank, it was also possible to create a small compartment for helmet storage. To replicate the distinctively proud and orderly silhouette of the Super Cub, Watanabe paid great attention to detail, working through trial and error to establish a perfect, unitary line from the leg shields back to the rear fenders. Even while ensuring that the EV-Cub would be first and foremost an exceptional motorcycle to ride, Watanabe endeavored to make the styling of the EV-Cub simple, appealing and right for the times.

Polishing a gem—creating a Super Cub for a new era④
Having fulfilled the basic requirements of the design, Watanabe was left with several options for a final form. At this point, he worked to strip away anything unnecessary until he was left with a polished gem—the ultimate form, from which nothing could be taken away and to which nothing could be added. Watanabe had gone beyond simply tracing the lines of the Super Cubs of the past; he had retained the Super Cub's essence while pursuing its evolution to accommodate a different power source with style. The task had indeed been difficult, but creating an entirely new incarnation of Honda's huge little product was to Watanabe the ultimate joy.

Creating an even more attractive and user-friendly Super Cub①
The gasoline engine will continue to evolve, but motorcycles can gain considerable advantages by going electric. Since they are quiet and emit no exhaust, electric motorcycles can even be driven indoors, and, since they have no gasoline tank, they can be stored on their side. When touring in the countryside, riders can enjoy the song of birds and the wind blowing through the trees.

Just like its Super Cub predecessors, the EV-Cub is built to add enjoyment and convenience to the lives of people around the world and be appreciated as a product contributing to society. Honda will continue to make riders the focus in the motorcycle design process, building bikes that are more personal and more fun to ride.

Changing the fundamental value of the product through design①
The most fundamental means of mobility people possess is their own legs, but the ability to walk can diminish with age. What kind of vehicle design could best supplement this type of mobility on the sidewalk?

Changing the fundamental value of the product through design②
One answer Honda came up with in 2006 was the Monpal ML200, a vehicle that remains in Honda's product lineup. Representing a further evolution of the Monpal, the EV-Monpal is the electric scooter of the near future.

Changing the fundamental value of the product through design③
Electric scooters are among the slowest vehicles in Honda's lineup, but the design principle is consistent: enjoyable mobility.

Changing the fundamental value of the product through design④
In designing the Monpal ML200 and its progeny the EV-Monpal, Honda aimed for ease of use and the approachability that would make it a partner in life and for a design that would make the user proud to be seen riding the vehicle.

Making a vehicle a partner through design①
For many of us vehicles are special: owners give them nicknames and they are the manufactured products that seem closest to living things. If an electric scooter were so cute and approachable, so much so that one could give it a nickname, then the owner would likely want to go out on it more and would experience greater enjoyment riding it. In designing the EV-Monpal, the designer made the dual headlights of the Monpal ML200 even cuter and more like eyes, creating a vehicle front more like that of a lovable animal face.

Making the EV-Monpal stand out with a distinctive face helps make bicycle riders and pedestrians on the sidewalk and users of other vehicles off the sidewalk more aware of its presence, thereby enhancing its safety.

Making a vehicle a partner through design②
To make the EV-Monpal even more approachable to the rider, the designer created a single liquid crystal touch panel to contain all of the vehicle's controls. This allows for easy changes of font size, colors and the positioning of controls. As a result, the EV-Monpal became easier to use and allowed the user to easily create a personalized control system for an even greater level of approachability.

Going beyond categories to stretch the possibilities of mobility design
At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda exhibited the EV-Monpal along with the EV-Cub and EV-N— all concept models with electric motors as their powerplants and similar design principles. The possibilities suggested go beyond individual product categories and hint at the potential future of mobility design.

Originally an automobile designer, EV-Monpal designer Masahiko Yamagishi had worked on the design of the NSX-R, the European Civic, the Accord and the first-generation Fit/Jazz and was eager to try his hand at design in a completely different area.

Since electric vehicles produce no exhaust, it may soon be possible to create cars that can be driven indoors like electric carts and, since there is a great deal of freedom in how electric motors can be positioned, it may be possible to create motorcycles that look like bicycles. The possibilities for interesting new vehicles are endless. Honda seeks to introduce as quickly as possible enjoyable mobility that can be seen and touched, bringing joy to as many people as possible.