Honda has a second EV in its range for 25YM. The CUV e: is a serious scooter for the modern commuter. Using dual Honda Mobile Power Pack e: units to power its 6kW E-Drive side motor it has a top speed of 83km with over 70km range (Honda internal tests), and Reverse Assist function. Charge time is 6 hours from 0-100% and only 3 hours from 0-75%; the bespoke charging dock allows customers to charge in the comfort of their own home. The CUV e: is also equipped with a five-inch TFT screen, or with a fully connected seven-inch TFT display – rich with EV specific information as well as navigation and other features, as part of the new Honda RoadSync Duo interface. Other features include full LED lighting, USB-C socket and under seat storage plus Smart Key operation.

1. Introduction

Following the arrival of the EM1 e: electric moped for 23 year model, the CUV e: is Honda’s second two-wheeled electric vehicle for customers in Europe. It is another step forward in Honda’s plan to introduce 10 or more electric two wheelers globally by 2025, and towards its longer term aim of carbon neutrality for its motorcycle line-up during the 2040s.

The letters CUV have, in fact, appeared on a Honda vehicle before – 30 years ago, to be precise. The original CUV ES – Clean Urban Vehicle Electric Scooter – was a Japanese-market only model, launched in 1994. The CUV e: is a Clean Urban Vehicle ready for right now.

And, where the EM1 e: is perfect for laps to college and back, the CUV e: has significantly more ‘grown up’ potential, with silky smooth acceleration and top speed very similar to a 125cc Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) scooter.

With local legislation around parking in cities across Europe altering the parameters of ICE usage, the urban mobility landscape is changing – and the CUV e: is the perfect vehicle with which to attract those early-adopter commuters, looking to trade in their traditional scooter, or indeed try life on two wheels for the first time.

Smartly styled, fully equipped – and fully connected – the CUV e: is ahead of the curve. It’s obviously an EV but, at the same time, a full-size Honda scooter loaded with all the practicality and convenience that means.

2. Model Overview

Dual, swappable 48V/1.3kW Honda Mobile Power Pack e: batteries are at the heart of the CUV e: and provide power for the 6kW E-Drive side motor. Top speed is 83km/h with range of over 70km* and Reverse Assist helps with parking in and out of tight spaces. Three riding modes – SPORT, STANDARD and ECON – deliver full, balanced or ‘softer’ performance which, of course, has a bearing on range.

The sleek, modern design is uncomplicated and features a flat floor. All lighting is premium LED. There’s a small inner pocket in the fairing, space under the seat for waterproofs and a USB-C charging socket. A five-inch TFT is standard on base models, whilst Roadsync Duo models feature a fully connected seven-inch TFT provides navigation plus many other functions, as well as EV-specific information with regards to route and charging options. Motorcycle operation is via convenient Smart Key.

A steel underbone frame, 31mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks comprise the chassis, with 12-inch wheels and disc/drum braking. A rear carrier is included in the specification.

As with the EM1 e:, the CUV e: together with the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: and charger customers will be available based on a lease, rental, purchase or subscription scheme, depending on the country.

Genuine Honda Accessories available include Smart Key/conventional Top Boxes, Screen and Knuckle Guards.

The 25YM CUV e: will be available in the following colour options:

• Pearl Jubilee White
• Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
• Premium Silver Metallic

3. Key Features
    3.1 Battery & Charger

An E-Drive (up to 6 kW) side motor turns the rear wheel via low-maintenance gear drive. The CUV e: is powered by a pair of 48V Honda Mobile Power Pack e: – the EM1 e: uses one – lithium ion units developed in-house by Honda with the same relentless focus on durability, reliability and quality for which its internal combustion engines have long been known.

And using dual power packs equals brisk acceleration and a useful top speed of 83km/h. Three riding modes are available for a wide range of scenarios.

• STANDARD mode: Delivers output characteristic anyone can handle at ease. For riding well-balanced between output and full battery range.
• SPORT mode: The most powerful mode for experiencing stronger acceleration and good throttle responses unique to an EV.
• ECON mode: Produces more moderate and easy-to-handle characteristic. For a longer full battery range than the other modes.

(*Honda internal tests, in WMTC mode, have resulted in a cruising range of 80.7km).

The CUV e: can also climb a 13° gradient, from a standing start with pillion and 30kg luggage. Reverse Assist makes getting in or out of a garage space straightforward and helps manoeuvring into tight parking spaces in town.

Honda Mobile Power Pack e: are swappable units and can be easily removed from the CUV e: for charging in the comfort of home. Operation is simple: the charger, complete with air-cooling fan, draws from a single phase AC100-240V domestic source and produces 270W maximum.