Can Honda’s Motocompacto Become a Gas-Powered Range Extender for EVs?
Honda is known for its innovative and versatile vehicles, and it seems like they are taking a step back in time with their latest patent application. The patent suggests that Honda is working on a new version of its Motocompacto foldable scooter that can serve as both a last-mile ride and a gas-powered range extender for electric vehicles (EVs). This concept harks back to the original Motocompo of the 1980s, which was designed to be a portable travel companion for subcompact commuter cars.
The Motocompacto is currently an all-electric scooter that continues Honda’s in-car mini-bike legacy. However, the proposed version would add a gas-powered engine to the scooter, allowing it to act as a range extender for EVs. The patent filing explains that the addition of a range extender is necessary to address the limited capabilities of electric vehicles in off-road locations where charging infrastructure is unavailable. The Motocompacto would plug into a port in the car’s trunk and function as a range extender, providing last-mile connectivity and extending the EV’s range.
While the concept is intriguing, there are still questions about how the gas engine would work and how it aligns with Honda’s goal of offering 100 percent zero-emissions vehicles by 2040 and becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2050. Additionally, the cost of adding a gas-powered range extender to an EV is a concern. The Motocompacto EV currently retails for $995, and it remains to be seen how much the addition of a gas engine would affect the overall price of an EV.
It’s important to note that the patent application does not provide specific details or specifications for the range extender. The concept is still in the early stages, and any potential production would require years of development. Currently, the Honda Prologue is the only Honda EV available in the U.S. market.
While the idea of a gas-powered range extender for EVs may seem contradictory to a zero-emissions strategy, it could be a valuable addition for owners who want to take their vehicles off the grid or travel to areas with limited charging infrastructure. However, Honda will need to address the environmental concerns associated with gas-powered engines and ensure that the addition of a range extender does not compromise the overall sustainability of their EV lineup.
In conclusion, Honda’s patent application for a gas-powered range extender in its Motocompacto scooter raises interesting possibilities for the future of EVs. While there are still questions and challenges to overcome, the concept could offer a practical solution for extending the range of EVs in off-road locations. However, Honda will need to carefully consider the environmental impact and cost implications before bringing this concept to market.
