Honda’s CUV e: A New Era for Electric Scooters
Honda has a long history with electric scooters, but it might be easy to forget that if you’re reading this in Europe, the US, or Australia. The company’s original EM1 e: model was met with lukewarm reception, as its innovative battery subscription model never really took off. The 50cc rival ended up being too expensive and only managed around 25 miles on a single charge.
However, if you live in Asia or much of the Far East, you’ll find a wide range of battery-powered Honda models available. From the popular Activa e: to the retro-inspired Dax e:, Honda Cub e:, and electrified Zoomer e:, these models are currently only available in China. Now, Honda is aiming to introduce its CUV e: (referred to as the CUV e from here) to a broader audience. This vehicle combines innovative battery swap technology with a smooth, city-friendly ride that could appeal to even those who prefer traditional petrol-powered vehicles.
At the heart of the CUV e is the Honda Mobile Power Pack e (HMPPe), which consists of two 10kg portable units. In many markets, this system is already popular, allowing riders to swap out batteries at dedicated Honda vending machines. While this feature may not be widely available in Europe and the US just yet, the design allows users to remove the packs and charge them at home or at work, even in a 12th-floor apartment.
Honda claims that the HMPPe packs can power a variety of applications, including construction site lights, diggers, rickshaws, boats, and camping equipment. It won’t be long before these units can also power garden tools, off-grid power stations, and more.
Big Deal, Small Prices
One of the most notable aspects of the CUV e is its price. In the UK, the model will cost £3,800 (around $5,100 / AU$7,780), making it a direct competitor to Honda’s popular petrol-powered PCX model. While the range offered by the CUV e is only about 45 miles, it is priced to rival high-end eBikes and comes with favorable monthly finance deals.
Despite the lower range compared to the PCX, Honda hasn’t compromised on technology. UK models come with a larger 7-inch digital display, operated by a joystick and buttons on the left handlebar. This display connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth for navigation, music, and phone calls.
The CUV e also features bold, futuristic styling, dual batteries, and two charging docks. Additional docks can be purchased, though pricing for these is still to be determined. However, the lack of built-in charging on the machine means users must remove the batteries to charge them, which could be inconvenient for some.
Simple but Effective
When considering the price, it’s important to note that the CUV e is one of the few electric two-wheelers that comes close to the affordability of petrol scooters. Honda aims to make e-mobility a significant part of its future, and the ease of use and low maintenance requirements could attract many new riders.
Riding the CUV e is straightforward. A small transponder key fob allows for simple starting by twisting a dial and pressing the ignition button. There are three riding modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport, each offering different performance levels. The specs claim the scooter can accelerate from 0-100 meters in just 8.3 seconds, which is faster than Usain Bolt’s sprint time.
Honda engineers have done an excellent job mimicking the riding experience of a petrol-powered vehicle, including engine braking and a linear throttle. The brakes are powerful and well-weighted, and the scooter rides smoothly on modern step-through designs.
Ample Technology
The CUV e includes a small stowage area beneath the handlebars, housing a USB-C charging slot and a place to store a smartphone. The key can also be tucked in here to avoid discomfort. Syncing the scooter with a new phone is quick, and users can take advantage of the RoadSync app for route planning, Bluetooth music pairing, and general scooter information.
Honda opted for MapBox for mapping instead of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay due to licensing costs. The display isn’t touch-sensitive, which is practical for gloved hands and bad weather. Instead, a joystick and a couple of buttons on the left handlebar make navigation simple.
Final Thoughts
While lugging 20kg of battery packs in and out of homes or offices might not appeal to everyone, the CUV e offers a practical and financially compelling option for urban commuters. The 50-mile range and 51mph top speed (with a possible 59mph stretch) could be limiting for longer trips, but for those with predictable commutes, the CUV e makes a strong case for itself.
For city dwellers struggling with EV charging, the CUV e presents a viable solution. Its combination of affordability, innovative technology, and user-friendly design positions it as a promising option in the electric scooter market.