Honda shows three visions for electrified future
Photo credit: Honda
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TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. will debut three concept cars at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show that foreshadow the Japanese automaker's vision for a battery-powered future: a plug-in hybrid touring sedan, an electric small city car and a sporty, open-cockpit electric vehicle.
The concepts presage cars that could come to market about two generations from now -- say, in 2020.
A key feature of the cars is a pair of steering handles that are pulled backward and forward to direct the car instead of a wheel. Honda says that the technology is intuitive and much like steering a bicycle. When you want to turn left, you move the right handle forward. When you want to move right, you do the opposite.
The first concept, the AC-X, gets its name from Advanced Cruiser Experience. It is a wedge-shaped plug-in hybrid sedan that takes heavy styling cues from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.
Photo credit: Honda
F1-inspired
To improve aerodynamics, it has an adjustable rear diffuser and body undercover that extend during highway driving to improve mileage. Formula One-inspired wheel covers also help.
The AC-X, with a drag coefficient of 0.21, targets fuel efficiency of 110 kilometers per liter, or 258 mpg, with its 120-kilowatt electric motor and 1.6-liter engine, Honda says.
The AC-X is envisioned as running 50 kilometers (31 miles) in electric-only mode.
Also on display will be the Honda Micro Commuter Concept. The three-seat city runabout follows in the tradition of the Nissan Pivo concept series and the Toyota iQ minicar.
Its lithium ion battery gives it a range of 37 miles. But the so-called Loop Batter battery pack also can be taken out and plugged into other vehicles, including an electric minimotorbike. That two-wheeler, dubbed the Motor Compo, can be loaded aboard the Micro Commuter Concept.
Photo credit: Honda
Swap your body panels
Another feature of the angular micro vehicle: colorful body panels that can be swapped in and out like the exchangeable skins of a smartphone to customize your ride.
The third car of tomorrow is the Small Sports EV Concept, a compact convertible electric vehicle. Honda is waiting until the show to give detailed specifications. But sketches released in advance depict a stubby, low-slung car reminiscent of the CR-Z sporty hybrid.
Photo credit: Honda
On the production car front, Honda will present the N Box, a new 660cc minicar for sale in Japan. It also will show a so-called N Concept hinting at a possible direction for next-generation minicars.
Press days for the Tokyo Motor Show are Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
You can reach Hans Greimel at hgreimel@crain.com. -- Follow Hans on 
