Honda is bringing a whole range of transportation solutions to the Tokyo Motor Show, from this plug-in hybrid sedan concept to folding scooters and pod cars. Dubbed AC-X for Advanced Cruiser eXperience, this streamlined sedan draws heavily from the FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan’s aesthetics, applying its design language to a plug-in hybrid electric showcar.

Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors, the four-seat AC-X features a super-slippery .21 cD thanks to active aero bits (front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser) and transparent full wheel covers that remain stationary when the car is in motion.

Just as interestingly, the AC-X explores autonomous control, with “Automatic Drive Mode Support,” which folds the control yoke ‘wheel’ into the dashboard, reclines the front seat and presents an ottoman for the driver’s legs, all while safely delivering its passengers to their destination.

Despite such future-think technologies, the AC-X’s powertrain seems remarkably near-term, with a realistic EV-only cruising range of 50 kilometers and a maximum electric-only top speed of 100 kph (62 mph). Check out more in our gallery live from the show floor.

Honda AC-X Concept PHEV is ready to move you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda is still toting the company line that plug-in vehicles are a “near-future technology” and that the ultimate goal of green motoring is a choice of mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, such as its own FCX Clarity. This, despite the presence of new production plug-in vehicles (Leaf, Volt, etc) on the road today.

Regardless of whether or not you subscribe to Honda’s way of thinking, it’s always a pleasure to welcome in a new electric vehicle concept from a major automaker, and that’s exactly what the Japanese automaker will be bringing to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Says Honda, “The Honda EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda’s upcoming production battery electric vehicle, the Fit EV, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012.” Honda also notes that the concept is designed “to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter,” and to that end, seats five passengers and has room for their cargo in the hatch.

Range will come in at 100 miles (using the U.S. LA4 City Cycle), and there will be three separate driving modes (as seen in the CR-Z hybrid hatchback) along with “several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximising battery range.” Honda will also show off a matching prototype Honda Charging Stand for electric vehicles.

The other major draw at the Honda display will be a new plug-in hybrid platform that will showcase the automaker’s next-gen two-motor hybrid drivetrain. Unlike Honda’s current Integrated Motor Assist technology, this will be a full hybrid system with three modes: all-electric, petrol-electric and an engine direct-drive mode. Honda has packaged the hybrid technology in a midsize platform – roughly the size of an Accord, we’d imagine.

We certainly look forward to seeing what Honda has in store for Geneva, but in the meantime, feel free to scan though the press release after the break for more clues.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Honda to unveil EV concept and PHEV platform

Geneva Preview: Honda to unveil EV concept and PHEV platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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