Honda dips its toes in cargo delivery micromobility

In bustling cities like New York and Amsterdam, the sight of compact four-wheeled cargo carriers navigating bike lanes has become increasingly common. These battery-powered vehicles, known as e-quads, are a step above traditional cargo e-bikes, primarily designed for household use. E-quads offer larger enclosed cargo spaces, making them ideal for delivery services like Amazon and UPS, as they can effectively bypass traffic congestion that often plagues standard delivery trucks. Honda is entering this market with its new Fastport eQuad, available in two sizes built on the same foundational platform. Both versions maintain a compact profile, smaller than a Mini Cooper, while boasting impressive cargo capacities ranging from 320 to 650 pounds. E-quads are designed to be bike lane compliant, featuring pedals and a top speed capped at 12 mph (20 kph). To power the eQuad, Honda has equipped it with Mobile Power Pack batteries that weigh 22 pounds and can be easily swapped out, similar to systems used by Gogoro or Zeno. The design allows users to effortlessly replace the battery by lifting it from a compartment located behind the cockpit. The vehicle's cockpit is equipped with a standard bike seat, pedals, and a windscreen, alongside a display to assist drivers with navigation. Honda emphasizes that the eQuad is a software-defined vehicle, which the company claims will provide ongoing value and enhancements throughout its lifespan, though specific features were not detailed. The production of eQuads destined for the U.S. market will take place at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. This marks a significant shift for the facility, which has been renowned for its craftsmanship in assembling the Acura NSX, a high-performance supercar with over 500 horsepower and a top speed of 191 mph.