If you take full advantage of the subsidies, the lowest price is 98,200 yen. Honda’s electric moped “CUV e:” has a very high level of satisfaction!

Honda CUV e: From 200,200 yen (list price when using Gachaco) 

Electric motorcycles have become increasingly commonplace in recent years. Honda has set “achieving carbon neutrality by 2050” as a key priority, and is promoting the electrification of motorcycles as part of its efforts to achieve this.

Honda currently offers a total of eight models in the domestic market, including five mopeds (class 1 and class 2), with the latest model being the CUV e:, a class 2 moped that I test-drove this time. Even so, even I, a self-proclaimed electric motorcycle fanatic, was surprised by the high level of interest, learning that there were over 200 pre-orders even before the release date.

Honda’s electric scooters are primarily business models, and its only personal scooter is the class 2 moped EM1 e:, released in August 2023. I think the CUV e:’s release is partly due to the fact that many people have been waiting for a class 2 moped personal scooter that can carry two people and does not require two-stage right turns. 

The CUV e: is also manufactured in Thailand and will be sold in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Europe before Japan, making it a global model. It will be exciting to see how much it will grow in the global market.

CUV e: has these features!

1. Enjoy a comfortable ride by taking advantage of the torque characteristics of an EV! 
2. Uses two detachable Honda Mobile Power Pack e: batteries! 
⇒Gachaco can also be used! 
3. Range is approximately 57 km 
4. First to feature Honda RoadSync Duo, a function that connects the vehicle and smartphone! 
5. Subsidies are available for purchase!

Developed with a size equivalent to that of a 110cc class vehicle, it has a simple and clean exterior design, and features a front position lamp that emits a linear light, giving it a sophisticated design that lets you know at a glance that it is an EV. It comes standard with a large carrier, and it is also possible to easily install a genuine top box that can be locked with a smart key.

EV system

The battery is a 96V EV system that uses two removable, replaceable lithium-ion batteries, the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (hereinafter MPP), connected in series. The 96V voltage makes it possible to take advantage of the powerful torque characteristics of an EV, resulting in a comfortable ride.

The MPP is 50.26V, 26.1Ah (1314Wh), and weighs 10.2kg. Its advantages include the ability to quickly replace it with a charged MPP and the ability to use the battery sharing service Gachaco (more on Gachaco later). While some Honda electric motorcycles in overseas models use fixed batteries, all electric scooters currently on sale in Japan are equipped with MPPs.

The motor is a newly developed unit swing type wheel side motor with a rated output of 0.98kW and a maximum output of 6.0kW. Power is transmitted directly to the drive wheels via a reduction gear, resulting in minimal energy loss and high efficiency, which contributes to improved cruising range and acceleration performance.

Taking advantage of the low vibrations that only an EV can offer, the frame and power unit are rigidly mounted, eliminating the need for a link mechanism. This improves the sense of unity with the body and contributes to a light, sporty handling. Furthermore, the rear frame is made of square pipes, improving space efficiency while maintaining rigidity, resulting in a slim body width.

From Honda materials

This bike is the first to feature Honda’s unique connected technology, Honda RoadSync Duo, which connects the motorcycle, vehicle, and smartphone via Bluetooth for navigation, music playback, and phone calls, displaying the information on the vehicle’s large monitor. For example, you can create a route using a dedicated smartphone app, transfer the data to the vehicle, and display the route on the monitor. You can also display the smartphone’s contacts and music list on the monitor and operate them with the left-hand switch. 

The navigation function also includes a turn-by-turn display showing turn points and distances, and can easily display nearby Gachaco stations. If there are any updates to the vehicle’s system, updates can be easily performed via smartphone.

Foot reach (rider height 172cm)

I’m 172cm tall, so I can reach the ground with my feet perfectly!

A comfortable ride that takes advantage of the power characteristics of electric vehicles!

Now, it’s time to test drive the CUV e:! Equipped with the Honda SMART Key system, with the remote key in your pocket, simply flipping a switch in the cockpit activates the power.

Three driving modes with different driving characteristics can be selected using the switch on the right. I started with STANDARD mode. It offers the excellent throttle response and powerful initial acceleration you expect from an EV, yet with a very smooth acceleration feel. Even beginners to electric motorcycles can handle this mode with ease.

Switching to SPORTS mode offers even more powerful acceleration and excellent throttle response, allowing you to enjoy a sporty ride. This mode is recommended for busy highways and light winding roads. 

Despite accelerating like a two-stroke machine, there’s virtually no driving noise, allowing you to hear the birds and the conversations of people passing by. The developers apparently paid close attention to this quietness. Once you experience this quietness and acceleration power, you’ll definitely become a fan of EVs!

The third mode is ECON mode. This so-called eco mode significantly reduces acceleration power and prioritizes range, making it a comfortable mode for leisurely riding on back roads. Even if you’re unfamiliar with electric motorcycles, starting in this mode will likely give you peace of mind.

Oh, and there’s another feature, a first for a Honda electric motorcycle: Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). With the accelerator on, it detects and automatically suppresses rear wheel slippage. For example, if the rear wheel starts to spin while cornering or accelerating on slippery roads, the system automatically controls it, allowing the rider to ride as if nothing had happened. In other words, you won’t even notice, but when it does, a T appears on the meter.

Not only is straight-line stability impeccable, but cornering and braking are also impeccable—a testament to Honda 

‘s craftsmanship. Additionally, pressing the left or right handlebar switch allows the motorcycle to reverse, making it extremely convenient for parking in and out of parking lots and maneuvering in tight spaces. The catalog specs state that the bike has a cruising range of 57km, but it also has a regenerative braking function that converts the energy generated when braking into electrical energy and stores it in the battery. Depending on how you ride, it’s possible to extend the range, so you can enjoy the “electric bike riding technique” that is popular among electric bike owners to extend the cruising range!

Should I buy a battery or use Gachaco?

When purchasing a CUV e:, you must choose whether to purchase a battery or use the Gachaco sharing service. In either case, national subsidies start from 35,000 yen, and depending on the local government, local government subsidies may also be available. There are multiple options, so we will introduce some of the main ones.

Honda’s sales price (including consumption tax)

CUV e: Vehicle: ¥200,200 
Honda Mobile Power Pack e: ¥108,900 (price per unit) 
Honda Power Pack Charger e: ¥55,000 (price per unit) 

If you purchase a battery, you'll need two MPPs and at least one dedicated charger. The total cost in this case is ¥473,000. However, you can't immediately swap it for a charged battery. 
 
With Gachaco, you can go to a station and instantly swap it for a charged battery. You only need to purchase the vehicle, but you'll be charged a permanent subscription fee. You can choose between two plans: one that only uses stations around town, and one that allows you to rent a charger and charge at home. With the former, you'll pay a basic fee of ¥5,060/month for two MPPs, plus a charge of ¥99/kWh for the amount you use. The latter has a basic fee of 5,060 yen/month for two batteries, 1,430 yen/month for one charger, and 220 yen (per battery) per station replacement. The 

advantage of Gachaco is that the initial cost is significantly lower and you can always use a battery in good condition. The question of whether it is more cost-effective to use a battery or a purchase seems to depend on how you use it, the mileage, how many years you plan to use it, etc. 

In addition, in Tokyo, if you purchase only the vehicle using Gachaco, you will receive a purchase subsidy of 67,000 yen, which, when combined with the national subsidy, can be purchased for 98,200 yen, and Gachaco users will also receive a subsidy of up to 50,000 yen over three years, with a monthly limit of 1,400 yen.

Detailed explanation

A word after the test drive

It’s powerful and fun, as you’d expect from Honda, and it’s perfect! 

In my case, I wish it had a little more range… But I live in Tokyo, so I’ll make use of the many Gachaco stations within the 23 wards! If I accept that, I can use it for just 98,200 yen for the purchase price and 5,060 yen/month for the subscription + a little extra…

Main introduction

Kondo Spataro 

Talent/MC/Planning Producer.

Crossing the American continent by completing Route 66 on a Harley. Competing in the Russian Rally motorcycle division multiple times and touring Mount Everest in Tibet at an altitude of over 5,000m, he is one of the biggest motorcycle enthusiasts in the entertainment industry. His stage name was given to him when he appeared in the film “Supermarket Woman” after the late director Juzo Itami, who was also known for his love of motorcycles.

He is a personality on an environmental program and is passionate about environmental issues and next-generation mobility that is environmentally friendly. In addition to being an actor, MC and reporter, he is also the representative of the web media SPANGSS and the production company SPANCHOOS.