Prototype of 4kW electric propulsion system installed on sightseeing boat in Japan.
Demonstration tests for Honda’s next-generation electric propulsion system, which made a big splash when a concept model was unveiled in 2021, finally began this month in Matsue, capital city of the Shimane Prefecture in Japan.
The electric propulsion prototype used in the demonstration tests was jointly developed by Honda and Tohatsu. Honda was responsible for the 4kW electric power unit, while Tohatsu was responsible for the frame section, including the transmission case and the lower unit. Honda, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality in all of its products and corporate activities by 2050, and Matsue City, which is known for environmental initiatives such as “carbon neutral tourism”, were a perfect match between the wishes of both parties and led to the realisation of the demonstration tests.
The recently completed prototype of the 4kW electric propulsion system for small boats has been installed on the Horikawa River sightseeing boat operated by the city’s tourism promoter and will be tested under actual operation. The marketability of the boat will also
be verified, and the data will be used for further product development and corporate activities in the future.
The captains of these sightseeing boats used to wear microphones to talk to passengers and reduce speed when talking, but with the electric drive there will be no need for either. The public will be able to board the Honda electric-powered sightseeing boat from this autumn.
