Honda teamed up with Japanese tech firm Kabuku to produce its very first 3D printed electric car.
The car uses a lightweight framework to keep weight down, while much of the car’s bodywork is 3D printed. Honda and Kabuku claim that the 3D printing process reduces the cost and time of production and that the prototype is ideal for mass production.
It bears resemblance to the Renault Twizy in terms of size and to some extent design and layout as well. However while the Twizy has a rear passenger seat, this has a cargo area instead, making the Honda a single-seater.
The car’s micro-van setup and compact electric vehicle architecture mean that its intended purpose is for local couriers. Usage for the car could easily be altered though, according to Honda and Kabuku, because the design is quickly customisable, and its altered components can be quickly produced thanks to the 3D printing technique.
It’s also as yet unnamed, but will make its full debut at the Japanese tech exhibition, CEATEC 2016. Honda and Kabuku have not released information about the range of the car as of yet.