In major urban centers like New York City or Amsterdam, it has become common to spot compact, four-wheeled electric cargo vehicles deftly maneuvering through bike lanes. These vehicles, known as e-quads, differ notably from traditional cargo e-bikes designed mainly for household use. Rather than serving families, e-quads cater specifically to delivery companies such as Amazon and UPS, offering enclosed cargo holds capable of bypassing the gridlock that frequently hampers larger delivery trucks.
Honda has announced it is entering this developing market with the introduction of its new Fastport eQuad model. Available in two size variations built on the same core platform—small and large—the Fastport eQuad is significantly smaller than even the most compact automobiles such as the Mini Cooper, yet it can transport heavy loads ranging between 320 and 650 pounds.
To ensure legality for bike-lane operation, the Fastport is equipped with pedals, and its maximum speed is electronically capped at 12 mph (20 kph). Honda’s design employs its Mobile Power Pack batteries, each weighing approximately 22 pounds and easily replaceable, enabling operators to swiftly switch depleted units with fresh packs stored conveniently behind and beneath the cockpit.
Inside the vehicle, operators enjoy features typical of modern e-bikes, including an ergonomic seat, pedals, windscreen, and an intuitive digital display designed for optimal route planning. Honda highlights the eQuad as a “software-defined vehicle,” suggesting a future of continual improvements and updated functionalities throughout its operational lifespan; however, specifics remain undisclosed.
Manufacturing of the Fastport eQuads destined for the American market will occur at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, marking a considerable shift from the plant’s previous projects. Historically recognized for meticulously producing the high-performance Acura NSX—a formidable 500-plus-horsepower sports car reaching speeds upwards of 191 mph—the facility will now pivot towards assembling these practical, low-speed micromobility vehicles.
