Honda's new electric test track
Will be used for the development of electric cars and motorcycles, and the facility is also going to be fitted with a whopping 70,000 solar panels. Electricity anyone?Could this be the definitive sign that Honda is finally preparing to cast its electric motorcycle net out in a big way?
The Japanese manufacturing giant has just announced the construction of a test facility in Japan dedicated to the development of electric motorcycles and cars, featuring a high-speed 4km circuit. The balance of the 33-hectare property, located in the city of Sakura in Tochigi prefecture, will be fitted with a massive solar system -- 70,000 separate panels with the aim of selling back into the Japanese electricity grid by 2015. Honda is also planning to build a biotope within the property.
The grand plans were first tabled in 2007, but then set aside as the global financial crisis put the axe on capital spending.
Honda has teased with concept electric bikes like the RC-E (pictured) in the past few years, but for the most part it’s been a bit part player. That could all be changing – and provide a drag-on effect for the other Japanese manufacturers.
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