Honda plans to begin field tests of its Micro Commuter Prototype β this fall, in cooperation with the city of Saitama, Japan.

The Micro Commuter was introduced as a concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. At a mere 2.5 meters long, and 400 kg plus the battery, it’s designed to seat a driver and one passenger (or perhaps two small children). It has a motor with 15 kW maximum output, a lithium-ion battery of unspecified size, a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a range of about 60 km.

This minute motorcar is built on the Variable Design Platform, which positions the battery, motor and control unit under the floor and in the rear, in order to accommodate different interior configurations. Talk about a stripped-down model – a user-provided tablet is required for functions such as meters, navigation, audio and back-up camera display.

The new testing project will study usage patterns and consumer needs in various uses, including short-distance transportation of children and seniors, car sharing and, together with the Honda Smart Home System, vehicle-to-home applications.

[Correction 7/21/13:  The Commuter Prototype has a motor with 15 kW maximum output, and a lithium-ion battery of unspecified size.]
Source: Honda