All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Honda eQuad is an Electric Quadricycle Designed for Urban Delivery

In a bold move aimed at redefining urban mobility and last-mile delivery, Honda has introduced the eQuad, a compact electric quadricycle under its Fastport brand. Tailored specifically for congested city environments, the eQuad promises to be both a sustainable and practical solution for urban logistics, blending innovation with functionality.

A Vehicle Designed for the Urban Jungle

At first glance, the eQuad might seem unusual — a minimalist, boxy design on four wheels. But beneath this unassuming exterior lies a carefully engineered machine built for efficiency. Available in two sizes, both variants of the eQuad are capped at a top speed of 20 km/h and offer a maximum range of 37 kilometers — just enough for short city trips and delivery routes.

One of its standout features is quick battery replacement, a crucial asset for minimizing downtime. The eQuad’s ability to travel on bicycle paths only enhances its appeal, allowing it to bypass traditional traffic congestion and navigate dense urban grids with ease.

Built for Cargo, Built for Speed (Well, Sort of)

The eQuad’s mission is clear: streamline last-mile delivery while reducing emissions and city traffic. The smaller version can carry up to 145 kilograms of cargo, while the larger variant boosts that to an impressive 295 kilograms. With cargo volumes reaching up to 4,200 liters, these vehicles are designed to meet the growing demand for faster, more frequent deliveries — from groceries to online orders.

Dimension-wise, the smaller model measures 3,400 mm in length, 1,000 mm in width, and 2,100 mm in height. Its bigger sibling extends slightly more at 3,658 mm long, 1,219 mm wide, and 2,134 mm high.

Function Over Form: Simple Yet Smart Design

Inside, the eQuad offers a spartan yet functional environment. Drivers sit on a bicycle-style seat and steer using two handles. A large digital display serves as both the instrument panel and infotainment hub. Additional features such as mirrors, lights, a UV-protected roof, and a fan for improved comfort round out the vehicle’s basic yet essential equipment package.

Mechanically, the eQuad uses a pedal-by-wire system with electric assist. Propulsion comes from an electric motor powered by replaceable batteries, and the vehicle includes regenerative braking and an automatic parking brake for added safety and energy efficiency.

From NSX to eQuad: An Unlikely Evolution

In a surprising twist, the eQuad is being produced at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio — the same facility that once assembled the legendary NSX, Honda’s flagship supercar often dubbed the “Japanese Ferrari.” While the NSX was discontinued in 2022, its spiritual successor in utility form now rolls off the same production line, symbolizing Honda’s shift from high-octane performance to clean, smart urban transport.

Coming Soon to a City Near You

Honda plans to launch the eQuad in Europe and North America by the end of this year, with large-scale production to follow in 2026. As cities worldwide continue to grapple with pollution, traffic, and delivery demands, the eQuad could become a cornerstone in a new era of urban mobility.

Whether or not it carries the thrill of an NSX, the eQuad marks an exciting step forward in Honda’s electric ambitions — one practical delivery at a time.

Source: Honda

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Honda eQuad is an Electric Quadricycle Designed for Urban Delivery
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Yo-Go Buggies: The Curious Electric Vehicles Making Waves in West London

In the heart of Hammersmith and Fulham, a quirky new transport solution is turning heads and challenging conventional urban mobility. Since September 2024, ten bright yellow electric buggies—operated by startup Yo-Go—have been zipping around the borough in a limited trial that has both baffled and delighted Londoners.

At first glance, the buggies resemble glorified golf carts. But beneath their unassuming appearance lies a concept that might just make sense in a city overwhelmed by congestion, emissions, and the rising cost of car ownership.

Each Yo-Go buggy accommodates two passengers and their luggage, reaching a top speed of 20mph. They’re classified as L6e quadricycles, road-legal and redesigned for British weather, albeit with minimal protection from the elements. Powered by a 5kWh battery and 4kW electric motor, they offer up to 30 miles of range, recharged via solar panels or London’s lamp-post charging network.

The concept is simple and affordable: subscribers pay 10p per minute with a £10 monthly fee, while casual users are charged 20p per minute. Parking the vehicle reduces the rate to just 5p a minute. Compared to services like Lime or Zipcar Flex, the buggies are strikingly cost-effective.

Driving one requires a UK license held for at least two years and registration through the Yo-Go app, including ID verification and a 24-hour approval process. Once approved, users can locate a buggy in designated parking bays, scan a QR code, and drive away—returning the vehicle to any bay to end the session. Plans are underway to allow users to leave buggies on their own streets, further embedding them into community life.

The brains behind Yo-Go, automotive engineer Samuel Bailey, saw potential in an unlikely place: China. Partnering with vehicle manufacturer Marshell, Bailey brought the idea to London, refining the buggy’s design to better suit urban conditions. Though compact, the buggy boasts solid handling, decent suspension, and a surprising amount of agility, making it well-suited to the capital’s narrow and pitted roads.

“The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Bailey. “Each buggy is used around three times a day, and we now have about 5,000 registered users—from parents on the school run and carers, to builders transporting materials across the borough.”

Despite their novelty, Yo-Go buggies face skepticism. Critics question whether the vehicles are robust enough for year-round use and whether they’ll end up abandoned like other micro-mobility solutions. Bailey, however, is confident. Each buggy is registered to the user, and security features are built-in to deter theft or misuse.

While the interiors are basic—hard plastic panels, open storage boots, and few frills—the driving experience is refreshingly straightforward. With pedals labeled ‘Stop’ and ‘Go’, a clear dashboard, and responsive acceleration, even novice drivers can handle the buggy with ease.

Ultimately, the Yo-Go buggy may be more than just a novelty. In a city desperate for smarter, greener, and more economical transport options, this pint-sized electric vehicle could represent a modest but meaningful step forward. Whether it’s a glimpse of the future or just a clever experiment remains to be seen. But for now, it’s safe to say: London’s roads just got a little more interesting.

Source: Autocar

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Yo-Go Buggies: The Curious Electric Vehicles Making Waves in West London
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Porsche and Ferragamo Unite for a Stylish Tribute to Italian Craftsmanship

Two iconic brands merge precision engineering with haute couture to celebrate 40 years of Porsche Italia.

In a celebration of heritage, style, and craftsmanship, Porsche Italia has teamed up with storied Italian fashion house Ferragamo to launch two exclusive, limited-edition models commemorating its 40th anniversary. Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the electric Taycan 4S, these special vehicles reflect the shared values of both brands: timeless design, attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

This unique collaboration brings together the automotive artisans at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the refined vision of Ferragamo’s designers. At the heart of both vehicles is a rich new signature color: Blusogno. Inspired by a hue found in Ferragamo’s fashion archives, Blusogno represents a fusion of German engineering and Italian elegance, extending across exterior paint, interior leather, and even the finely hand-painted wheels.

The aesthetic journey continues inside, where Blusogno-colored leather – specially developed for the project – wraps around the seats, steering wheel, and center console. Elegant Pebble Gray piping and red accents add subtle contrast, while the dashboard and center panels are adorned with Paldao wood, uniquely dyed in blue – a first for Porsche. In the 911, the passenger-side dashboard is enhanced with an aluminum inlay featuring the commemorative “40 Anni Porsche Italia” logo, also echoed in the Taycan’s center console.

Designers from both brands collaborated closely throughout the project, with teams exchanging visits between Porsche’s Zuffenhausen headquarters and Ferragamo’s Florentine home. Drawing on the fashion brand’s legacy, Porsche engineers integrated signature details: hand-painted white fine lines inspired by Ferragamo design motifs glide across the car’s bodywork, and a white-illuminated Ferragamo logo graces the aluminum door sills.

Commemorative plaques on the B-pillars mark the collaboration with the years 1985 and 2025, celebrating Porsche Italia’s four-decade presence in the country. Even the keys and indoor car covers received bespoke treatment in Blusogno, a testament to the exhaustive attention to detail both brands uphold.

“This project is a tribute to our shared heritage and values,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. “We wanted to create something truly unique that embodies Porsche’s style, combined with Italian culture and aesthetics.”

Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Salvatore Ferragamo, echoed the sentiment: “Porsche is already perfect. Our contribution was to enhance the details, creating an authentic and meaningful synergy rooted in dreaming—just as my father, the ‘shoemaker of dreams,’ always did.”

A standout detail in the 911 and Taycan interiors is the SportChrono clock, which subtly incorporates the Italian Tricolore – green, white, and red – into its dial. It’s a nod not just to the nation Porsche Italia calls home, but to a partnership that blends tradition with innovation.

With only a limited number of units available exclusively in Italy, these two models are a rare convergence of automotive and fashion artistry – a testament to the timeless appeal of both Porsche and Ferragamo.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche and Ferragamo Unite for a Stylish Tribute to Italian Craftsmanship