In this project managed by the city of Saitama, Honda and Saitama will test the urban use of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric scooters. Honda also plans to construct and test its Honda Smart Home System in Saitama in the spring of next year. This comprehensive energy management system features several Honda-developed energy production technologies, for example, a gas engine cogeneration unit and a solar power system.

Complementing the commercial grid, the Honda Smart Home System provides heat and electricity for the home, and produces power for the use of electromotive mobility. This highly efficient energy management system will help reduce household and mobility CO2 emissions. Honda will also be exploring the system’s potential to independently produce electricity for the household in the event of a disaster.

Through its electric mobility (motorcycles, automobiles and power products) and energy production technologies, Honda seeks to realize the joy and freedom of mobility and a sustainable society where people can enjoy life. Through the E-KIZUNA Project, Honda aims to achieve household CO2 emissions reduction to half of year 2000 level by 2015.

Based on the E-KIZUNA Project agreement, Honda and the city of Saitama will collaborate on exploring the following items:
1. Priority items for collaboration:
Creating the disaster-resistant city of the future with the help of a variety of energy supplies and electric mobility:

Enhancing access to electric vehicles and creating EV-related business models.
Creating independent home communities focused on local energy production and consumption.
Developing household energy systems that can operate in the event of a disaster.

2. Items for collaboration:
(1) Constructing an electric charging safety net.

Identifying electric charging infrastructure appropriate for the unique characteristics of the city of Saitama.
Maintaining compatibility between current charging infrastructure and electric vehicles developed in the future.
Using solar panels and fuel cells to supply energy.

(2) Stimulating demand and applying incentives.

Promoting the shared use of electric scooters and automobiles.
Promoting the use of electric scooters for commercial use.
Developing a wide variety of electric vehicles to meet citizens’ needs.

(3) Tailoring educational initiatives to local needs.

Implementing riding safety seminars featuring electric scooters.
Implementing electric cart seminars for seniors.

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E-KIZUNA Project is managed by the city of Saitama in collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders. The project aims to help fight global warming and realize a sustainable, low-carbon society through the popularization of electric vehicles. (In Japanese, kizuna means the ties that connect people to each other.)