Honda’s commercial vehicle division has introduced the third generation of its electric Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV), providing an all-electric, fully autonomous flatbed truck that makes work on construction sites easier than ever before. While the Japanese automaker’s passenger electric cars may not have been as quick to market as some of its competitors, contractors now have an electric Honda that can carry all their heavy loads, building materials and anything else that’s required on a construction site.
So what exactly is the AWV? Essentially, it’s an electric flatbed truck that carries heavy loads and materials around a construction site, and all it needs is to be pointed to its destination before it sets off autonomously. This vehicle is designed to make construction work more efficient and productive, and it does so with minimal human intervention.
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The third generation of the Honda AWV comes with an easy-to-use tablet-based control system, and its load capacity has been increased to 2,000 lb (907 kg), while its bed has been lowered to make it easier to access. The new AWV can carry two pallets on its bed, and it can travel at speeds of up to 10 mph for up to 10 hours on a full charge. When fully loaded, this electric helper can travel up to 28 miles, which is more than enough for a typical construction site.
Honda is seeking construction companies interested in testing the vehicle in its element, and the AWV will be showcased later this month at the Las Vegas Conexpo 2023. While a passenger EV from Honda would be highly anticipated, the introduction of this fully autonomous and electric work vehicle is certainly a welcome development for the industry. In the meantime, the Honda e remains an appealing option for consumers, and the Honda e:NP1 is also available to lucky Chinese buyers.
