Honda has unveiled the MC-β, a new micro-sized city EV – a two-seater prototype with plastic body panels and a pipe frame chassis that is very similar to Renault Twizy.

No exact specs were released, but according to Honda the MC-β is approximately 90 cm shorter than the body of a typical mini-vehicle with a turning radius as short as 3.3m.

Power comes from an electric motor with 15bhp and a lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is over 43mph and range around 50 miles from a full charge. The battery can be recharged in less than 3 hours from a 200V outlet and less than 7 hours with a 100V outlet.

The MC-β will start separate field tests this month, jointly conducted with Kumamoto Prefecture, Saitama City, and Miyakojima City in Japan.