Real Answers Q&A: A Closer Look at Honda Fastport

I attended the New York International Auto Show, and was introduced to the latest in city vehicles and technology– Honda’s electric Fastport. I had the opportunity to drive this pedal-propelled, delivery-focused eQuad, which shares more in common with a truck than you might expect. 

I also spoke with Fastport’s Head of Product, Adam Elsayed, for Real Answers on RealSource™—read on to learn more about Honda’s work in last-mile delivery, the Fastport eQuad platform, and how it aims to rethink urban logistics through swappable battery technology and bike-lane-capable design.

Since the Fastport won a Red Dot award for Best Design Concept, similar to how RealTruck’s design team took home the same award for Vehicle Accessories Design on their Apex and Ascend caps, I wanted to learn more about it to share with our readers on RealSource.

Frank Biscotti: What exactly is the Honda Fastport, and what does it do for customers?

Adam: Fastport is a new business entity born out of here in North America, and we’ve built a micro-mobility platform, both the hardware and the software. We’re very excited to enter the last-mile delivery space.

We feel like we can deliver a holistic solution that helps operators utilize the bike lane for more efficient driving, specifically in congested cities, and we look forward to utilizing that Honda brand and the resources that we have to provide enjoyable experiences for riders and a holistic solution for operators.

Frank Biscotti: Very cool. I can definitely see this thing being used in New York City riding around on the streets.

Frank Biscotti: What kind of battery system does the Honda Fastport have?

Adam: We’re providing the entire ecosystem of products. The energy system that we’re using is called Honda Mobile Power Packs, or MPPs. These are currently active throughout Asia. We utilize them in different Honda products, scooters, and others.

These are 1.3-kWh batteries. There are two of them that get installed onto the eQuads, as we call them, and they can be easily swapped.

The range for one of the larger platforms that we have here is about 20 miles. We provide the energy infrastructure to our clients as well, so they can have that on-site. We even offer Battery as a Service, where we can charge them, store them, and deliver them.

So, it’s really up to how the operators want to function. But they’re very easily swappable, and we’ve seen our operators utilize them for up to 16 to 18 hours a day.

Frank Biscotti: Very cool. I got to hold one of those batteries, and it’s cool. It has a little handle. It’s about the size of a normal car battery.

Adam: They’re about 22 pounds each. Again, easily swappable, and we see value in that so operators can continue operating efficiently.

Frank Biscotti: How much does the Honda Fastport cost?

Adam: We provide the ecosystem as a solution, and Honda Fastport itself is unique in that it’s a business-to-business entity. So, we don’t sell retail or directly to consumers. We work together with operators to provide a solution.

We try to give a range that starts in the mid-$20,000s, and we review the number of eQuads  that would be necessary and how they would like the battery infrastructure delivered and operated.

We also provide Software as a Service. So, we have fleet management apps, logistics apps, and service apps as well.

Then you also have service and maintenance plans. Does the operator want to train the service teams? Should we provide the service? All that gets put together into a package that’s favorable for both the operator and us as a company.

Frank Biscotti: Very cool. So, like a complete infrastructure.

Adam: One hundred percent. Our goal is to make sure we provide the tools, the hardware, and the software for operators to focus on their specific activities for their riders and their specific services.

Frank Biscotti: Tell me about the Fastport’s handling dynamics.

Adam: We’re Honda, and you’ll find that 50% of the parts in our eQuad are from our motorsports division. The rigorous training that we do is the same rigorous training that you would have with any Honda product.

Stability testing and engineering have been a huge focus, and we’ve put a lot of effort into making sure there’s an enjoyable rider experience.

I think you test-drove it earlier, and you’ll find that stability is critical for us. Again, we want a safe, reliable ride, and we’ve put that Honda engineering into this eQuad.

Frank Biscotti: Yeah, you can’t flip the thing. You can try as much as you want, turn it hard left and right, and you’ll find it’s pretty stable.

Frank Biscotti: How many models are currently configurable on the Fastport platform?

Adam: We’re going to market with two platforms at this time. There’s a small platform and a large platform. You’ll find that the dimensions are different. The larger platform is about 14 inches longer and 8 inches wider.

The larger platform can carry a total of 650 pounds in cargo capacity. The smaller platform is about 320 pounds, but it can go higher in U.S. markets.

The reason for these different platforms is that they’re directly connected to regulatory compliance for utilizing the bike lane. That is the advantage of using the eQuad.

Based on the markets that we enter, I think our operators will choose the one that’s most suitable. So, we’re open to working with both.

Something else to mention is that you’ll see there’s a box on this eQuad. That box is configurable. Right now, we’ve built it for the last-mile delivery space — cargo, grocery, and similar uses.

But we’re open to other configurations, and we look forward to utilizing that platform for a wide variety of use cases. Think public infrastructure, campuses, corporate campuses, utilities, and so on.

Right now, there are two platforms that we’re going to production with, and we’re happy to work with operators and fleet managers to see what’s going to work best for them.

Frank Biscotti: Very cool. I look forward to seeing a truck bed on there someday. We can get you a bed cover — a custom hard bed cover.

The New York International Auto Show continues to highlight where the industry is heading, with new ideas in electrification, efficiency, and urban mobility. Honda’s Fastport is a clear example of that shift, focusing on practical last-mile delivery solutions built around flexibility, logistics software, and real-world use. 

Explore RealSource for a virtual visit to recent auto shows, featuring images, insights, and additional interviews from the floor.