Honda reveals 3D printed pure-electric car

Honda has revealed a new pure-electric car concept that could herald the birth of custom 3D-printed cars.

The concept, called the Micro Commuter, has been produced in co-operation with Japanese tech firm, Kabuku, and sees the tiny cargo van begin life as a skeletal frame.

Instead of featuring traditional body panels, the small Honda's bodywork is entirely 3D printed a process, that the Japanese car-maker claims, reduces the costs and time of production - although not just yet.

The actual printing of all the parts for the show car reportedly took a solid month of non-stop printing 24/7.

Created for CEATEC Japan, the country's biggest consumer electronics show, Honda announced such a vehicle in the future could be easily and cheaply customised.

For example, the show van's rear bay could be offered with slide-out trays, or a purpose-built removable coffee cart. Externally, the van could also be customised for its intended role or corporate identity. A fish delivery van could look like a fish, the car-maker says.

In the future this approach to customisable, interchangeable, body panels is expected to be applied to cars with owners being able to radically alter the looks of their vehicles beyond the addition of simple body kits, big wheels and large spoilers.

As well as the 3D body panels, Honda also revealed details on the Micro Commuter. Claimed to have a range of more than 80km, the small delivery van is powered by three separate battery packs. The largest is placed under the driver's seat and can be removed for quick charging indoors to provide for an emergency 15km range when needed.

It's been reported that Honda is planning to have the Micro Commuter van on sale by the second quarter of next year.