HW Puzzle, a Japanese electric van ready to withstand disasters

In Japan there are vehicles called Kei Car designed for getting around the city. The van version is called Kei Van and combines the same characteristics in a commercial version. One of these models has just been unveiled and is called HWE Puzzle. It is a small commercial vehicle with electric traction, ideal for transporting any object or work material.

Its length is 3,400 millimetres and it has only two seats. However, the passenger seat can be folded down to create more space for transporting an object that exceeds the cargo area. Moreover, when folded, the passenger seat can turn into an auxiliary table, where mobile office work can be carried out.

A disaster-proof vehicle

This commercial vehicle is designed to cope with the consequences of a disaster that causes a loss of power supply. It is not especially resilient, but it has been equipped with a set of solar panels that allow it to charge its battery even when there is no power supply.

This may seem irrelevant in many markets, but we must not forget that in Japan there are many earthquakes and other natural phenomena that can cause this kind of situation. In any case, it is something that does no harm in increasing the vehicle’s range in daily use.

In addition, it is equipped to serve as a battery for external devices, as it has USB ports and alternating current sockets. It also includes a lever and an essential emergency first-aid kit. All of this is designed for external use, so it is located on the outside of the vehicle.

The commercialisation of this vehicle is expected in Japan and the United States, but it is not expected to reach Europe, as this type of vehicle does not have enough appeal to sell well in our market. That said, it turns out to be a very interesting vehicle.