Japanese electric automaker HW Electro has just unveiled its solar-powered Puzzle kei van that will hit the US market by 2025 in a recent automotive press in New York, InsideEVs reported.
“The PUZZLE launch marks HW ELECTRO’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges and creating innovative eco-friendly solutions to the commercial vehicle market. We are excited to officially showcase PUZZLE today and we look forward to making it available in the US market in 2025.”
President of HW ELECTRO Hsiao Weicheng
What’s currently known about the kei van?
The initial reveal of the Puzzle kei van demonstrates HW Electro’s upcoming entry into the US.
Design
The Puzzle van apparently has two seats in a simple cabin, New Atlas noted. It is unsurprising, considering the model prototype’s dimensions of 3,395 mm length, 1,475 mm width, and 1,920 mm height. It also has a maximum load capacity of 350 kg (770 lb).
The Puzzle van features roof-mounted solar panels to ensure power even during power outages.
Notably, HW Electro efficiently reduced production costs by employing a flat, angular layout. It also “makes optimal use of the maximum dimensions within the KEI car vehicle segment, making for an exceptionally large and efficient cargo area. The passenger seat folds down to accommodate especially large items and can double as a side table for the driver,” HWE emphasized.
Other features
HW Electro’s Puzzle van also offers a first aid kit in the passenger side’s compartment. It also has USB ports, internet connectivity, and AC power outlets, as noted by Electrek.
The company fitted the charging ports at the driver’s side compartment. Moreover, it also boasts a concealed crowbar underneath the rear floors.
In addition, it has document bins, cup holders, and armrests, among others. It is also equipped with a digital dashboard and a touchscreen infotainment panel.
Here’s the HWE’s Puzzle van prototype:
The brand announced plans to launch commercial sales of the solar-powered van as early as 2025.
HWE has yet to release the official pricing and specifications of the Puzzle EV. Nonetheless, its remarkable features, like the enormous cargo space, AC outlets, and crowbar, will undoubtedly become among the major points of customer attraction to the model.
However, the brand may struggle to actually bring it to the US, considering the stringent regulatory standards. HWE may register the model under the Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations, but it will compromise the model’s top speed to only reach 25 mph (40 km/h).
