That is the Puzzle, a completely electrical kei van from a Japanese firm referred to as HW Electro. First revealed throughout this yr’s Japan Mobility Present, the Puzzle was just lately flown over to New York for an official presentation and publicity shoot.

In contrast to different kei automobile makers, HW Electro will promote the Puzzle in the USA, though the way it plans to take care of the nation’s “hen tax” is but to be identified. First imposed in 1964, the “hen tax” is a 25% tariff on imported mild vehicles and vans.

Tax discuss apart, the Puzzle is definitely fairly an fascinating mild business automobile (LCV). For one, the corporate says the extremely boxy and angular (and moderately cute) design is deliberate to cut back wastage throughout manufacturing in addition to making the electrical automobile (EV) simpler to supply and restore.

In line with kei automobile laws, the Puzzle measures simply 3,395 mm lengthy, 1,475 mm vast, 1,920 mm tall and its wheelbase spans 2,480 mm. Design cues embrace a flat entrance finish resulting in a steeply raked windscreen, the latter accompanied by round headlamps.

Barn-style doorways function on each side of the Puzzle, together with coated panels above the entrance wheels that cover the cost ports, energy shops, an emergency equipment and instruments. Based on the corporate, the EV has a most load capability of 350 kg and it’s simple to load up on cargo because of the flat load ground and huge boot aperture on the rear.

On that point out, the inside solely seats two individuals, and the dashboard is fairly simple with a small digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. There’s additionally a rectangular-shaped steering wheel, whereas the gear selector is discovered on a small console separating the 2 seats.

Numerous areas of the Puzzle’s cabin have pegboard-like holes to supply customers with the liberty to put in varied equipment like further stowage, cupholders and extra. Extra practicality comes within the type of further energy shops on the dashboard in addition to within the cargo space.

Powertrain particulars weren’t offered by the corporate, however the Puzzle can have photo voltaic panels on its roof to cost the battery. HW Electro plans to place the EV up on the market between the tip of 2024 and spring 2025 with a goal value of two million yen (RM64,853).

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