As far as adorably tiny trucks and vans go, Japan has the rest of the world beat. The country is known for using “kei cars,” relatively affordable, ultra-compact vehicles, to conduct personal and commercial transportation on narrow streets. Though kei cars have historically been gas-powered, electric versions are beginning to dominate the market. This has made it easier for automakers to introduce unconventional electric vehicles like the new HW Electro solar-powered van.
The van is called Puzzle, and according to an announcement made at an automotive press event in New York, it’ll eventually make its way to the United States. “The Puzzle launch marks HW Electro’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges and creating innovative eco-friendly solutions to the commercial vehicle market,” a spokesperson said at the event. “We are excited to officially showcase Puzzle today and we look forward to making it available in the US market in 2025.”
At 3.4 meters (11.2 feet) long, the Puzzle is refreshingly small compared with the vans we’re accustomed to in the States. Its interior features just two seats with plenty of room in the back for cargo, making it an exciting option for small, product-based businesses interested in reducing their environmental impact. With all that interior space, the Puzzle could also be used as a solo camper, though whoever’s sleeping inside would be a bit cramped. On the outside, an angular silhouette and silver paint job give the Puzzle a futuristic vibe, while the vehicle’s ring-shaped headlights lend an anthropomorphic touch.
The Puzzle is a follow-up to HW Electro’s Elemo series, born from a desire to improve disaster readiness in Japan. As a result, the Puzzle contains the Elemo vehicles’ signature AC outlets, USB ports, and emergency kit, the last of which includes a first-aid kit and a crowbar. The door that opens to these resources is external, making it possible for someone outside the vehicle to help whoever might be trapped inside following an incident.
But the Puzzle's most interesting feature is its solar roof, which transforms light into electrical power as the vehicle travels around town. Admittedly, HW Electro's limited unveiling leaves many unanswered questions about the Puzzle's solar array: Where is the resulting energy stored, and how efficiently is that energy consumed by the vehicle’s motor? Are other charging options available for instances where the Puzzle is parked indoors—or gets caught on a cloudy day?
It’d also be nice to know how much the Puzzle will cost, but with more than a year before its stateside debut, it’s only fair that HW Electro would want to hold off on assigning it a price tag. We’ll watch for details surrounding the Puzzle's forthcoming sales in the coming months.
