--- title: "Honda Patent App Reveals New Gas Motocompo Scooter That’s Also an EV Range Extender" date: "2024-09-15" modified: "2024-09-15" authors: - name: "Beverly Braga" job_title: "Weekend Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/beverly-braga" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/future-honda-evs-could-get-gas-motocompo-scooter-doubling-as-range-extender" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Patents" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "honda" - "Patent" - "Range" - "Scooter" --- # Honda Patent App Reveals New Gas Motocompo Scooter That’s Also an EV Range Extender ![]() *Screenshot \USPTO\* Looks like the [Motocompacto]() might go back to its roots if a new [Honda]() patent works its way into production. Like the original [Motocompo]() foldable scooter, the patent application, filed back in June, suggests a future iteration of the portable scooter is in the works to do double-duty as a last-mile ride *and* as a gas-powered EV range extender that can pop into the trunk of your electric car. You read that right: gas. The current Motocompacto continues Honda's in-car, [mini-bike legacy](), but in all-electric form. An additional version would harken back to the gas-powered Motocompo of the 1980s whose intent was to be a trunk-stored travel companion for subcompact commuter cars like the Honda City and Honda Today. But rather than simply be an extra vehicle to ride around on, a fuel-filled Motocompacto would also work as a range extender for whatever [EV]() it's in to whatever place you're heading. The [patent filing]() specifically states: "To a large extent, the capabilities of the electric vehicles are limited at these \[off-road\] locations due to unavailability of charging infrastructure for charging the electric vehicles. Therefore, there is a need for a system for charging the electric vehicle and provide last mile connectivity." It goes on to explain how the planned "saddle riding vehicle" could plug into a port in the car's trunk, with a driver-accessible switch to turn it on as a range extender. Crucially, exhaust gas would be vented with a fan, though based on the very general schematics in the application, how exactly that would work is the biggest question here. ![]() ![]() ![]() Aww, Honda wants us to get out of the house more. (I'm trying, Honda, I'm trying, but I work weekends.) The range extender idea of a motorcycle engine powering an EV battery isn't entirely original. [BMW]() used the engine from its C 650 GT maxi-scooter to support the extended-range model of the now-retired [i3](). But it'd be a radically new thing to be able to remove that range extender and drive it away. Also worth highlighting: it wouldn't necessarily take up all the cargo space, because EVs can be designed with a front trunk. [20240190270-1]() The question is how does this fit into Honda's plans to offer [100 percent zero-emissions vehicles by 2040]() and be a completely carbon-neutral company by 2050? And how much would it add to the total EV price? The Motocompacto EV retails for $995. In the short term, a Motocompacto range extender could be a great addition to future EV products, especially for owners who want to take their vehicles farther off the grid. But a gas engine, even a small one, doesn't factor into a zero-emissions strategy. Not that we will see this range extender anytime soon. The patent doesn't mention specs, just concepts of a plan. Any actual production would require years of development, and the new [Honda Prologue]() is currently the first and only Honda EV sold in the U.S. market. *Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Born and raised in Hawaii, Beverly has been a prolific and published creative writer since her teens. As a contributor to The Drive, Beverly covers the weekend shift, blogging about all things automotive, mobility, transportation, and topics in-between. Currently a digital nomad, Beverly's only constant is her car, a second-generation Mazdaspeed3. Even though she's never in one place for too long, her hot hatch always feels like home. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()