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# Mini Electric Coaches
The Adorable Japanese E-KomiBus Uses Solar Energy to Run

By Meghan Young | Published 2011-11-08 | Autos
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-e-komibus
References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2011/11/04/tiny-slow-electric-bus/) & [yomiuri.co.jp](http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/eco/news/20111031-OYT1T00335.htm)

Electric vehicle are starting to pop up around the world slowly but steadily, the latest one being the E-KomiBus. A tiny form of public transportation, it only boasts a top speed of 12 mph, which makes it suitable for back alleyways, not well-traveled bus routes.

Developed by researchers at the Gunma University Department of Engineering in Japan, led by Professor Takarada Yasuyuki, the E-KomiBus is rather adorable, with a cute nickname (MAYO) to boot. This cuteness stems from the fact that it measures only 173 inches long, which is actually shorter than a 2012 [Honda](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-scooters) [Civic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urbanoid-booba). Despite it's petite size, this mini bus is equipped with [solar panels and lithium ion batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris).

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.4/10
- Popularity: 3% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Electric Vehicle Adoption:** The rise of mini electric coaches like the E-KomiBus presents an opportunity for increased adoption of electric vehicles for public transportation.
- **Micro-mobility Solutions:** The development of tiny, low-speed electric buses opens up possibilities for micro-mobility solutions in urban areas, especially in back alleyways and small bus routes.
- **Sustainable Transportation:** The integration of solar panels and lithium ion batteries in the E-KomiBus showcases a trend towards sustainable transportation options in the industry.

### Where This Applies

- **Public Transportation:** The E-KomiBus highlights potential for innovation and advancement in the public transportation sector, providing a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.
- **Electric Vehicle Manufacturing:** The emergence of mini electric coaches creates new opportunities for manufacturers to expand their product offerings and tap into the growing market for electric vehicles.
- **Renewable Energy:** The integration of solar panels in the E-KomiBus indicates potential growth in the renewable energy industry as it becomes increasingly utilized in transportation solutions.

## Related on Trend Hunter

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