LOS ANGELES: Honda has been testing a second-generation prototype of its electric, autonomous work vehicle, capable of transporting a maximum load of 400kg on any construction site.

Although it is not yet ready for commercial release, the vehicle has been tested in real-world conditions on a construction site in the United States, where it successfully performed its functions.

This Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle - or AWV - was used by the American engineering and construction company Black & Veatch on a construction site in New Mexico.

For one month, this fully electric and autonomous prototype fulfilled a whole series of missions on a vast solar-energy construction project. This included transporting construction equipment, as well as water and various supplies.



This vehicle is capable of carrying loads of up to 400kg and towing a 750kg trailer.

Range is estimated at a minimum of 45km, with the maximum load, and more depending on the vehicle's uses. It can therefore be operational over an entire working day, bearing in mind that it takes six hours to recharge its batteries.

Originally, the AWV was a concept dating back to 2018 combining an off-road platform with advanced autonomous driving technology.

The result today is a new class of vehicle, capable of operating in a variety of working environments.

It uses sensors, cameras, GPS, radar and LiDAR to operate fully autonomously, find its way around and avoid potential obstacles. Note that it can also be remotely controlled.

For the moment, Honda has not announced commercialisation plans for the vehicle, but companies wishing to test it can request a trial.