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"  In Japan, there is a class of 660-cc subcompacts called Kei cars. One of the legendary vehicles in this category was the mid-engine Honda Beat. At the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda showed the spiritual successor to the Beat, but with a twist. Instead of the small, fuel-efficient 660-cc 3-cylinder engine, the 2-seat EV-STER, as it&amp;#039;s called, is electric.  The rear-wheel-drive EV-STER (the name is a combo of EV and Roadster)\u2014which employs carbon fiber in its construction for reduced weight\u2014is expected to have a range of 100 miles. Like the Honda AC-X and Micro Commuter Concept, it has twin joystick controls instead of a steering wheel. Top speed for the little 2-seater is 100 mph, and it&amp;#039;s capable of hitting 60 km/h in 5 sec. What&amp;#039;s more, Honda says the lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged in 3 hours at 200 volts.  Although Honda is emphasizing that the EV-STER is just a concept, it certainly looks like a modern interpretation of the Beat. Although Kei cars are only for the Japanese market, let&amp;#039;s hope Honda decides to build this sporty EV and bring it to the U.S. More:  Full Coverage: 2011 Tokyo Auto Show &amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;gt; Photos: Best of Tokyo 2011&amp;amp;gt;  Related posts:  Honda N Concept 4 \u2013 2011 Tokyo Auto Show Honda Townwalker Concept \u2013 2011 Tokyo Auto Show Honda Hybrids Benefit From New SH-AWD \u2013 2011 Tokyo Auto Show  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/news/a3433/honda-ev-ster-an-electric-beat-2011-tokyo-auto-show-29209/>