Yes, it probably is...at least in China. China is the world's largest automotive market having passed the US years ago. Therefore cutting-edge product has become even more important there since Chinese consumers and the Chinese government demand them. As a result of this, Honda is showing the SUV e:Concept and the production CRV PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) at the Bejing International Auto Exhibition (Auto China 2020). The e:Concept (above) is an attractive take on Honda's current styling themes that has been updated to reflect EV design cues like the grille=less front clip. While I like the e:Concept's look several things will probably change when it reaches production (if it reaches production?). Firstly, it appears to be a two-door which most automakers have been shying away from for some time and the roof line seems very low limiting utility but increasing style. And that's probably the point, right? No specs were provided at this point so production is probably a ways down the road. On the other hand, the CRV PHEV will be available in China in early 2021 using Honda's 2-motor hybrid system, SPORT HYBRID i-MMD, with improved efficiency of the battery and converter systems. No fuel economy numbers were given, but this one should come to the US...eventually. Honda (Clarity) and Toyota (Mirai) have been myopically focusing on fuel-cell technology while everyone else skipped that step and went right on to fully electric vehicles. I'm sure they'll catch up. At least Honda has given some insight into their future with the SUV e:Concept and the plug-in hybrid CRV. More info to come...
Source: Honda - Pics and media release
Media Release:
Honda Exhibits World Premiere of “Honda SUV e:concept” at the 2020 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2020)
Honda today exhibited the world premiere of the Honda SUV e:concept at the 2020 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2020). The Honda SUV e:concept is a concept model indicating the direction of a future mass-production model of the Honda brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) to be introduced in China. Auto China 2020 began today in Beijing, China (Media days: September 26-27, Trade days: September 28-29, Public days: September 30-October 5, 2020).Also highlighted at the Honda automobile booth are a wide variety of mass-production models, primarily electrified vehicles including the CR-V PHEV which will be the first Honda vehicle introduced in China equipped with a plug-in hybrid system.
The Honda automobile booth also includes a technology presentation booth which exhibits Honda’s omnidirectional ADAS*1, the next-generation advanced safety and driver-assistive system. Honda is planning to begin demonstration testing of this omnidirectional ADAS in China before the end of this year.
Working toward the fulfillment of its global 2030 Vision, Honda will further accelerate the realization of a carbon-free and collision-free society by embodying concepts of the future technologies.
*1 Advanced driver-assistive systems
●Honda SUV e:concept
Honda SUV e:concept is a concept model which indicates the direction of a future mass-production model of the Honda brand’s first EV to be introduced in China.
Honda is striving to develop a mass-production EV model which will offer a value based on mobility experiences that remain fresh and FUN for customers. To this end, the new EV model will be equipped with omnidirectional ADAS, the next-generation Honda SENSING safety and driver-assistive system with improved recognition, predication and decision-making performance, as well as the next-generation Honda CONNECT, which features an AI assistant interface, smartphone link and wireless updates made possible by advanced connectivity.
●CR-V PHEV
CR-V PHEV will become the first Honda vehicle in China equipped with a plug-in hybrid system. This model is scheduled to go on sale in January 2021.
The plug-in hybrid system for this model was developed based on Honda’s original 2-motor hybrid system, SPORT HYBRID i-MMD, with further improved efficiency of the battery and converter system. This system realizes the “most EV-like feel” in virtually all areas for everyday driving, including driving performance, responsiveness and quietness.
●Omnidirectional ADAS
Omnidirectional ADAS is the next-generation and advanced form of Honda SENSING, with improved recognition, prediction and decision-making performance. This improvement was made possible by widening the front camera angle and adopting 360-degree radar, which enabled the system to detect vehicle peripheral environment more accurately. This system will be able to assist safe driving in more complex and diverse driving conditions on highways and surface roads.
Honda is striving for the early realization of a collision-free society based on its approach of providing “Safety for Everyone” sharing the road, which seeks to help realize a society where everyone can stay safe and avoid getting involved in a traffic accident. As a step forward to this goal, Honda is planning to begin demonstration testing of its omnidirectional ADAS in China before the end of this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment