Honda confirms next-gen e:HEV, ADAS system

Honda to focus on hybrids, next-gen ADAS

Honda intends to make driving safe for all after it announced that they are currently developing the next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Honda Global CEO Toshihiro Mibe confirmed this during a recent press conference, wherein the executive discussed the automaker's business plans.

According to Honda, next-generation ADAS technologies are mostly being used by high-end electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) due to technological challenges such as power supply constraints and the need for State of Charge (SoC) cooling. However, Honda believes its hybrid system (dubbed e:HEV) is capable of overcoming such hurdles since the automaker claims e:HEV has a high efficient energy management.

With it, Honda declared that it will apply the next-generation ADAS to a broad range of key EV and HEV models that are powered by the brand's next-generation e:HEV system.

In addition, Honda will adopt the use of the M/M Concept, which will maximize the space available for people and minimize the space required for mechanical components. This will allow Honda to install ADAS-related devices while minimizing the impact on cabin space and vehicle design.

By combining the use of the next-generation e:HEV, next-generation ADAS, and the M/M Concept, Honda believes this will result in its large business scale to achieve both high competitiveness and low costs.

With Honda focusing more on hybrids and its upcoming next-generation ADAS, what does this mean for EVs? Honda will still proceed with its global EV efforts (Honda 0 Series), but it will not be its main priority given the slowdown of demand for electric vehicles.