Contributing to People’s Lives and Society: Honda’s Technological Journey

In one of the most competitive industries in the world, Honda Motor Company has held its own when coming out with the latest technology in the auto industry. In an ever-changing technological world, if you’re not at least one step ahead, you’re already a few steps behind the competitors. It takes innovation, teamwork, compassion and just a touch of brilliance for Honda to come up with some of the latest & greatest technology. Below you will learn all about Honda’s automobile technology including: Fuel Cell Powertrain Technology, Honda SENSING, Hybrid Powertrain Technology, PHEV, Electric Vehicles and more!

Fuel Cell Powertrain Technology

There are three things Honda focuses on when it comes to developing Fuel Cell Technology: Use Hydrogen, Generate Hydrogen, and Get Connected with Hydrogen. Since the 1990s, it has kept these three things in mind on its journey to develop a Hydrogen Society. On this journey to a sustainable society, Honda has developed fuel cell vehicles (FCV) as well as started its own research & development of hydrogen stations. It has developed a hydrogen station, called Smart Hydrogen Station (SHS), which is a low-carbon technology that generates hydrogen for use by FCVs. In order to “Get Connected with Hydrogen,” Honda has developed portable external power output devices and rechargers that allow FCVs to generate electricity at home, in public facilities, and even “get connected” to society in disaster situations. This endless journey to a sustainable hydrogen society will be a long one, but Honda is committed to contributing even more to people’s lives and society.

Learn more about Fuel Cell Powertrain Technology here!

Honda SENSING

Along with working to develop a hydrogen society, Honda has also been working to develop a collision-free society in which everyone can share the roads safely. Honda SENSING, a driver-assist system, was developed based on an analysis that showed that many fatal road accidents were the result of cars straying from their lanes. It provides safety by detecting & taking action when it comes to staying in the lane, detecting pedestrians, avoiding inattention, supporting the driver and reducing blind spots.

Learn more about Honda SENSING here!

Hybrid Powertrain Technology

Hybrid Powertrain Technology was introduced over 20 years ago on the Insight in 1999. Since then, Honda has strived to improve the technology as well as expand the hybrid vehicle lineup. The most recent development of hybrid powertrain technology is called Sport Hybrid Systems & consists of three types. The first type is one-motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) which offers automatic switching between EV Drive mode (fuel efficient/smooth driving), and Hybrid Drive mode (powerful/exciting driving). The second type is two-motor Sport Hybrid i-MMD (intelligent Multi Mode Drive) which offers three driving modes and consists of five systems working together. The three driving modes are: EV Drive Mode (off-the-line acceleration and normal cruising), Hybrid Drive Mode (strong acceleration), and Engine Drive Mode (high-speed cruising). The five systems are: Generation and Drive Motors, 2.0L Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC Engine, Litium-Ion Battery, Engine-linked Clutch, PCU (Power Control Unit). The last type is three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Sport Hybrid Super Handing – All Wheel Drive) which has the engine and one motor in the front, and two motors in the rear. Along with having three motors, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD features thrilling cornering, reliable rain and snow handling, and smart driving.

Learn more about Hybrid Powertrain Technology here!

 Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Technology

Honda has a goal of electrifying two-thirds of global automobile unit sales in 2030, with its main focus being on plug-in hybrid-based models. As Honda’s latest Plug-In Hybrid model, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) utilizes Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid technology. This vehicle runs on three different driving modes: EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode. EV Drive mode allows the vehicle to operate like an all-electric vehicle with the engine turned off to reduce friction. Hybrid Drive mode allows the vehicle to function as a series hybrid, while motive power comes from the electric traction motor like it does in EV Drive mode. Engine Drive mode allows the vehicle to function as a parallel hybrid and is usually engaged when driving at medium to high speeds. The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) also offers three driver-selectable operating modes: Normal Mode, Econ Mode and Sport Mode, as well as a fourth bonus mode: HV Mode, that can be used in conjunction with the other three.

Learn more about Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Technology here!

Electric Vehicle

As mentioned before, Honda has a goal of electrifying two-thirds of global automobile unit sales in 2030 and also plans to strengthen the development of electric vehicles (battery EV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCV) as zero-emission vehicles. Honda’s current Electric Vehicle is the Clarity Electric which was launched in late 2016. The Clarity Electric can be fully charged in just over three hours at 240 volts and can achieve an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes when using the SAE Combined Charging System.

Learn more about Electric Vehicles here!

In an ever-changing industry in an ever-changing world, Honda Motor Company stays at the top of its game by constantly thinking of how it can contribute to people’s lives, society, and how to create new connections among those people, society, and vehicles. As mentioned in an earlier Blog Post, Environmental Leaders or Just Ensuring Blue Skies for Our Children?, Honda is committed to doing better for the environment and for future generations. Through its constant research & development of new technology, Honda remains environmental leaders in the automotive industry year after year. As you can see, innovation, teamwork, compassion and just a touch of brilliance can go a long way when it comes to developing new technology. If you would like to learn more about all the amazing technology Honda has to offer, schedule an appointment online or drop by the Mungenast St. Louis Honda dealership to speak with one of our expert employees!

Learn more about other Honda Automobile Technology here!