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Tag: electric vehicle

  • Nissan Adding Bi-Directional Charging to the Nissan LEAF

    Nissan Adding Bi-Directional Charging to the Nissan LEAF

    Nissan is taking electric vehicle (EV) charging to a new level, approving a bi-directional charger that can be used to power buildings.

    EV makers are looking for ways to improve the overall experience and add additional value for customers. Ford has made it possible to charge other EVs, or even power a house with the hybrid F-150. Nissan is now taking a major step in that direction, approving bi-directional charging for the LEAF, making it the first fully-electric passenger vehicle capable of powering a building or sending energy to the grid.

    “Bi-directional charging technology means not only charging the Nissan LEAF, but also sending energy stored in the vehicle battery back to the building or the grid,” writes Jeff Wandell, Nissan CUV & EV Communications Manager. “The Nissan LEAF is currently the only fully electric passenger vehicle in the US market able to supply energy to the grid, allowing LEAF owners with the Fermata Energy FE-15 bi-directional charger to park their vehicle, plug it in, and save money with their local electric utility as well as reduce the total cost of ownership of the vehicle.”

    Nissan is positioning the LEAF and its bi-directional charging as a perfect option for fleet operations.

    “Ideal for companies with fleet vehicles, the Fermata Energy Demand Charge Management application, along with the FE-15 charger, continuously monitors a building’s electrical loads, and may draw on the Nissan LEAF’s energy to provide power to the building during more expensive high-demand periods,” Wandell adds. “In states with utility demand response programs, bi-directional-enabled Nissan LEAF vehicles (MY2013 and later) are able to safely send energy stored in the battery to the grid during peak energy demand times, such as in summer months.”

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Tesla has been knocked off its throne, with Consumer Reports (CR) now recommending the Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top electric vehicle (EV).

    The Tesla Model 3 has been CR’s EV Top Pick for the last two years. The Model 3 was a departure from previous models, being far more affordable, a point which helped it become the top-selling EV in the world.

    Ford has made no secret about setting its sights on Tesla, coming out swinging with the Mustang Mach-E. The EV has now taken the coveted EV Top Pick award.

    “The Mach-E crossover is wrapped in Mustang heritage and executed with the detail associated with a century-old automaker,” writes CR’s Jeff S. Bartlett. “We took instant notice, and so did car buyers. As a result, the Mustang Mach-E effectively bumped Tesla from the 10 Top Picks list this year.”

    That doesn’t mean CR doesn’t recommend the Model 3. In fact, CR praises the vehicle’s range, technology, charging network, and a ride experience that’s closer to sports car than sedan. But the features Ford packed into the Mustang Mach-E helped push it over the edge.

    “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better,” continues Bartlett. “Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla. Also, the Mach-E has an edge when it comes to reliability, according to first-year results in our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members.”

    One thing is clear: Ford has dealt Tesla a major blow, and will likely continue to make inroads against the original EV maker.

  • US Government Announces $5 Billion EV Charging Network Fund

    The US Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy have announced a $5 billion fund to assist states in creating an electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

    The US is working to speed up EV adoption, but range anxiety is a major concern for many buyers. In fact, 20% of California EV owners end up reverting to gasoline vehicles over range anxiety. The issue is a bigger hurdle in the US than other parts of the world, such as Europe, because of the long distances that are commonly driven.

    As part of the Biden administration’s infrastructure program, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program makes $5 billion available to help states build a comprehensive EV charging network. The initial rollout would include a charging station every 50 miles alongside the Interstate system, with each station providing at least four high-speed chargers.

    “A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”

    “Americans need to know that they can purchase an electric vehicle and find convenient charging stations when they are using Interstates and other major highways,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “The new EV formula program will provide states with the resources they need to provide their residents with reliable access to an EV charging station as they travel.”

  • Sony Looks to Building and Selling EVs

    Sony Looks to Building and Selling EVs

    Move over Tesla: Sony is looking get in on the electric vehicle (EV) market.

    Sony used CES 2022 to show off its Sony Vision-S sedan, which the company first revealed at last year’s CES. The company also took the wraps off a new prototype, the Sony Vision-S SUV.

    According to TechCrunch, before unveiling the SUV prototype, President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida credited interest in last year’s reveal as the motivation behind the new prototype.

    “The excitement we received after we showed off the Vision-S really encouraged us to further consider how we can bring creativity and technology to change the experience of moving from one place to another,” said Yoshida. “This is our new Vision-S SUV. Vision-S has been developed on a foundation of safety, adaptability and entertainment. Safety has been our No. 1 priority in creating a comfortable mobility experience. That has not changed when building this SUV. A total of 40 sensors are installed inside and outside of the vehicle to monitor safety.

    “In terms of adaptability, we have connectivity that enables us to build a vehicle that continuously evolves. It also makes it possible to personalize the cabin for each user. With 5G, it enables high speed, high capacity and low-latency connectivity between the in-vehicle system and the cloud. The Vision-S also evolves mobility as an entertainment space,” said Yoshida. “The Vision-S also evolves mobility as an entertainment space, including gaming experience and audio. We have learned more about mobility through our exploration of Vision-S and through our partners who have supported this effort.”

    As part of the reveal, Sony announced it is establishing Sony Mobility. The goal of the new company is to “make the best use of AI and robotics technologies, help realize a world where everyone can live in harmony with robots on a daily basis, fill people with emotion, and contribute to society. With VISION-S, which contributes to the evolution of mobility, together with the autonomous entertainment robot aibo, and the drone Airpeak, Sony will seek to continue to create new value in a variety of fields.”

  • Tesla Delivers Record Number of Vehicles in Q4, Nearly One Million in 2021

    Tesla has done it again, beating analysts estimates and shipping a record number of vehicles.

    As the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Tesla is a good barometer for the general state of the industry and consumers’ interest in EVs. The company didn’t disappoint in Q4 2021, producing more than 305,000 vehicles, and delivering over 308,000.

    For the entire year, the company delivered just under one million EVs, coming in at 936,000 vehicles.

    The company thanked its employees, suppliers, and its entire ecosystem for making the milestone possible.

    Thank you to all of our customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and supporters who helped us achieve a great year.

  • Ford Delays Mustang Mach-E Due to Semiconductor Shortage

    Ford Delays Mustang Mach-E Due to Semiconductor Shortage

    Ford is notifying customers that some shipments of its Mustang Mach-E will be delayed due to the semiconductor shortage.

    The Mach-E was one of the most anticipated electric vehicles, and marked a major departure for Ford. The vehicle even won the 2021 North American SUV of the Year Award.

    Unfortunately, some buyers will have to wait to receive their vehicle, as the global semiconductor shortage is impeding Ford’s ability to deliver shipments. In an email (posted to macheforum.com) to customers, Ford said orders originally scheduled or produced July 5 through October 1, 2021, will be delayed six weeks.

    As compensation for the inconvenience, Ford is offering impacted customers “an additional 250 kWh of complimentary charging on the Ford Blue Oval Charge Network.”

  • Recalled Chevrolet Bolts Caught Fire, GM Issues Warning

    Recalled Chevrolet Bolts Caught Fire, GM Issues Warning

    GM is warning that at least two Chevrolet Bolts have caught fire, despite being serviced in a recall.

    GM issued a recall for nearly 51,000 Chevy Bolts over a risk of the vehicles catching on fire when “charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” At the time, GM recommended parking the vehicles outside, away from buildings until they could be fixed.

    It appears the fix may not be 100% foolproof, with two Bolts catching on fire despite already being fixed under the recall. As a result, the company is once again asking users to leave the vehicles parked outside until the issue can be investigated further.

    General Motors has been notified of two recent Chevrolet Bolt EV fire incidents in vehicles that were remedied as part of the safety recall announced in November 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who were part of the recall population to park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging overnight while we investigate these incidents.

    The company also asks customers that have not yet taken advantage of the recall to go ahead and do so. With only two known cases, out of the thousands that have already been fixed, it’s entirely possible this new issue may be completely unrelated.

  • Electric Ford F-150 Likely Has Longer Range Than Advertised

    Electric Ford F-150 Likely Has Longer Range Than Advertised

    Buyers of the all-new electric F-150 may be in for a pleasant surprise, as critics believe it may have longer range than advertised.

    Ford introduced the electric F-150 to great fanfare, including a test drive by President Biden. The company is offering the truck in two variations, one with 230 miles of range, and one with 300.

    According to Darren Palmer, Ford’s head of EVs, the new F-150 Lightning is more likely to underpromise and overdeliver on its range estimates. Palmer told Business Insider that Ford tested the vehicles with a 1,000 pound payload and without a bed cover.

    In real-world uses, many people will be driving the trucks without an additional 1,000 pounds in the bed, and some will use bed covers, both of which will have a positive impact on the range. The end result is that the F-150 Lightning may get more than advertised — which Ford is ok with.

    The truck’s Intelligent Range software is also very accurate at estimating range based on how it’s currently being used and how it’s loaded. For example, when towing a trailer, drivers can input the dimensions and weight, which are factored into the calculations. The software also takes into account the route being driven, elevation, wind and other factors. All of this is designed to help build customers’ confidence and help ease “range anxiety.”

    “It says what it does and it does what it says,” Palmer told BI.

  • Harley-Davidson Announces LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Brand

    Harley-Davidson Announces LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Brand

    Harley-Davidson has announced its own electric motorcycle brand, LiveWire, as it works to reinvent itself and cash in on the move to electric vehicles.

    Automakers around the world are racing to deploy electric vehicles, with governments viewing electric vehicles as a key component of the fight against climate change. Harley-Davidson is getting in on the action with the announcement of its LiveWire brand of electric motorcycles.

    “One of the six pillars of The Hardwire Strategy is to lead in electric – by launching LiveWire as an all-electric brand, we are seizing the opportunity to lead and define the market in EV,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “With the mission to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, LiveWire will pioneer the future of motorcycling, for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. LiveWire also plans to innovate and develop technology that will be applicable to Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles in the future.”

    Harley-Davidson said the the LiveWire motorcycle will be launched July 8, 2021 and premiere at the International Motorcycle Show on July 9.

  • Tesla Raises Prices on Model 3 and Model Y

    Tesla Raises Prices on Model 3 and Model Y

    Tesla has raised prices on some of its electric vehicles, thanks to a global semiconductor shortage.

    The pandemic has sparked a major shortage of semiconductors, one that is being felt across industries. Tech companies have struggled to keep up with demand as remote workers, gamers and distance learners have driven demand for computers, tablets and consoles. Even Apple, a company renowned for its supply chain management, has reportedly had to delay some rollouts as result of the shortage.

    Automakers have also experienced issues, with multiple companies slowing or shutting down production temporarily. Tesla is the latest to give indications it is being impacted.

    According to TheStreet, the Model 3 Standard Range, Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor AWD and. the Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD will see a price increase of $500.

  • Ford Moving EV Battery Production In-House

    Ford Moving EV Battery Production In-House

    Ford has taken a major step toward moving its electric vehicle (EV) battery production in-house, with the announcement of Ford Ion Park.

    Ford Ion Park is the company’s facility dedicated to pioneering various methods of battery production. The project will bring together a cross-functional team of 150 experts to help address the entire scope of battery production, from mining to development to manufacturing to recycling.

    Like most manufacturers, Ford is leaning heavily into hybrid and EV development, and taking a more hands-on approach to its battery development will give it a competitive advantage over some of its rivals.

    “We’re already scaling production of all-electric vehicles around the world as more customers experience and crave the fun-to-drive benefits of electric vehicles with zero emissions,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer. “Investing in more battery R&D ultimately will help us speed the process to deliver more, even better, lower cost EVs for customers over time.”

    “We are creating new tools and solutions we need for a carbon-free, affordable and better future,” Thai-Tang added. “We are modernizing Ford’s battery development and manufacturing capabilities so we can better control costs and production variables in-house and scale production around the world with speed and quality.”

    The 200,000 square-foot lab is in Southeast Michigan, with the team already underway. An additional $185 million collaborative learning lab will also be build in the area, “dedicated to developing, testing and building vehicle battery cells and cell arrays opens late next year.”

  • Motional Taps Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 For Next-Gen Robotaxi

    Motional Taps Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 For Next-Gen Robotaxi

    Driverless tech company Motional has announced it will use Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 for its robotaxi deal with Lyft.

    Motional and Lyft signed “the world’s largest robotaxi deployment partnership.” Beginning in 2023, Lyft customers will be able to book a Motional robotaxi, instead of a traditional Lyft.

    The company, which was founded by Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, plans to use Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 midsize electric crossover.

    The futuristic IONIQ 5 is an all-electric, midsize crossover utility vehicle designed for the passenger experience. With a unique and luxurious living space and a sleek, modern exterior, Motional and Lyft riders will experience their fully autonomous rides in comfort and style. Built on Hyundai’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 delivers innovation in both mobility and sustainability.

    Motional emphasizes the vehicles it will use are not the consumer version of the IONIQ 5, but ones with its Level 4 autonomous software integrated in. Autonomous driving software is graded from Level 0 to 5, with 5 being completely autonomous vehicles that never require human involvement.

  • Electrify America and Jeep Putting Charging Stations at Trailheads

    Electrify America and Jeep Putting Charging Stations at Trailheads

    Electrify America and Jeep are partnering to place charging stations at trailheads, coinciding with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid launch.

    Virtually every automaker is working on the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, and Jeep is no exception. While several electric vehicle makers are working on charging networks, as a leader in off-road vehicles, Jeep is focusing on off-road trailheads charging.

    “Electrification opens a new chapter in the Jeep brand story, and it brings an entirely new level of excitement and enjoyment for our enthusiastic owners,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “Key to making Jeep brand the greenest SUV brand is assuring our owners can enjoy the benefits of electric propulsion wherever they go, including the most iconic off-road trails in the country.”

    The Jeep 4xe Charging Stations will use the electrical grid where possible, or solar power when off the grid.

    The Jeep 4xe Charging Network trailhead chargers will deliver Level 2 (240-volt) charging. With Level 2 charging, the 17 kilowatt-hour battery pack in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe can be fully recharged in about two hours, delivering up to 21 miles of electric range. Recharge times will be shorter for Wrangler 4xe owners looking to just top off the battery pack before heading out on the trail.

    The charging network will provide a valuable option for Jeep drivers wanting to take full advantage of their vehicle’s electric capabilities.

    “It is our goal to provide electric vehicle drivers with the freedom to get to where they want to go – whether it be on a highway or off-road – and we look forward to bringing Jeep enthusiasts along on the journey,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and chief executive officer of Electrify America. “Through the customizable electric vehicle charging offerings of our Electrify Commercial B2B brand, we were able to work with Jeep to identify where their drivers will need charging access most, and make it a reality.”

  • Xiaomi Will Begin Making Electric Vehicles

    Xiaomi Will Begin Making Electric Vehicles

    Smartphone maker Xiaomi will begin making electric vehicles (EV), using Great Wall Motor Co Ltd’s factory.

    Xiaomi is one of the world’s largest smartphone makers, but is looking to diversify its business. Since it primarily makes Android-powered smartphones, it doesn’t enjoy the same margins as Apple, and depends on volume to remain profitable. The company has also faced challenges as a result of bans by the US, with officials citing the security risk it poses.

    According to Reuters, the company is looking to follow a similar path as many believe Apple is following, branching out from a smartphone maker to an EV maker. The company is planning on having Great Wall handle the manufacturing, the first time the latter has offered its manufacturing services to an outside company.

    According to Reuters’ sources, Xiaomi plans to sell its EVs to the mass market, mirroring its approach to the smartphone business.

  • Goldman Sachs Warns of Rising EV Battery Costs

    Goldman Sachs Warns of Rising EV Battery Costs

    Goldman Sachs is warning that electric vehicle makers will face rising battery costs, thanks to increased popularity.

    Automakers around the world are committing resources to the transition to electric vehicles. Governments are lending their support, committing to climate change and putting pressure on automakers to speed up the transition.

    According to CNBC, however, Goldman Sachs is warning the increased demand for EVs will lead to significantly increased battery cost. In fact, Goldman’s analyst predicts a rise of 18%. Given that the batteries account for 20% to 40% of a vehicle’s cost, an 18% rise in battery cost could significantly impact the EV market.

    “Prices for the three main natural resources have been rising since the start of 2021,” said Goldman’s report. “We believe that in order to promote sustainable EV industries, some countries may consider implementing policies to increase national stockpiles.”

  • Ford Executive Calls Tesla’s Self-Driving Software ‘Vaporware’

    Ford Executive Calls Tesla’s Self-Driving Software ‘Vaporware’

    A Ford executive has upped the rivalry with Tesla, calling Tesla’s self-driving software “vaporware.”

    Ford is widely seen as Tesla’s biggest competition, with the company’s Mustang Mach-E eating into Tesla sales. Edmunds recently did a head-to-head comparison of the Mach-E and the Model Y, giving a slight edge to the newcomer.

    There are a lot of great things about the Tesla Model Y including vast amounts of interior space, exciting driving performance and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. These two EVs are closely matched, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E wins this comparison thanks to its superior comfort and user-friendly technology.

    Tesla has helped pioneer self-driving vehicles, but a Ford executive is calling out the company’s software.

    https://twitter.com/mrlevine/status/1373646122548301833?s=20

    Between Tesla pitting the Cybertruck against the F-150, and now Ford dissing Tesla’s software, it appears the rivalry between the two automakers is just getting started. That’s probably a good thing for consumers.

  • VW Aims to Be the Next EV Battery Powerhouse

    VW Aims to Be the Next EV Battery Powerhouse

    Volkswagen has unveiled its plans for the future, and it’s clear the automaker plans on being an electric vehicle (EV) battery powerhouse.

    Volkswagen recently announced it was upping its investment in future tech to 73 billion euros, up from the 60 billion it initially planned. Much of the additional investment was a result of the company’s focus on electric vehicles.

    The company has laid out its roadmap, with plans to establish six gigafactories, with a total production capacity of 240 GWh, in Europe by the end of the decade. The announcement comes after European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic made it clear the EU plans to be self-sufficient in battery production by 2025.

    “E-mobility has become core business for us. We are now systematically integrating additional stages in the value chain. We secure a long-term pole position in the race for the best battery and best customer experience in the age of zero emission mobility”, says Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group.

    “We aim to reduce the cost and complexity of the battery and at the same time increase its range and performance”, says Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology. “This will finally make e-mobility affordable and the dominant drive technology.”

    Investing so heavily in battery manufacturing could give Volkswagen a major advantage over competitors.

  • GM Signs Deal With SolidEnergy Systems to Improve EV Range

    GM Signs Deal With SolidEnergy Systems to Improve EV Range

    GM has partnered with MIT spinout SolidEnergy Systems to improve EV range, thanks to an innovative type of battery.

    SolidEnergy Systems has specialized in lithium metal (Li-Metal) batteries, instead of the current lithium-ion. By using Li-Metal, the batteries feature increased energy density. This allows similarly sized batteries to offer greater range. Alternately, smaller batteries could save space, while still providing the same range as existing, larger batteries.

    “Affordability and range are two major barriers to mass EV adoption,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “With this next-generation Ultium chemistry, we believe we’re on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation improvement in energy density and cost. There’s even more room to improve in both categories, and we intend to innovate faster than any other company in this space.”

    GM first invested in SolidEnergy Systems six years, and the company’s tech will form the basis of GM’s Ultium-based vehicles. GM first announced the Ultium Platfom, its next generation battery technology, a year ago.

    The company’s moves come amid its transition to EV vehicles, promising its light-duty vehicles will be all-electric by 2035.

  • Texas Is Getting a Giant Battery Backup Courtesy of Tesla

    Texas Is Getting a Giant Battery Backup Courtesy of Tesla

    Following outages that left millions without power, Texas is getting a massive battery backup thanks to Tesla.

    While Tesla may be known for electric vehicles, it’s been using its industry-leading battery technology to help out in other areas as well. In 2017, the company built a 100-megawatt battery to assist South Australia with its power outages.

    Now the company is preparing to do the same thing for Texas, in an effort to help the state be better prepared for future outages. The state’s utilities were crippled by uncharacteristically severe weather in February, leaving millions without power and leading to fatalities.

    A 100-megawatt batter is currently being constructed in Texas and will come online June 1. The battery will be housed near the Texas-New Mexico Power substation, according to PCMag. The battery will hold enough energy to power up to 20,000 households “on a hot summer day.”

    If Tesla’s Texas battery is successful, it likely won’t be the last such battery backup in the US.

  • Hummer EV SUV Will Be Unveiled During NCAA Final Four

    Hummer EV SUV Will Be Unveiled During NCAA Final Four

    GM is planning to unveil its Hummer EV SUV during the NCAA Final Four, taking its Hummer reboot to the next level.

    The Hummer was one of the brands GM retired in the midst of the company’s bankruptcy. The brand had achieved a degree of popularity, but ultimately came to represent the worst, unsustainable and environmentally unfriendly examples of the big SUVs that helped drive the American auto industry to the brink.

    GM is in the process of reinventing the Hummer as an all-electric platform, which will help it avoid the shortcomings of its past and use its bulk to its advantage — the bigger the vehicle, the more batteries it can hold. Rather than being its own separate brand, the Humber will fall under GMC’s line.

    The company is now planning to unveil the Hummer EV SUV during the NCAA Final Four, after previously unveiling the GMC Hummer EV “supertruck” during the Super Bowl.”

    On April 3, 2021, tune into gmc.com at 5 p.m. EDT or the NCAA Final Four as GMC reveals the next chapter in its story – the GMC HUMMER EV SUV. Reservations will open for customers on that same date.

    https://youtu.be/dP0_QvCiJIk

  • Honda the First to Release Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle

    Honda the First to Release Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle

    Honda has announced a major first for the auto industry, being the first to release a Level 3 autonomous vehicle, as part of the Honda Legend Hybrid EX.

    Autonomous vehicles are rated from 0 to 5, with each level representing a higher degree of AI involvement. A 0 rating means there is no assistance, and the driver is 100% responsible. At the other end of the scale, a 5 means the vehicle is fully driverless. A Level 3 means the vehicle controls steering, acceleration and braking, but the driver should still be ready to take over if needed. This is a big step up from the Level 2 Tesla Autopilot.

    The Legend Hybrid EX is equipped with Honda SENSING® Elite, the automated driving system that Honda extensively tested. In simulations, the system was tested using 10 million possible real-world scenarios. Physical, real-world testing involved 800,000 miles of tests. The end result is a vehicle that surpasses anything currently on the road.

    For vehicle control, the system determines the position of the vehicle and road conditions using data from 3-dimensional high-definition maps and the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), while detecting the vehicle’s surroundings using several external sensors that provide 360-degree input. At the same time, the system tracks the condition of the driver using a monitoring camera mounted inside the vehicle. Based on this wide range of information, the main electronic control unit (ECU) recognizes current conditions, anticipates future conditions and applies a high-level of control to acceleration, braking and steering inputs to assist the driver and achieve high-quality and smooth driving.

    Even with all the testing, Honda is taking a decidedly cautious approach, only making 100 of the autonomous Legends. The vehicles will only be available for lease in Japan, beginning March 5. Nonetheless, if the Legend with Honda SENSING® Elite is a success, customers around the world may soon have access to next-generation autonomous driving.