Search the Community

CES 2018 - Honda Electric World of Wonder Honda CES Web Page This week we have the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and Honda has had their day today by showing off their new electric powered products using a mobile power pack that is plug in play for their ATV, UTV, Scooter, and so much more. Their new 3E concepts are all AI empowered to help humans live a better life. Honda not only thought of how this could be used as a portable power supply with ease of use but also how it can work in a consumer assist mode such as their new 3E Robotics Devices. These cover an AI powered UTV (3E-D18), ease about powered chair and so much more. 3E Concept Robotics Devices At Japans population grows into their senior years, births have been going down and with no emigration allowed, Japan is finding the need for robotic help for their population to be in more demand than ever. Honda has focused on Empowering humans with Empathy and an experience of freedom from their robots.

Previous Page Next Page We've known for some time that Kia is working on an electric version of the Niro, complementing the hybrid and recently launched plug-in hybrid. It was suspected that the Niro EV would be similar to the Hyundai Ioniq EV with a 110-mile range. But that might not be the case if Kia's concept comes to fruition. Last night at the Consumer Electronics Show, Kia debuted the Niro EV concept. Compared to the standard Niro, the EV concept looks polarizing with a display panel where the grille would be, bulging hood, futuristic wheels, and a new design for the rear. The ride height is also slightly higher, possibly hinting that a larger battery is installed. The interior is very different from the current Niro with "pure, minimalist, and digital" design. Many of the vehicle's functions are done through touch and gesture controls. Kia didn't spill many details on the Niro EV concept's powertrain aside from it using "new production technologies earmarked for near-future EVs from Kia" and using a 150 kW (201 horsepower) electric motor and 64 kWh battery pack. Range is estimated to be 231 miles. Source: Kia Press Release is on Page 2 ‘BOUNDLESS FOR ALL’: KIA PRESENTS VISION FOR FUTURE MOBILITY AT CES 2018 Kia presents autonomous, connected and eco/electric technologies at CES Full model range to be connected cars by 2030 Kia to offer 16 electrified vehicles by 2025 with hybrid, EV and FCEV power All-new Kia fuel-cell EV due to launch in 2020 Niro EV Concept offers 238 miles of driving range Kia to commercialize Level 4 autonomous vehicles in smart cities by 2021 WiBLE car-sharing service to launch in Europe during 2018 Las Vegas - January 8, 2018 – Kia Motors today presents its future mobility vision at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Under its new ‘Boundless for all’ vision, Kia will bring a future in which opportunities for mobility and transportation are limitless. To broaden horizons with its mobility services, Kia is also demonstrating a range of new technologies as part of its new ‘ACE’ strategy to make its cars more Autonomous, Connected and Eco/Electric. “‘Boundless for all’ is Kia’s future vision – where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the infinite value that future mobility will bring. This is Kia’s manifesto for its role as a mass mobility provider in the future. Consumers are bound today by the idea that a car is ‘just a vehicle’, but Kia is committed to providing a broader solution to mobility. ‘Boundless for all’ represents a future in which a vehicle can be so much more than the sum of its parts,” said Dr. Woong-chul Yang, Vice Chairman and Head of Kia R&D Center. Kia’s ‘ACE’ strategy is based around three core elements, presenting Kia’s vision for future personal transportation: Autonomous – Kia plans to commercialize Level 4 autonomous driving technology, with ‘Smart City’ autonomous vehicle testing due to commence in 2021 Connected – By 2025, Kia will adopt connected car technologies across every vehicle segment, and aim to make every single model a connected car by 2030 Eco/Electric – Kia will introduce 16 new advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including a range of new hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, as well as an all-new fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2020 Alongside these technologies, Kia announced its plans to roll-out its ‘WiBLE’ car-sharing service – launched in Korea in 2017 – to new regions from 2018, starting with Europe. Beyond Autonomous Driving: Kia’s exhibition theme for ‘connected’ vehicles At CES 2018, Kia is presenting a range of interactive exhibits which combine existing and future technologies. These demonstrate how vehicles could be optimized for enhanced connectivity as they become more autonomous. Kia’s exhibits at CES 2018 hint at a future ‘Beyond Autonomous Driving’. Visitors can interact with Kia’s developing autonomous drive technologies through a VR simulator, while also experiencing a V2X diorama demonstrating how cars could connect with other vehicles and the urban environment. The company plans to operate a large-scale test fleet for autonomous technology on public roads from 2019, paving the way for commercial production of the technology. Kia aims to commercialize Level 4 autonomous vehicles in smart cities from 2021 with a new Smart City pilot project. “Kia’s connected cars will be both boundless and connected and offer a new kind of mobility experience. Virtual reality, self-driving cars, and ‘vehicle-to-everything’ connectivity were all once considered technologies of the distant future. As they rapidly become a reality, Kia is exploring how to deploy these new technologies for its customers. Our strategy and vision for future mobility is demonstrated by a range of interactive displays, showing what our customers can look forward to,” said Vice Chairman Yang. 16 new electrified vehicles by 2025 Kia will continue to expand its range of environmentally-friendly cars in the coming years, and plans to offer a total of 16 electrified vehicles by 2025, including a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2020. “By 2025, we will offer a total of 16 advanced powertrain vehicles, with five new hybrids and plug-in hybrids, five new battery EVs, and an all-new mass market FCEV. Due to launch in 2020, this FCEV will spearhead Kia’s efforts to realize a zero-emission future for mobility,” said Vice Chairman Yang. As part of this strategy, Kia is exhibiting the Niro EV Concept at CES 2018. Combining the stylish design of a modern compact SUV with the high efficiency of an advanced battery-electric powertrain, the Kia Niro EV Concept represents the next step in the brand’s ongoing journey to electrification. Created by Kia’s design studio in Korea, the Niro EV Concept is a fully-electric compact SUV. Its aerodynamically-efficient body allows air to slip over, around and beneath the vehicle with ease. The traditional grille – no longer required for engine cooling – is replaced by a smooth interactive display panel, combined with ultra-slim lamp technology in the overall front. In profile, the concept draws inspiration from the current Kia Niro, with a modish compact crossover silhouette, elevated body and wide C-pillar. The Niro EV Concept’s seamless rear aspect has clean and sharp trailing edges allowing air to flow more easily off the back of the car. With a silent electric powertrain, and the anticipation that such a car would be driven most frequently on urban and suburban roads, the Niro EV Concept boasts new technologies to enhance safety for pedestrians. The concept’s new Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS) features a combination of front view cameras, object recognition technology and front speakers. If the system detects a pedestrian or cyclist crossing in front of the car, the speakers sound an alert targeted specifically at that person, warning them of the car’s presence. APWS is matched by the Niro EV Concept’s new interactive lighting system, which offers users and pedestrians a highly-intuitive visual communication with vehicle. Inside, the cabin has been designed with a pure, minimalist and digital appearance, creating greater user interaction with new technologies and features. With a wrap-around design to cocoon the driver and passengers, the dashboard’s horizontal layout has broad and smooth surfaces. The effect is an innate sense of space and calm in the cabin, enhanced by the soft shades of silver, grey and bronze covering every surface. The Niro EV Concept is powered by a next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies earmarked for near-future EVs from Kia. Energy is provided by a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, paired with a powerful 150 kW electric motor. The Niro EV Concept suggests a driving range of 238 miles (383 kilometers), with zero tailpipe emissions. Interactive exhibits preview new in-car technology At CES 2018, Kia is exhibiting its latest HMI technologies, autonomous drive features and the world’s first in-car 5G connection. These exhibits hint at innovations that could be adapted for use in the brand’s future vehicles. Kia is demonstrating these innovations through a set of interactive cockpit-style experiences, presenting the brand’s ‘Beyond Autonomous Driving’ vision with technologies that idle passengers can draw upon in a future of vehicle autonomy. The first cockpit gives visitors the chance to experience the Niro EV Concept’s pioneering new HMI, with enhanced interaction between visitors and the vehicle. The infotainment and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are controlled by touch and gesture, with the steering wheel acting as a remote. The driver can ‘swipe’ along a perforated leather area on the base of the two-spoke wheel, with different gestures serving to switch between favorite music tracks, turn up the volume, and adjust cabin ventilation settings. A digital dashboard display provides additional information to the driver, such as vehicle settings, powertrain status, and trip information. Creating a more digital interaction between car and driver than in a traditional vehicle, the HMI allows drivers to ‘log-in’ to the vehicle using face and voice recognition. The facial and voice recognition technology, developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), welcomes drivers and adjusts vehicle settings based on preset individual preferences. Leveraging ‘Amazon Rekognition’ and ‘Amazon Polly’ – highly accurate facial analysis and voice services provided by AWS – the new system disables many of the car’s functions if the driver does not pass the identification process. The HMI cockpit at CES 2018 lets users experiment with these exciting new in-car technologies. A second cockpit demonstrates the world’s first in-vehicle 5G connection – with a real-time connection established between Las Vegas and Seoul, Korea. The 5G connection enables users to stream contents reliably into the car, linked to the exhibit’s infotainment system. The second cockpit also presents the Niro EV Concept’s Separate Sound Control System, allowing users in the front and rear rows to experience Kia’s sound separation technology. The technology allows front and rear passengers to listen to their own music at the same time without intruding on others in the car. The system features eight speakers installed in the headrests, simultaneously pumping out sounds for each seat row, and using noise-cancellation technology to ‘mute’ sound from the other row of seats. By creating two sound zones in the car, occupants in different rows can enjoy listening to separate music or podcasts. Developed in-house, Kia believes this technology could be adapted to enhance occupant comfort in future production cars. Finally, visitors can experience Kia’s own autonomous drive support technologies with a series of virtual reality exhibits. The VR simulations demonstrate Kia’s autonomous drive support technologies in a range of environments, via VR headsets. WiBLE car-sharing service to launch in Europe in 2018 Enabling urban and suburban mobility, Kia has today announced plans to roll-out its ‘WiBLE’ car-sharing service to new regions. Launched in Korea in 2017, WiBLE – a portmanteau of ‘Widely Accessible’ – will be introduced to certain European markets and cities from late 2018. Kia plans to expand the service into other markets around the world in the coming years. WiBLE will be serviced in the designated areas in city centers, providing vehicles to customers who need to drive but may not own a car of their own or who want more convenient drive in city centers. In Korea, WiBLE users have access to a variety of different Kia cars to complete their journeys, including the Soul EV, Niro hybrid crossover and larger vehicles. Vehicles are equipped with a range of Kia’s active safety technologies to help customers complete journeys safely in a car with which they may not be familiar. This format is expected to be carried over into new WiBLE markets. WiBLE is accessed via an accompanying smartphone app. Users then pay for individual journeys in a WiBLE vehicle, charged according to the amount of time they use the car. WiBLE in Europe enables users to complete one-way journeys, rather than requiring them to return the car to the same point, for maximum convenience and value for money. Kia will announce the first European locations for the launch of WiBLE later in 2018. Previous Page Next Page View full article

Even though Hyundai is expanding their alternative fuel plans with electrics and plug-in hybrids, the Korean automaker still sees a place for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai unveiled their next-generation fuel-cell vehicles, the Nexo. Replacing the Tucson FCEV, the Nexo is based on a bespoke platform that is designed with fuel cells in mind. This allows for better packing of the hydrogen tanks in the vehicle. Hyundai says the Nexo's powertrain is comprised of an electric motor producing 120 kW (160 horsepower) and 291 pound-feet of torque; a smaller fuel stack - what converts the hydrogen into electricity, lithium-ion battery pack, and three hydrogen tanks. Performance figures are 9.9 second run to 60 mph and a range of approximately 370 miles. The Nexo will also come chockfull with a number of safety features such as a blind spot monitoring system that shows the rear and side views in the instrument cluster; Lane Follow Assist that keeps the car centered in its lane; Highway Driving Assist which uses sensors and map data to automatically adjust speed; and Remote Smart Parking Assist that enables the Nexo to park or summon itself without a driver in the vehicle. Hyundai is planning to make the Nexo available in select markets later this year. Hyundai isn't detailing how it plans on selling the Nexo - we're guessing it will be some sort of leasing program. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 NEXO: The Next-Generation Fuel Cell Vehicle From Hyundai Hyundai names technological flagship fuel cell vehicle NEXO New ADAS technologies revealed including self-parking and Lane following features LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 – Hyundai Motor today announced that NEXO will be the name of its all-new, dedicated Fuel Cell EV during a press conference at CES 2018, and disclosed Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that expand its autonomous driving potential. NEXO is the technological flagship of Hyundai’s growing eco-vehicle portfolio and marks Hyundai’s continued momentum toward having the industry’s most diverse CUV powertrain lineup. The NEXO model will spearhead Hyundai Motor’s plans to accelerate development of low emission vehicles, in line with Hyundai Motor Group’s renewed goal of introducing 18 eco-friendly models to global markets by 2025. This new development roadmap also represents the next step for Hyundai Motor toward realizing the ultimate ambition of creating a cleaner environment through eco-friendly vehicles. Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) Hyundai’s Blind-spot View Monitor is an industry-first technology. It shows drivers on a center cluster screen the rear and side views of NEXO using cameras while changing lanes in either direction. The system uses wide angle surround view monitors (SVM) on each side of the vehicle to monitor areas that cannot be seen by a traditional rearview mirror. Hyundai is the first automaker to provide drivers video footage from both sides of the vehicle. Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA) Lane Following Assist is an all-new technology for Hyundai and it debuts in the NEXO. LFA automatically adjusts steering to help keep NEXO centered in its lane of travel. LFA can keep NEXO centered at speeds between 0 and 90 miles per hour on both highways and city streets. When paired with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA) which utilizes sensors and map data to ensure safe operation as well as automatically adjust speed in limited environments, drivers will be able to traverse long distances with greater ease and improved safety. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) RSPA enables NEXO to autonomously park or retrieve itself from a parking space with or without a driver in the car. The RSPA system can even back a NEXO into a parking spot by itself with a touch of a button from the driver. When faced with any challenging parking scenario, NEXO drivers will be able to park with complete confidence and accuracy. Hyundai NEXO “Hydrogen energy is the key to building a more sustainable society. Hyundai Motor Company has already taken a lead in hydrogen technology with introduction of Tucson fuel cell,” said Dr. Woong-chul Yang, Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motor Company. “Yet as another result of this earth-saving effort, today, I am so proud to introduce to you our second-generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle which is a culmination of our cutting-edge technologies.” NEXO is Hyundai’s second-generation of commercialized fuel cell electric vehicle that will be available in select markets around the world starting in early 2018. Improving upon the acclaimed Tucson FCEV, the NEXO has an estimated driving range of 370 miles, 105 more than its predecessor. Acceleration and power have increased to improve the overall performance. Designed to handle extreme temperature and environments, the NEXO testing has proven that the vehicle is capable of starting after being subject to overnight temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. NEXO boasts cold start capability within 30 seconds which is an industry-leading achievement and the fuel cell system warms up faster for maximum performance. The NEXO also has excellent cooling performance on steep grades with temperatures exceeding 120 degree Fahrenheit. Improvements in the air supply system, performance at high altitudes and refueling times, along with overall efficiency and fuel economy put the NEXO in a class all its own. In addition the NEXO has improved power density and durability comparable with a gasoline-powered vehicles. Dedicated Architecture For the first time ever, Hyundai’s fuel cell vehicle is built with a dedicated vehicle architecture. This architecture has many benefits including: Lighter weight Improved power-to-weight ratio Faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph than the Tucson FCEV More cabin space Allows the battery to be relocated to the trunk Improved fuel cell system layout NEXO vs. Tucson Fuel Cell System Architecture NEXO’s fuel cell stack and battery have more net power to supply a more powerful motor NEXO’s powertrain is lighter and has improved packaging Improved hydrogen storage tanks Powertrain Improvements NEXO’s powertrain is lighter and takes up less space compared with Tucson FCEV More efficient Better module integration Smaller Lighter Drivability Peak acceleration is increased by 25 percent compared with Tucson FCEV NEXO accelerates from 0 to 60 mph 20 percent faster than Tucson FCEV NEXO has more torque than the Tucson FCEV Range NEXO has 30 percent more range than the Tucson FCEV NEXO has an estimated range of 370 miles compared with the Tucson FCEV 265 miles Quiet and Comfortable Driving Characteristics NEXO maintains the quiet and comfortable driving characteristics of the Tucson FCEV All of the NEXO’s moving parts are inside the engine bay which isolates the noise to one area Durability NEXO has the same level of durability as internal combustion engine vehicles Hydrogen Storage NEXO’s storage system is lighter than the Tucson FCEV NEXO’s storage system has world-class storage density NEXO can be refueled within five minutes Overall Summary NEXO Tucson FCEV Dimensions Length(in.) 183.9 173.6 Width(in.) 73.2 71.7 Height(in.) 64.2 65.2 Wheelbase(in.) 109.8 103.9 Power 135kW Fuel Cell : 95kW Battery :40kW 124kW Fuel Cell : 100kW Battery : 24kW Motor 120kW 291 lb.-ft. of torque 100kW 221 lb.-ft. of torque 0 to 60 mph 9.5 seconds 12.5 seconds Range 370 estimated 265 miles ＊ All NEXO specification and technologies mentioned above may vary according markets ＊ All NEXO specification and technologies mentioned above may vary according markets View full article