Honda has unveiled the world's first two-seater electric vehicle with level-4 ADAS technology at the 2023 Japan Auto Show. Codenamed CI-MEV, the electric vehicle is a microcar which can run on three wheels too. It is a unique and innovative concept that combines Honda's Cooperative Intelligence (CI) and autonomous driving technology to create an all-electric urban mobility solution for people with limited mobility.
With its compact size, small turning radius, and easy-to-use voice controls, the Honda CI-MEV is perfect for navigating congested city streets and narrow parking spaces. It is also a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation option, thanks to its electric powertrain and removable batteries that can be charged with green electricity.
Level-4 ADAS Technology
The Honda CI-MEV is equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that enable it to operate autonomously in certain conditions. Level-4 ADAS technology allows the vehicle to handle all aspects of driving, including steering, acceleration, and braking, without human intervention. However, the driver must still be able to take control of the vehicle if necessary.
To achieve level-4 ADAS functionality, the CI-MEV is equipped with a variety of sensors, including six wide-angle cameras, two lidar sensors, and four radar sensors. These sensors provide the vehicle with a 360-degree view of its surroundings, allowing it to detect and track other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The Honda CI-MEV is also equipped with a powerful computer system that processes the data from its sensors and generates the commands necessary to control the vehicle autonomously. This computer system is trained on a massive dataset of real-world driving data, which allows it to make safe and reliable decisions in a variety of traffic situations.
How to Use the Honda CI-MEV
The CI-MEV is designed to be easy to use. To summon the vehicle, users simply need to use a smartphone app. The CI-MEV will then navigate to the user's location and pick them up. Once inside, the user can simply tell the vehicle their destination by voice. The CI-MEV will then take care of the rest, safely and autonomously navigating to the destination.
Benefits of the CI-MEV
The CI-MEV offers a number of benefits over traditional vehicles, including:
- Convenience: The CI-MEV is a self-driving vehicle, which means that users do not need to worry about driving or parking. This can free up their time and allow them to relax or focus on other tasks while traveling.
- Accessibility: The CI-MEV is ideal for people with limited mobility, as it can be summoned and controlled using a smartphone app or voice commands. This makes it a viable transportation option for people who cannot or do not want to drive.
- Safety: The CI-MEV is equipped with a variety of advanced safety features, including level-4 ADAS technology. This makes it one of the safest vehicles on the road.
- Sustainability: The CI-MEV is an all-electric vehicle, which means that it does not produce any tailpipe emissions. This is a good thing for the environment and can help to reduce air pollution.
Potential Applications for the Honda CI-MEV
The CI-MEV has a variety of potential applications, including:
- Personal transportation: The CI-MEV is an ideal vehicle for people who live in urban areas and need a convenient and affordable way to get around. It is also a good option for people with limited mobility.
- Ride-hailing: The CI-MEV could be used to provide ride-hailing services. This would provide users with an alternative to traditional ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft.
- Fleet services: The CI-MEV could be used by businesses and organizations to provide fleet services to their employees or customers. For example, a hotel could use the CI-MEV to provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Delivery services: The CI-MEV could be used to deliver packages and food. This would help to reduce traffic congestion and emissions in urban areas.
Updated Details
- Honda has also announced that the CI-MEV will be available in two different versions: a standard version and a commercial version. The commercial version will be designed for use in ride-hailing, fleet services, and delivery services.
- Honda has not yet announced the price of the CI-MEV, but it is expected to be relatively affordable.
- Honda is currently testing the CI-MEV in Japan and is expected to begin testing it in other countries soon.
