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  • Honda Is Preparing To Equip Its Beginner-Friendly 250cc Bikes With The New E-Clutch System

    Honda Is Preparing To Equip Its Beginner-Friendly 250cc Bikes With The New E-Clutch System

    Honda’s e-clutch, first unveiled in 2023, is a clever innovation that has already been integrated into the current CBR650R and CB650R models in the U.S. Now, Honda plans to extend this technology to its entry-level bikes—and for good reason.
    Honda’s e-clutch tech is a nifty piece of tech that was first introduced by Honda in 2023
    Image Credits: Honda

    Honda’s e-clutch, first unveiled in 2023, is a clever innovation that has already been integrated into the current CBR650R and CB650R models in the U.S. Now, Honda plans to extend this technology to its entry-level bikes—and for good reason.

    Expanding Accessibility

    The e-clutch helps new riders by enabling them to shift gears without manually operating the clutch. It essentially bridges the gap between standard manual transmissions and semi- or fully automatic motorcycles.

    Now, Honda plans to equip the CL250 scrambler and Rebel 250 cruiser with the same technology—both models debuted earlier this year. While these bikes are currently exclusive to the Japanese market, the move suggests Honda’s broader plan to gradually roll out the e-clutch system across its entire motorcycle lineup.

    The e-clutch controls the sensor and motor, regulating the ideal half clutch automatically, allowing you to change the shift as per your convenience
    Image Credits: Honda

    So how does the e-clutch work? It uses sensors and a motor to automatically manage the ideal half-clutch engagement, letting riders shift gears more smoothly and with less effort. Unlike other semi-automatic systems, the e-clutch eliminates the need to use the clutch lever entirely—even during braking or coming to a stop.

    E-Clutch Easily Adapts to Existing Engine Platforms

    What makes this technology so adaptable is Honda’s ability to retrofit it onto existing engines. Although it adds a bit of extra weight (around 6.6 pounds on the Rebel 250), the overall ride quality remains largely unaffected.

    It’s worth noting that Honda’s 249cc SOHC single-cylinder engine forms the backbone of many models in both the Japanese and global markets, including the U.S. Variants like the Rebel 300, CB300R, CRF300L, CRF300LS, and CRF300L Rally use a slightly larger 286cc version of the same engine, achieved by increasing the stroke from 55 mm to 63 mm.

    The CL250 is an entry-level scrambler-styled moto meant for beginner riders that offers easy ergonomics and ride handling
    Image Credits: Honda

    This suggests Honda could soon outfit all of these bikes with the e-clutch system. More importantly, adding the e-clutch likely won’t push the retail price up by much.

    Affordable Upgrade

    Take the Rebel 250 in Japan, for example—its e-clutch version costs only about $325 more than the standard model, a reasonable increase given the added convenience. So, if Honda brings this tech to its entry-level lineup in Western markets, it probably won’t take a big toll on your wallet.

    Since both the CL250 and Rebel 250 are beginner-friendly bikes designed for easy handling and comfortable ergonomics, the upgrade makes perfect sense. It spares riders from constantly balancing the clutch and throttle in situations like stop-and-go traffic, pulling away from a stop, or braking. And once you’re on the move, it essentially works like a quickshifter for both upshifts and downshifts. Pretty slick.

    Honda is on the cusp of bringing the e-clutch to the CL250 scrambler and Rebel 250 cruiser 
    Image Credits: Honda

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Honda Explores Micromobility for Cargo Delivery

    Honda Explores Micromobility for Cargo Delivery

    Spend enough time in a major city like New York or Amsterdam, and you’ll likely spot small four-wheeled cargo vehicles cruising through bike lanes.
    Image Credits:Techcrunch

    Spend enough time in a major city like New York or Amsterdam, and you’ll likely spot small four-wheeled cargo vehicles cruising through bike lanes.

    “These battery-powered vehicles—commonly called e-quads—serve different purposes than cargo e-bikes, which primarily target personal or family use.” E-quads are larger and come with enclosed cargo compartments, making them popular with delivery giants like Amazon and UPS, as they help avoid the traffic jams that slow down traditional delivery trucks.

    Now, Honda is entering the scene with its own version: the Fastport eQuad.

    eQuad Hauls Up to 650 Pounds While Staying Bike Lane Legal

    The eQuad is available in two sizes—small and large—both built on the same core platform. Despite being more compact than even the tiniest Mini Cooper, the vehicles can haul loads ranging from 320 to 650 pounds. “Each model comes with pedals and stays within a 12 mph (20 kph) speed limit to comply with bike lane regulations.“

    To keep the eQuad running, Honda equips it with swappable Mobile Power Pack batteries. “Users can quickly swap each 22-pound battery for a fresh one, just like with systems from Gogoro or Zeno.” Drivers simply use the built-in handle to insert the battery into a compartment just behind and beneath the cockpit.

    Familiar Controls Meet Smart Tech in Honda’s Software-Defined eQuad

    Inside the eQuad’s cockpit, drivers will find familiar features: a bike-style seat, pedals, and a windscreen. A digital display helps them stay on course. Interestingly, Honda repeatedly emphasizes that the eQuad is a “software-defined vehicle,” promising ongoing updates and improvements throughout its lifespan—though the company hasn’t detailed what those upgrades will include.

    The U.S. versions of the eQuad will be manufactured at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. This marks a notable shift for the skilled workers there, who previously focused on hand-building the high-performance, second-generation Acura NSX—a 500+ horsepower supercar with a top speed of 191 mph.

    Read the original article on:Techcrunch

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  • The Honda-Nissan Merger Ends Before it Even Started

    The Honda-Nissan Merger Ends Before it Even Started

    Just two months after discussing the possibility of a merger, Honda and Nissan have decided to call off their partnership plans. This move leaves Nissan, which has been facing financial struggles, to pursue alternative partnerships.
    Less than two months after making it official, Honda and Nissan called off their planned merger
    China Daily

    Just two months after discussing the possibility of a merger, Honda and Nissan have decided to call off their partnership plans. This move leaves Nissan, which has been facing financial struggles, to pursue alternative partnerships.

    A Potential Global Automotive Giant

    This marks the premature end of a collaboration that, in theory, could have created one of the largest automotive companies in the world, ranking as the third-largest automaker globally, after Volkswagen and Toyota.

    Initially, Honda and Nissan had agreed to a merger that would have put both companies under a single holding entity. Honda, with a market value about five times larger than Nissan’s, proposed making Nissan a subsidiary via a share exchange.

    Honda had initially consented to a merger arrangement that would have placed the two automakers under a single holding company
    Honda

    The CEOs of both companies clashed over Honda’s attempts to alter the terms of the agreement in several press briefings. Honda’s Toshihiro Mibe expressed concerns that if Nissan continued to hold power over the board, crucial decisions might be delayed. Mibe argued that the original plan “would not keep up with the speed demanded by the times.”

    Nissan’s CEO Concerns Over Autonomy and Potential

    Meanwhile, Nissan’s CEO, Makoto Uchida, stated that he could not accept being part of Honda, as he wasn’t sure how much autonomy Nissan would retain or whether the company could fully realize its potential.

    The merger’s potential for achieving economies of scale could have helped both brands boost their research and development capacities and compete more effectively in emerging technologies. Talks had progressed to the point where Mitsubishi Motors was also brought into the conversation.

    The failure of this partnership will have major consequences for all three brands, especially Nissan, which now has to find new financial resources to address its unstable financial situation. On the other hand, Honda has stuck with its annual profit forecast, following third-quarter results that were close to expectations.

    Foxconn’s Interest in Collaborating with Nissan

    A potential partner that has recently surfaced in discussions is Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics company known for manufacturing Apple products. Foxconn’s chairman, Young Liu, expressed interest in working with Nissan but denied any plans to pursue an acquisition.

    Talks had advanced to a stage where even Mitsubishi Motors eventually joined the two
    Honda

    In response to its financial troubles, Nissan announced plans to cut expenses by around $2.6 billion, including reducing operations at its plants in Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi, and eliminating one-fifth of its senior management positions.

    However, not all news is negative. Although the merger plans were scrapped, Honda and Nissan confirmed that they would continue their strategic collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, focusing on developing in-house batteries, autonomous driving software, and electric vehicle technology.

    Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s CEO, commented, “While the outcome is unfortunate, we now have a mutual appreciation of our synergies that can be utilized in our existing strategic partnership.”

    Honda’s Financial Performance and Market Focus

    For the quarter ending December 31, Honda reported an operating profit of ¥397 billion ($2.6 billion), slightly below analysts’ expectations of ¥407 billion. The company pointed to a recovery in the U.S. market to offset weaker sales in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

    In contrast, Nissan’s operational income for the entire fiscal year was significantly lower, at ¥120 billion ($790 million), down from the predicted ¥150 billion ($990 million). This prediction included a restructuring charge of ¥100 billion ($660 million).

    Honda has maintained its annual profit prediction following third-quarter results that were mainly in line with forecasts
    Honda

    Mibe confirmed that Honda had no intentions of pursuing a hostile takeover of Nissan and that the Japanese government had neither initiated nor participated in negotiations with Nissan’s CEO.

    The Aftermath: Why the Merger Failed and What It Reveals

    I had high hopes for such a large merger. The combined group would have been able to challenge industry giants like Volkswagen AG and compete against the growing presence of Chinese electric and hybrid car brands. However, the failed merger reveals the true nature of the situation: one brand sought financial rescue, while the other aimed to scale up to compete with the industry’s heavyweights in a changing global landscape. But was this ever really a secret?

    What’s next for Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi?

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Experience Omnidirectional Floating with Honda’s XR Demo

    Experience Omnidirectional Floating with Honda’s XR Demo

    Honda is repurposing its sit-down Segway designed for leisurely shopping, known as the Uni-One, by integrating it with VR goggles to create "a unique extended reality experience that combines the excitement of mobility with virtual reality adventures."
    Uni-One riders move through real and virtual worlds by shifting their body weight for a “peaceful feeling of floating in the sky”
    Honda

    Honda is repurposing its sit-down Segway designed for leisurely shopping, known as the Uni-One, by integrating it with VR goggles to create “a unique extended reality experience that combines the excitement of mobility with virtual reality adventures.”

    Honda has been exploring uniwheel electric mobility solutions since 2009, with previous iterations like the Uni-Cub ß presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The latest version of this seated mobility device, reminiscent of WALL-E, launched last year as a rental option in Japan, with global release plans in the works.

    US Debut at SXSW with Honda XR Mobility Experience

    However, it is set to premiere in the United States at SXSW in Austin, Texas, from March 10 as an element of the Honda XR Mobility Experience. In fact “through the fusion of the distinctive physical sensation of riding the Honda Uni-One with deeply immersive digital entertainment, Honda is forging a completely novel multimodal encounter that advances extended reality technologies,” stated Hirokazu, a representative of the company.

    Honda sees the Uni-One and VR headset combo being used in clutter-free spaces at theme parks or shopping malls
    Honda

    In fact, the self-stabilizing electric Uni-One features an upgraded version of the Uni-Cub ß’s Omni Traction Drive System, incorporating two wheels that allow movement in all directions. The rider controls direction and speed adjustments by shifting their weight or using a joystick. The seat is adjustable, capable of raising the rider up to 27.6 inches (70 cm) to match the eye level of a standing companion or lowering to 21.7 inches (55 cm) for improved communication with seated individuals or children.

    AR and VR Integration in Honda Uni-One Testing at Suzuka Circuit Park

    During testing of demo models at Suzuka Circuit Park in Japan last year, Honda incorporated AR technology to enhance the experience. At SXSW, attendees will have the opportunity to wear a VR headset and immerse themselves in a digital adventure. They can enjoy sensations like floating in the sky or gliding along a half-pipe path. As participants navigate through the XR experience, the Uni-One will respond to their movements by adjusting based on shifts in their body weight.

    Sans VR headset, the Uni-One gives off WALL-E hoverchair vibes
    Honda

    The hoverchair boasts a maximum speed of 3.7 mph (6 km/h) and can travel up to 5 miles (8 km) on a single charge while cruising at 2.5 mph. It can support individuals weighing up to 242 lb (109 kg).

    To conclude, Honda envisions the XR Mobility Experience occurring in obstacle-free indoor and outdoor spaces like theme parks, entertainment centers, and malls. Although they haven’t provided a specific timeline, you can preview the experience before SXSW by watching the video below.

    Introducing the Honda Extended Reality Mobility Experience

    Read the original article on: New atlas

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