Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has recently held a press briefing on next-generation technologies for its original 2-motor hybrid system, e:HEV*, and presented the world premiere of Honda S+ Shift technology. Honda is planning to to install Honda S+ Shift on all of its future hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) models featuring the next-generation e:HEV, starting with the all-new Honda Prelude scheduled to go on sale in 2025.
The Honda e:HEV hybrid system achieves exceptional fuel economy through its efficient 2-motor setup while providing a high-quality driving experience via a powerful traction motor. By seamlessly alternating between the motor and engine based on driving conditions, e:HEV delivers high fuel efficiency effortlessly and responds linearly to driver inputs.
The Honda S+ Shift is a new feature that enhances the driving experience by fostering a connection between the driver and the vehicle, leveraging the e:HEV system’s capabilities. It advances the Linear Shift Control used in e:HEV models like the Fit e:HEV since 2020, ensuring high environmental performance while precisely managing engine RPM for improved acceleration and gear shifting. Additionally, it synchronizes engine sound with the Active Sound Control (ASC) system, enriching sound quality and responsiveness, ultimately providing a more exhilarating driving experience that harmonizes the driver and vehicle.
Key features of Honda S+ Shift
– By linking two high-power motors with the ASC system, the Honda S+ Shift achieves dynamic engine RPM changes and a sharp upshift feeling, providing feedback that resonates with all of the driver’s senses, amplifying the sense of oneness between the driver and the vehicle.
– The Honda S+ Shift further advances the Linear Shift Control applied to current e:HEV models, enabling gear shifts (upshift and downshift) according to the driving conditions and environments at all speed ranges. While turning, the Honda S+ Shift system quickly responds to driver steering input and activates shift hold, enabling the vehicle to trace the desired driving line at the will of the driver.
– By maintaining the optimal engine RPM for the particular driving conditions, the power generated by the engine during re-acceleration will be fully utilized as driving force. This greatly improves the initial response time of the motor when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal and enables overwhelmingly high response that is directly connected to driver input.
– Although e:HEV does not have a mechanical transmission mechanism, when the Honda S+ Shift is activated, the driver can shift gears with a paddle shifter, so that the driver can enjoy driving feel as if the vehicle features a transmission system. With quick gearshift responses achieved through the coordination of the engine and high-power motor, Honda S+ Shift function will strive to offer the joy of driving based on direct response to driver input.
The letter “S” in Honda S+ Shift signifies the “sports spirit,” which Honda sees as the joy of driving, echoing names like S600, S2000, and Type S. The “+” denotes added value through terms like “Synchronized,” “Special,” and “Sensational,” while “Shift” reflects Honda’s aim to transform the experience of people and automobiles.
*e:HEV is a global communication name for the Honda high-efficiency 2-motor hybrid system with outstanding fuel economy, which is the core of Honda electrification technologies. The e: represents the Honda desire to ‘energize’ people and bring about a smile and high spirits by using ‘electricity’ as the ‘energy.’