Honda Unveils Next-Generation Hybrid Technology

TOKYO, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - Honda has introduced new hybrid technology that combines an engine and electric motors, as demand for electric vehicles rises in the push toward decarbonization.

The company has developed a unique system that alternates between two motors and the engine, depending on driving conditions and the environment.

By overhauling engine and system control technology, Honda aims to improve fuel efficiency by more than 10%.

The company has also developed a feature where engine sounds, synchronized with vehicle speed, are emitted through speakers.

The new hybrid technology will be gradually incorporated into vehicles starting next year.

Honda's Head of Four-Wheel Business, Katsuto Hayashi, said: "We want to be prepared to adapt to shifts in demand, whether for battery EVs or hybrids, at any pace."

Amid growing electrification in the automobile market, demand for hybrid vehicles remains strong.

Honda plans to sell 1.3 million vehicles annually by 2030 and aims to halve production costs (compared to 2018) through measures such as vehicle weight reduction.

Source: ANN

Record Snowfall in Aomori

A powerful cold wave has brought heavy snowfall across Japan's Sea of Japan side, with record-breaking accumulations in several areas. In Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, snowfall reached 160 cm on Sunday morning, marking the highest accumulation in 12 years and setting a new record.

Sea Creatures Celebrate Hinamatsuri in Wakayama

As March 3rd's Hinamatsuri approaches, 'Ebitokanino (Shrimp & Crab) Aquarium' in Susami is displaying a collection of unique marine creatures representing the arrival of spring. Among them is the vibrant pink goldie (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), resembling delicate peach blossoms, and the hishigani crab, whose folded claws resemble the layered colors of traditional Hishimochi rice cakes.

Nara’s Leading Sock Maker Supplies 10,000 Pairs for Expo

Socks from a leading manufacturer in Nara Prefecture, Japan’s top producer, have been chosen for the official uniforms of staff at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. On February 21st, 10,000 pairs were shipped to Osaka.

Year-End Moving Costs Soar: What's Behind the Price Hike?

As the end of the fiscal year approaches, demand for moving services is surging, driving costs to unprecedented levels. Estimates from moving companies suggest that fees, currently around 200,000 yen, could double to 400,000 yen by late March.

New 'M10' Maglev Car Begins Testing

JR Central announced on Thursday the introduction of a new test car, the 'M10,' for the maglev test track in Yamanashi Prefecture.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

New 'M10' Maglev Car Begins Testing

JR Central announced on Thursday the introduction of a new test car, the 'M10,' for the maglev test track in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Meet the Robots of Tomorrow at Expo 2025

Visitors to the Osaka-Kansai Expo will get a glimpse of the future through an innovative pavilion featuring cutting-edge robots. The 'Future of Life' pavilion, designed with water flowing along its four walls, was unveiled on February 19th, showcasing three guiding robots named Panji, Petra, and Punica. These robots will assist visitors inside the pavilion.

Japan's Delivery Robot Completes Snow Trial

yocera Communication Systems and Hokkaido University announced on February 15th that they had successfully tested a mid-speed, mid-sized autonomous delivery robot on snow-covered terrain.

Expo 2025 Tests 3D-Printed Toilets

At the site of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, construction is underway using 3D printers to create architectural structures, including restrooms. The technology, which prints out designs in three dimensions, is being tested for large-scale applications.

New Flexible Solar Panels to Power Shinkansen Stations

JR Central has unveiled ultra-thin solar panels that can be installed on noise barriers along the Tokaido Shinkansen, aiming for deployment by 2050. Measuring just about one millimeter thick, the perovskite solar panels are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to be fitted onto the curved surfaces of noise barriers.

Fire at Tokai Nuclear Plant Contained, No Radiation Leak

A fire broke out this afternoon in the central control room of the Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Tokai Village, Ibaraki Prefecture. According to Japan Atomic Power Company, the fire started shortly before 2 p.m. in the control panel of the plant’s central control room, which is responsible for overseeing reactor operations.

Japan's H3 Rocket Successfully Lifts Off Carrying 'Michibiki 6' Satellite

The H3 Rocket No. 5 was launched at around 5:30 p.m. on February 2nd from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The rocket carries the government’s 'Michibiki 6' satellite, known as the Japanese version of GPS.

Mahoroba Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Debuts, Connecting Central Osaka and Expo Site in 60 Minutes

The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

< 2 3 4 5 >