Honda has confirmed that the Side Camera Mirror System of the new Honda e urban electric vehicle will be available as standard when the car enters production. 

The Side Camera Mirror System replaces conventional side view mirrors with compact cameras providing live images to two six-inch screens inside the vehicle. Integrated at either end of the dashboard.

Unlike conventional side mirrors, the cameras are contained within the width of the car and do not extend beyond the wheel arches.

As well as improving visibility, Honda says these compact cameras reduce aerodynamic drag by around 90 per cent compared to conventional door mirrors. The result is an approximate 3.8 per cent improvement for the entire vehicle, contributing towards the model’s overall efficiency and range. Furthermore, there is a significant reduction of wind noise compared to normal side mirrors at higher speeds.

The shape of the camera unit housing is designed to prevent water drops on the lens. A water-repellent coating on the lens surfaces deter any other residual water build up.

The driver can choose between ‘normal view’ and ‘wide view’ via the vehicle settings. Blind spots will, Honda says, be reduced by around 10 per cent in normal view and approximately 50 per cent in wide view. When selecting reverse gear, guidelines appear on the side view screens in addition to an enhanced camera angle.

The Honda e compact electric car forms part of the brand’s strategy to feature electrified technology in all cars it sells in Europe by 2025.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (June 2019 Edition)

7 Jun 2019