Aeris® Communications, a cellular carrier dedicated exclusively to machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, announced that it has been selected as the communications provider for HondaLink EV, Honda’s new electric vehicle smartphone app.
HondaLink EV will be offered to customers of the all-new 2013 Honda Fit EV, which will begin leasing to customers in select California and Oregon markets on July 20, 2012. Aeris’ intelligent machine framework will be utilised as part of the Fit EV connected-vehicle program.
HondaLink EV will provide the Fit EV customer with the ability to remotely check vehicle “state of charge”, remotely start or stop charging when the vehicle is plugged in, as well as remotely pre-condition the cabin temperature before entering the vehicle, allowing for maximum battery driving range.
The ability for customers to manage their electric vehicle ownership experience through digital-access tools like websites and smart phones is a key feature in optimising the Fit EV customer experience. The application also offers support for 24-hour roadside assistance.
“The HondaLink EV connected vehicle program represents a significant advancement in Honda’s support for the customer experience,” said Charles Koch, large project leader for HondaLink at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Aeris provided us with a set of customised capabilities that we could not get from traditional wireless carriers. Their understanding of the unique requirements of the automotive market has helped us implement an optimized communications system for our customers.”
Aeris’ AerFrameTM system provides access, connectivity and managed data delivery across 2G, 3G and 4G networks. The system’s flexibility enables a full-range of solutions for M2M communications, including messaging, data streaming, and on-demand voice connectivity.