What does ECON mean on Honda cars?

[SanJason]

Honda ECON is the abbreviation for the low-carbon and eco-friendly driving mode in Honda vehicles. This button can turn the energy-saving mode on or off. Currently, cars generally offer three driving modes to choose from: energy-saving mode, comfort mode, and sport mode. Below is information about these three modes: Energy-saving mode: When the car is in this mode, fuel consumption is relatively low. In this state, the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal decreases, and the transmission shifts up more aggressively. Comfort mode: This mode can be considered a normal operating mode for the car. In this mode, the accelerator pedal response is more sensitive than in the energy-saving mode. Sport mode: Sport mode can be used during aggressive driving. After activating sport mode, the accelerator pedal response becomes very sensitive, and the transmission delays shifting. The transmission will only upshift after the engine speed reaches the redline. After switching to sport mode, the engine speed will remain around 3,000 RPM, ensuring better power response during acceleration. When the car enters ECON mode, it can achieve reduced fuel consumption and energy savings, but the car's power output will be weakened. ECON can be understood as the abbreviation for 'economy.' In most cases, it is recommended to keep ECON mode on. Only when high torque output is needed (such as when climbing a hill) or when driving at very high speeds should ECON mode be turned off. After pressing the ECON button, the car enters the low-carbon and eco-friendly driving mode. Subsequently, the ECU, engine, and transmission intelligently execute the driver's intentions in the most fuel-efficient manner, achieving optimal fuel economy through rapid upshifts and smooth acceleration. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal deeply, the ECON system effectively controls the opening and closing of the intake valves to ensure smooth engine operation and energy savings. Although ECON mode is simple and effective to operate, it may not function under certain conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, priority is given to speed, and the energy-saving mode automatically deactivates. This means that if the car exceeds the economical speed range (typically between 60-90 km/h), the ECON mode will not save fuel. The key to ECON mode is that it operates independently via the car's computer while driving. Therefore, it does not work when the car is idling, in neutral (N), park (P), or manual mode. When overcoming significant resistance or requiring high torque output, such as when climbing a hill, the ECU prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the car, and ECON mode will not function in such cases.