Huawei HiCar

This article is about the application intended for using an HarmonyOS device in a vehicle. For the cockpit operating system tailored for cars, see HarmonyOS.

See also: Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance

Huawei HiCar

Original author(s)	Huawei
Developer(s)	Huawei
Initial release	May 9, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-05-09)
Stable release	HarmonyOS 4.0 (HiCar 14.2.0.171)[1] / March 11, 2024; 6 months ago (2024-03-11)
Operating system	Android 10 (EMUI 10), HarmonyOS 2+[2]
Type	Telematics
License	Proprietary

Huawei HiCar is a mobile app developed by Huawei to mirror features of an Android EMUI and HarmonyOS device, such as a smartphone, on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit.^[3]

Once an HarmonyOS device is paired with the car's head unit, the system can mirror some apps on the vehicle's display. Supported apps include GPS mapping and navigation, music playback, SMS, telephony, and Web search. The system supports both touchscreen and button-controlled head units. Hands-free operation through voice commands via Celia is available and recommended to reduce driver distraction.

Functionality

Huawei HiCar is software that can be utilized from a Huawei EMUI Android as well as HarmonyOS mobile device that is bundled on the phone system, updated on HMS on Android as well as AppGallery itself, acting as a master to a vehicle's dashboard head unit. Once the user's mobile device is connected to the vehicle, the head unit will serve as an external display for the device, presenting supported software in a car-specific user interface provided by the Huawei HiCar app. It can be tethered wirelessly via Bluetooth, NFC or USB support.^[4]

History

Huawei HiCar was launched on May 9, 2020, with 18 car manufacturers joining Huawei's tethered head unit platform.^[5][6]

On September 10, 2020, post-launch, Huawei announced the HiCar platform was expanded to 20 car manufacturers targeting 5 million car units.^[7]

On July 9, 2021, BYD Han EV systems were updated with the new HiCar platform via OTA update.^[8][9]

In December 2022, Huawei HiCar update brings super home screen with QQ Music service in Chinese markets.^[10]

In May 2023, German car maker Volkswagen was in talks to Huawei to use HiCar platform as part of its market expansion in China.^[11]

In China, in December 2023 Baidu Maps update brings night driving mode for Huawei HiCar^[12]

In March 2024, various GWM vehicle models adapted for Huawei HiCar 4.0 system in Chinese markets.^[13]

Head unit support

See also: Automotive head unit

On January 31, 2022, Huawei HiCar vehicles exceeds 10 million units with 34 car makers with 112 models and products since launch with plans to expand.^[14]

See also

• Android Auto
• CarPlay
• Entune
• MirrorLink
• Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance

References

1. Matsui, Emiko (March 11, 2024). "Huawei HiCar grips 14.2.0.171 public beta with new features and fixes". HC Newsroom. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
2. "Android Auto - Get more answers". Android. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
3. Berman, Bradley (May 12, 2020). "Huawei 5G to roll out in 120 car models, starting with BYD Han EV in June". Electrek. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
4. "huawei hicar tutorial". Bing. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
5. KAWAKAMI, TAKASHI. "Huawei races to debut HiCar connected-car tech this year". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
6. "Integration in the Container Industry". Chemical & Engineering News Archive. 34 (45): 5444–5449. November 5, 1956. doi:10.1021/cen-v034n045.p5444. ISSN 0009-2347.
7. Falana, Andre (September 10, 2020). "Huawei's HiCar Now Supports 20 Car Makers With 150 Vehicles, Targets 5M". Retrieved March 30, 2024.
8. Mishra, Yash (July 9, 2021). "BYD added Huawei HiCar Solution in their vehicles, upgradable via OTA update". Huawei Central. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
9. Kang, Tom (July 19, 2021). "BYD to push OTA update to Han EV, bringing Huawei HiCar support". CnEVPost. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
10. Mishra, Yash (December 1, 2022). "New Huawei HiCar update brings super home screen". Huawei Central. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
11. Nilsson, Patricia; Liu, Qianer; White, Edward (May 17, 2023). "VW talks to Huawei to boost flagging EV presence in China". Financial Times. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
12. Matsui, Emiko (December 22, 2023). "New Baidu Maps update brings night driving mode for Huawei HiCar". Huawei Central. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
13. "Multiple GWM vehicle models complete adaptation for Huawei HiCAR 4.0 system | Shanghai Non ferrous Metals". news.metal.com. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
14. Sarkar, Amy (January 31, 2022). "Huawei HiCar vehicles exceeds 10 million counts and more to launch". Huawei Central. Retrieved March 30, 2024.