Hybrid Cars ProsHonda Civic hybrid
The newest-generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system fitted to the Civic Hybrid uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power while an electric motor provides additional power and electricity regeneration capability. The new IMA system consists of a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine connected to a larger, more powerful electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A new Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the upgraded 23-horsepower electric motor. The new Lithium-Ion battery is more powerful, lighter and more compact than the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery it replaces.
Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor team to produce 110 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 1000-3500 rpm. Compared to the previous generation Civic Hybrid, the new Civic Hybrid has the same peak horsepower, but achieves it at 500 fewer rpm. The new Hybrid has gained 4 lb-ft of torque, and it is spread over a wider rpm range (between 1000 rpm to 3500 rpm) for improved performance during normal city driving.
During acceleration, the engine or the engine and electric motor propel the vehicle. During sustained cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can individually propel the vehicle. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as generator to replenish the Li-Ion battery pack. When the vehicle is at a stop, the engine can enter an idle-stop mode to conserve fuel and reduce emissions and the engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.
Compared to the previous Civic Hybrid, the fifth-generation Honda IMA powertrain provides improved acceleration at highway speeds, while simultaneously delivering a combined city/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 44 mpg - an increase of 3 mpg from the previous model. In the USA, the base configuration costs $24,200 and the top configuration costs $26,900.
Base configuration
15'' alloy wheels, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability assist with traction control, cruise control.
Specification
| Overall length | 4.5 m |
| 1.5 litre gasoline engine + electric motor | 110 hp |
| Battery type | Lithium-Ion |
| 0 - 100 km/h | 10.8 s |
| Combined fuel consumption | 44 mpg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal |
| Drag coefficient | 0.27 Cd |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.4 m |
Video