We know the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which is a mild hybrid system, available on the Civic, Insight and CR-Z, but here comes something new. Totally new and unexpected. It’s a plug-in hybrid platform. Without a car yet, but it’s Accord-sized. A two-motor system, it has a 2.0-liter, i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, with a 120-kW electric motor to power the front wheels.

It’s a plug-in, but Honda has decided not to use an expensive battery pack, and chose a 6-kWh pack of lithium-ion cells. That’s not enough to me, as the range in pure electric mode is only 10-15 miles. I understand then, that we will need excellence in the electronics control that will switch between the different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode.

Interestingly, the gasoline engine and the electric motor are in a parallel/serial set-up, a bit like the Prius, but done differently. This will be especially useful for high-speed driving, where the gasoline engine will be able to power the front wheels in a direct-drive mode.

Watch the video below to find out how Honda sees it.
And wait for the next generation’s Accord for more.