Honda Worldwide | Technology Picture Book

Not all technologies depicted are used in all markets.

Even in the hybrid era, Honda considers that the engine, principal source of power, is very important.

Hybrid vehicles are cars equipped with an electric motor assisting the engine. At Honda we believe the engine is the core technology of a hybrid vehicle. That’s why we’re continuing our relentless efforts to improved fuel efficiency, reduce exhaust emissions and increase the power output.

The Civic Hybrid features a 1.3-liter 3-stage i-VTEC engine. The engine is tuned to provide three stages of valve control to suit driving conditions. The vehicle combines responsive driving with superior fuel efficiency.

At low engine speeds, the intake valve lift is reduced to create a swirl effect, promoting good combustion and high power output using little fuel.

At higher engine speeds, the intake valves are opened wide to improve intake efficiency and increase power output.

During deceleration, the intake and exhaust valves of all four cylinders of the engine are closed, and combustion halted. Sealing the cylinder shut reduces pumping losses, and engine friction is reduced by 66%.

Reducing engine friction increases the amount of kinetic energy available for recovery by the motor/generator and storage in the batteries is approximately 10% higher than with the previous model.

(The previous model was equipped with a 3-cylinder cut-off system)

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Motor-alone and cylinder-Idle modes provide improved fuel efficiency and increased driving pleasure.

Motor output has been increased by 50% compared to the previous model to allow low-speed cruising under motor power alone. The 3-stage i-VTEC engine provides valve control allowing the deactivation of all 4 cylinders under deceleration, increasing the energy recovered through regenerative braking. Improved fuel efficiency, reduced fuel costs, and a more exciting driving experience are some of the features of the new Honda Hybrid System.

Vehicle stationary

Idle stop

Startup and acceleration

Low-speed valve timing mode + motor assist

Low-speed cruising/gentle acceleration

With all 4 cylinders deactivated, the vehicle is powered by the motor alone.

High-speed cruising

Operating in low-speed valve timing mode, the engine powers the vehicle.

Rapid acceleration

The engine operates in high-speed valve timing mode with motor assist.

Deceleration

All 4 cylinders deactivated + regenerative braking

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Slim and compact, the motor of the Honda Hybrid System is no larger than the flywheel of a conventional engine.

In a conventional car there is a flywheel between the engine and the transmission, serving to smooth out fluctuations in engine torque for smooth engine operation. The electric motor in the Honda Hybrid System is only 60mm thick, so it fits smartly into the space usually taken up by the flywheel. And the rotor in the electric motor serves as the flywheel. This is why the Honda Hybrid System fits in to existing vehicles as is. Honda is hard at work on further hybrid technology development to make hybrid cars even more a part of our lives.

A 50% increase in motor output. No increase in size.

Flat wire coil structure allows for increased coil density within the same space. A more powerful magnet and a new rotor/stator design contribute to a 50% increase in power and a 110% increase* in torque.

*Comparison based on assist power output

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