Honda has been developing and rapidly deploying various environmental and energy technologies to share the joy of mobility with people around the world. As a global company, we strive to satisfy mobility needs while also reducing environmental impact from our products to realize a sustainable motorized society.

Earth Dreams Technology

“Earth Dreams Technology” is a next-generation powertrain series that greatly enhances both driving performance and fuel economy, building on advanced environmental technologies to pursue a joy of driving unique to Honda. We sought ideas from the public when naming this technology, and in the end decided on Earth Dreams Technology as it expresses our desire to protect the environment and to deliver joy through driving.

By gradually introducing engines that use this technology, starting with the N BOX mini-vehicle, we aim to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel economy in every vehicle class within three years.
Earth Dreams Technology boasts the following six technologies:

A gasoline engine that realizes world-leading driving performance and fuel economy

By enhancing Honda’s original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology to thoroughly improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, we developed a new engine series employing a new structure for higher expandability. We used this technology in a wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.5-liter, 1.8-liter, 2.4-liter, and 3.5-liter classes, and achieved a combination of high performance and fuel economy by adding technology suitable to each structure.

2.4 L-class gasoline engine

A compact diesel engine featuring the world's lightest block1, with top-of-class1 acceleration performance, and fuel economy.

Optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure enabled an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block in this 1.6-liter class diesel engine, the lightest in the world1 in its category. Downsizing from the present 2.2-liter engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section helped us achieve a level of friction equivalent to present gasoline engine models. An optimized thermal management system, resulting from improvements to the cooling system, reduces CO2 output by more than 15%.2 Employment of a compact, highefficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble handling.

Note 1:

Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)

Note 2:

Compared to other Honda products

1.6 L-class diesel engine

A CVT that combines the fun of driving and fuel economy at a high level

We developed three new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) structures to be adopted in a variety of engine models for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes. We used reinforced belts to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set. Quantifying the contact behavior between the belt and pulley and allowing for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions contributed to improved fuel economy. In addition, we aimed to boost efficiency through repeated analysis of the electronic oil pump. As controlling technology, a new coordinated control system, G-design Shift, was employed to enable high-precision pulley control that responds quickly to driver demands, contributes to higher fuel economy, and provides for a sporty driving character with superior acceleration.

Mid-size class CVT

G-design shift kick-down profile

A two-motor hybrid system that realizes top-of-industry efficiency3

Honda has endeavored to popularize hybrid cars by employing its unique Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, a compact one-motor model, in compact vehicles.

We have developed a new two-motor hybrid system that meets the growing need for CO2 emissions reduction and enhances driving pleasure among owners of mid-sized vehicles as well. Three driving modes allowing for top-of-global industry efficiency3—largely surpassing conventional hybrid models—for various driving environments were developed: an EV mode for urban environments, a hybrid mode using electricity generated by the motor, and an “engine-connected” mode where the engine and wheels are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising. In addition, the system employs a dedicated lithium-ion battery, charger, and other parts to enable easy application to plug-in hybrid vehicles. We plan to begin massproduction of mid-size vehicles equipped with this system, starting with a plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and a hybrid model in 2013.

Note 3:

Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)

Two-motor hybrid system operating modes

PDU: Power Drive Unit
MOT: Motor
GEN: Generator
ENG: Engine

A high-efficiency, high-output electric SH-AWD hybrid system that combines superior driving and environmental performance

We developed a new hybrid system, the electric Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, as the optimal system for large-sized vehicles as well as the peak technology for driving performance even among the Earth Dreams Technology series. An electric 4WD system with two independent 20 kW+ motors for the rear wheels combines with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30 kW+high-efficiency motor and high-efficiency V6 engine. Independent motor torque control in the rear wheels realizes the same “on-the-rail” function4 as the conventional machine-type SH-AWD, and because the negative torque from the inside wheels can be recovered as regenerative energy and used as positive torque for the outside wheels, the system realized an innovative “on-the-rail” technology that is not reliant on engine output. This system takes driving pleasure and environmental responsibility to an all new level through advanced handling, a fun driving experience created by an acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, and a fuel economy equal or superior to inline 4-cylinder engines.

Note 4:

On-the-rail: driving feature in which the car smoothly goes in the direction the steering wheel directs it to go.

Independent control of rear torque with electric SH-AWD

Compact high-efficiency drive train for Evs

Thanks to a high-efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox, electric servo brake system, and other technologies, Honda has achieved the world’s highest5 energy efficiency for any electric vehicle, at 29 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, or 118 miles-per-gallon-equivalent, based on driving conditions set in the U.S. Using this high energy efficiency, as well as a high-energy-capacity lithium-ion battery, we also achieved cruising distances of 123 mi6 (LA-4 mode: unadjusted) and 210 kilometer (km)6 ( JC08 mode). In addition, by providing three driving modes—Sport, Normal, and Econ (economy)—the system gives drivers the option of choosing from driving styles that range from eco-friendly to sporty.

Note 5:

Honda internal research (as of June 30, 2012)

Note 6:

Honda’s calculation

Honda Fit EV system components

• The Honda Fit EV, scheduled for introduction in summer 2012, has received a combined adjusted Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MPGe rating1 of 118, and an unprecedented low consumption rating of 29 kWh/100 miles2. With such an efficient drivetrain, the Fit EV’s 20-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery provides the capacity to earn an EPA combined city/highway estimated driving range rating of 82 miles. The battery-electric commuter vehicle will be made available for lease in the U.S. states of California and Oregon in summer 2012 and on the east coast of the U.S. in 2013. In Japan, the model will be leased starting in summer 2012.

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  Note 1:

  Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) is calculated by equating 33.7 kWh of electricity consumed to one gallon of gasoline consumed.

  Note 2:

  Calculated based on the cruising distance and amount of charging needed after a drive. The consumption rating mentioned here was determined using driving conditions set in the U.S.
  MPGe and range vary depending on driving conditions, driving style, vehicle maintenance, battery age/ condition, and other factors.