At decrease speeds, solely the traction motor powers the wheels and the gasoline engine acts solely as a generator for it. At greater speeds, the gasoline engine is linked on to the wheels through any of two gear ratios to extend effectivity (the earlier system had a single mounted ratio). Below full-power circumstances, the gasoline engine revs out to ship most energy to the traction motor, permitting the system to supply that most of 204 hp with further assist from the small lithium-ion battery, which we count on to have the identical 1.1-kWh capability because the one within the new CR-V Hybrid. There is no such thing as a conventional transmission and no CVT – Honda merely calls the transmission a “two-motor hybrid system”. We mentioned it is sophisticated, okay?
Suffice it to say that the objective was each effectivity and avoiding the droning really feel of a conventional CVT. Honda says it was essential to create a powertrain that’s in sync with how people count on it to really feel as an alternative of purely what’s environment friendly. The Accord should all the time stay enjoyable to drive. Honda has not launched efficiency figures or 0-60-mph dash occasions for the Accord Hybrid but. Nonetheless, impartial testing has proven {that a} near-4,000-pound CR-V Hybrid can attain 60 mph in round eight seconds, so at an estimated weight of round 3,500 kilos, an Accord Hybrid ought to be capable to do it in nearer to seven seconds – across the identical as the bottom 1.5 turbo.
Even when the Accord retained its predecessor’s trip and dealing with, it will high the category. Honda has stiffened up the physique even additional, revised the suspension, and used new entrance brace bars. These adjustments all purpose to enhance trip high quality, dealing with, and refinement, and may be sure that the Honda stays the sweetest sedan to pilot on this class, aided by the responsive hybrid setup.
