REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids
2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery
To put it mildly, sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid never quite set the world on fire. Regardless, Japan's Second Largest Automaker is reportedly hard at work developing its proprietary Integrated Motor Assist hybrid platform so that it can once again be used to power larger vehicles like the Accord.
To make it all work out, Honda is adding an extra electric motor to the mix for a total of two, both of which will be more powerful than the single pancake motor used in the current Insight and Civic Hybrid. Also on the menu is a lithium ion battery pack to replace the current nickel metal hydride unit, with added capacity to allow for electric-only operation.
Word on the street (or at least the Nikkei daily newspaper in Japan) is that Honda might place this next-gen hybrid powertrain in a minivan sometime in 2011 or so. Before that, though, we can look forward to the launch of Honda's sporty CR-Z hybrid hatchback. It's important to have your priorities straight, right?
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda Skydeck concept
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
NeilBlanchard 9:35AM (10/27/2009)
Hi,
In general, I like it -- though there is a lot of features that will/can not be produced; like the glass roof. The entry doors are also pretty fanciful.
I do like the side view video mirrors!
Sincerely, Neil
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Serge 9:38AM (10/27/2009)
So, in essence, Honda is developing an analogue to Toyota's HSD, GM's Two-Mode or Ford's hybrids systems 3-5 years behind aforementioned competition. While no one as of yet has announced plans for a decent van/MPV in that time-frame, Honda better have something of "added-value" (plug) for this next generation platform to be successful. Oh, and make those 2nd and 3rd row seats "magic" a la Fit instead of sliding underneath the front ones.
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Mark Kiernan 9:42AM (10/27/2009)
I really think that if Honda or Toyota have a basic hybrid with a plug that gets 30 miles per charge at little or no extra cost over a previous version they will blow away all EVs and the Volt for at least a car cycle.
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Dave 10:59AM (10/27/2009)
That is true.
But "little or no extra cost" is a fantasy, not reality.
Boyprodigy1 11:29AM (10/27/2009)
I think as costs go down and technology goes up, nissan is going to take the lead. They are the only ones willing to dip their foot into the full EV market, which some people consider a gamble, but i see it as smart. Honda does have the FCX thought that they could easily make full EV if they wanted to.
@Dave
The battery pack for the chevy volt is 16 kW·h. At $450 per kW·h a 40 mile range right now is pretty pricy (7200$). However, with time (and as these production facilities for automotive batteries begin production), The price will go down. I could easily see it costing 2500$ over the top of the normal hybrid to add a 30 mile electric only range to them within the next 3-4 years.
Serge 11:52AM (10/27/2009)
With parallel hybrid systems I doubt it's possible to achieve 30 mile range with little to no increase in *upfront* cost. We are talking about 12-14 kWh packs added to full-power (1.8-2.4L) engine, hybrid transmission, etc. On the other hand, a serial hybrid design can save cost (and space) by downsizing engine and ridding of hybrid transmission.
I don't know about Toyota, but Honda does already have a serial hybrid (FCX Clarity), which they could equip with a plug and small engine (perhaps from their motorcycles) for range extender. While costing more than Prius upfront, competitive edge would come from TOC (electricity is cheaper), convenience (charge up up at home for commute), and pure driving fun (parallel hybrid is no match for pure electric drive).
Boyprodigy1 12:31PM (10/27/2009)
@ Serge
I completely agree. A serial hybrid would be much less expensive to make with an all electric mode (probably why GM did it). My point is that i see the all electric mode as being like the next step. The hybrids of today require a premium from their counterparts and in a lot of ways it is justifiable for people. All i am saying is that batteries will go down in price to the extent that they will probably become a justifiable price increase for the 30-40 mile all electric range.
Chris M 4:12PM (10/27/2009)
A plug-in Prius or plug-in Honda hybrid can transmit some of the power mechanically to the wheel, thus not requiring as powerful of a motor or battery. Thererfore they could use a smaller less expensive battery and thus have a lower price than a series plug-in hybrid like the Volt.
Granted, the "EV range" would be less, but there is a substantial number of potential customers that have a much shorter daily commute and who would appreciate both the lower price and replacing substantial amounts of gasoline with cheaper electricity.
Throwback 3:51PM (10/27/2009)
I am curious as to how many car owners currently are willing and able to plug in their cars. I have yet to be convinced there is a pent up demand for limited range EVs. I bought gas this morning in NJ for $2.49 a gallon.
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Christos Dimou 3:39AM (10/28/2009)
Considering the benefits from fitting Hybrid Powertrains in big SUVs and MPVs, the whole idea makes absolute sense. A 25% reduction in consumption in a 20 mpg car has a larger impact than a 25% reduction in consumption in a 35mpg vehicle.
The question is how HONDA (and the rest of the automakers gang lol) can couple with success hybrid Powertrains without compromising the towing capacity of their vehicles.
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Chris M 3:56AM (10/30/2009)
Some hybrids aren't suitable for towing, but that doesn't mean hybrids can't be designed for towing. After all, GM has dual mode hybrid pickups and SUVs that have plenty of towing capacity.
Lloyd 6:16PM (10/29/2009)
Honda's Integraged Motor Assist augments the function of the flywheel.
Williams Formula One is developing a magnetically loaded composite flywheel.
If Honda is developing power trains with more than one electric motor, maybe Honda and Williams could explore whether their technologies would compliment each other.
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