Electrification of the Automobile Market Shifts into High Gear

The New Hybrid Model will utilize the same two-motor hybrid powertrain system currently used in the Hybrid Accord. (Image Courtesy of Honda Inc.)

Honda has announced a new dedicated hybrid model that will be made in America and launched in 2018 as part of its Electrification Initiative.

Few details have been released about this new dedicated hybrid vehicle, but it will utilize the same two-motor hybrid system currently deployed in Honda’s Accord Hybrid.

The two-motor hybrid system utilizes a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine with two electric motors, a propulsion motor that drives the wheels and a generator motor that produces electricity.

The system has three driving operations: EV Drive (100 percent electric motor), Hybrid Drive (electric motor with a gasoline engine driving the generator motor) and Engine Drive (gasoline engine). In addition, Engine Drive can be decoupled from the rest of the hybrid powertrain and used only as needed.

The 2018 Odyssey was introduced at the North American International Auto Show alongside Honda's announcements regarding its expanding electrification program. (Image Courtesy of Honda Inc.)

The two-motor hybrid system develops a peak 143 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 129 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The Accord boasts an EPA mileage rating of 49/47 mpg city/highway. The new hybrid model will be made in North America and Honda says it will release additional details regarding the vehicle and its manufacturing closer to the release date.

Two-Motor Powertrain Added to Light Truck Lineup

The use of the two-motor hybrid system currently used in passenger cars will be also be expanded to light trucks. No announcement has been made regarding which model or models will use the system, but Honda’s light truck lineup currently includes the HR-V, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline.

Honda Clarity Series Set to Expand in 2017

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell became available at select California dealerships in December 2016. (Image Courtesy of Honda Inc.)

In December 2016, Honda launched the premium mid-sized Clarity Fuel Cell and in 2017 it will be followed by the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, further expanding the electric and hybrid markets

According to Honda, the Clarity Fuel Cell has the highest range of any zero-emissions vehicle in the United States with a 366-mile EPA range rating.

This is all part of Honda’s global target for two-thirds of all sales to come from electrified models by 2030, as well as its commitment to cut its CO2 emissions in half by 2050.

For more information, visit the Honda website.

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