Honda recently announced some huge news. They're planning to launch their own plug-in hybrid system in 2012. As of now, DCH Honda of Temecula doesn't know whether the all-new PHEV hybrid platform will be placed into an existing Honda model, or come in the form as an entirely new hybrid-only vehicle. William Walton, Honda's Manager of Product Planning, simply says that the Japanese automaker is going to "see what happens with the plug-in vehicle architecture, and take learnings from there."1
Thanks to a statement from Chief Engineer of Battery Research, Hirohisa Ogawa, is that the plug-in hybrid will be capable of going nine to 15 miles in electric only mode. This should be far enough to quiet any criticisms that Honda's current hybrid technology is too weak to provide extended motor-only travel. Honda's non-plug-in lineup of hybrids (i.e., the Honda Insight Hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Honda CR-Z Hybrid) currently uses the Integrated Motor Assist System primarily to assist with the performance of the gasoline engine.
The more advanced all-new PHEV hybrid system is comprised of a more independently efficient two-motor system powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery will be supplied by Blue Energy Co., Honda's battery joint venture with GS Yuasa Corp. We expect Honda's new hybrid technology to debut next year.
Stay tuned for more details on Honda's forthcoming hybrid innovations. DCH Honda of Temecula - 26755 Ynez Road - Temecula, CA 92591 is here to keep you informed.
Source: 1http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-to-diversify-hybrid-offerings-with-plug-ins/
