Honda Civic Hybrid
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| Honda Civic Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 2003 – present |
| Class: | Compact |
| Body styles: | 4-door sedan |
| Engines: | gas: 1.3 L I4 SOHC electric: 144 volt 15 kW |
| Length: | 4455 mm (175.4 in) |
| Width: | 1695 mm (67.5 in) |
| Height: | 1430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Curb weight: | manual (ULEV/AT-PZEV) 2736/2749 lb (1241/1247 kg) CVT (ULEV/AT-PZEV) 2675/2684 lb (1213/1217 kg), 1190 kg international CVT version |
| Predecessor: | Honda Civic |
| Successor: | none |
| Shares components with: | Honda Civic |
| Similar models: | Toyota Prius Honda Insight Honda Accord Hybrid |
| This article is part of the automobile series. | |
The Honda Civic Hybrid is a hybrid version of the Honda Civic sedan.
For the 2003 model of the Civic, Honda added a continuously variable transmission and a Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to that of the Insight, creating a fuel efficient hybrid sedan. It is an assist hybrid.
It was redesigned in 2006 and based off the new Civic platform. Before the 2006 model year, the electric motor was not able to drive the car itself but provided useful assistance to the gasoline engine during heavy load situations like accelerating. Starting in 2006, however, the electric motor is able to maintain the car at a low speed cruise (20-30 mph) without power from the gasoline engine.
Technology
- 1.3 L i-DSI lean-burn internal-combustion engine with VTEC Cylinder Cut-off System, which allows up to three cylinders to cease operation during deceleration. This decreases friction losses generated by engine aspiration and allows more effective regeneration of energy.
- 15 kW (20 hp) brushless, permanent magnet assist motor, which functions as a generator during deceleration and loads batteries
- 120 Nickel-metal hydride batteries with 6.0 Ah capacity
- Multimatic S continuously variable or 5-speed manual transmission (latter available only in USA)
- SULEV or optional AT-PZEV certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- Low rolling resistance tires and regenerative braking
- Electric power-steering
- Does not need to be plugged in
Driving
- Driving style seems to have a larger effect on MPG than it would in a non-hybrid Civic.
- Power consuming accessories, such as air conditioning, also take a larger toll on fuel efficiency than they do in a non-hybrid vehicle.
- For maximum efficiency with a manual transmission, shift as early as practicable, and floor the gas. This results in great electric assist, combined with increased efficiency in the gasoline engine. Because the combined torque peak is at 1500 rpm, it is practical to shift at 1500–2000 rpm. This is more efficient than a part-throttle acceleration, shifting at a higher rpm.
Awards
The Civic Hybrid's engine won the International Engine of the Year "1 liter to 1.4 liter" size category award for three years straight from 2002 through 2004 as well as the "Best Fuel Economy" category for 2003 and 2004. It has won Motor Trend 2006 Car of the Year award, along with the rest of the Civic range.
See also
- Honda FCX (Hydrogen vehicle).
- Diesel-electric locomotive
- Gas-electric hybrid engine
- List of hybrid vehicles
External links
- [Honda's Civic Hybrid page]
- [Hybrid car] Everything you need to know about hybrid cars.
- [Hybrid Cars and Vehicles - MixedPower.com]
- [Information About Honda's 2006 Civic Hybrid]
- [Update on the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid]
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