The new gasoline-electric hybrid Honda Civic is being shown for the first time in North America at the Electric Transportation Industry Conference (ETIC) in Sacramento, California, an industry tradeshow for vehicles that use electric propulsion.
The 2003 Civic Hybrid, which will go on sale nationwide in spring of 2002, combines a small internal combustion engine with an electric motor to provide outstanding performance and fuel economy. Built off the current Civic sedan, the Civic Hybrid features a new version of Honda's patented Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, enhanced aerodynamics, exceptional interior comfort and roominess, and a sophisticated, high-tech feel.
"The introduction of the 2003 Civic Hybrid shows that proven hybrid technology is now ready for 'prime time'," said Robert Bienenfeld, senior manager of product planning and alternate fuel vehicles at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Honda Insight, currently the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered vehicle on the road, proved that Integrated Motor Assist technology is reliable, efficient and practical. Now Honda is applying a similar, more advanced system to the best-selling small car in America."
Significant advancements to the all-new IMA system include Honda's state-of-the-art i-DSI (Dual & Sequential Ignition) lean-burn combustion technology, along with a newly developed cylinder deactivation system. The cylinder deactivation system adapts Honda's VTEC variable valve control to significantly increase the amount of electrical energy recovered during deceleration. Three of the four cylinders can be shut down, achieving 50 percent less engine friction during deceleration compared to the Insight's IMA system. The 1.3-liter i-DSI 4-cylinder engine features two spark plugs per cylinder. The Civic Hybrid is expected to earn an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) emission rating.
Combined with Honda's continuously variable automatic transmission or manual transmission, this new IMA system provides a combination of excellent drivability and superb gas mileage, which is expected to achieve around 50 miles per gallon. This achievement makes the Civic Hybrid the most fuel efficient, mass-produced, five-passenger sedan in the world.
The IMA system essentially "recycles" energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and uses that power for acceleration at a later time. During acceleration and other times of heavy engine load, the electric motor "assists" the gasoline engine by providing additional torque resulting in improved acceleration without compromising fuel economy. At cruising speeds when engine load is lower, the motor assist system lets the ultra-efficient gasoline engine maintain the vehicle's speed. During deceleration, the electric motor becomes a generator and converts energy into electricity (regenerative braking). The electric motor is positioned between the engine and transmission.
The engine also has an automatic idle stop feature. When stopped at traffic light, for example, the engine shuts off automatically then restarts immediately when the driver lets off the brake pedal or puts the car into gear (manual transmission.) This automatic idle stop system contributes to both greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Another significant improvement (when compared to the Insight IMA system) is the combination of the Power Control Unit (the computer "brains" of the system) and the battery pack. This combination reduces the system volume by 50 percent and has allowed designers to locate the Civic Hybrid's IMA equipment with greater packaging freedom - behind the rear seat in the trunk where it has a very minimal impact on trunk cargo volume and no impact on the Civic sedan's interior volume.
The interior features premium seats and numerous luxury features such as cruise control, power windows, unique illuminated instrument panel meters, an automatic heating and cooling system, and a high-power AM/FM/Compact Disc audio system. The 2003 Civic Hybrid equipped with standard alloy wheels, ABS and side airbags is expected to cost less than $20,000.
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