Honda Hybrid Technology Explained
Hybrid electric vehicles offer the best of both worlds. They’re powered by both an internal combustion motor and one or more electric motors. At Honda we are proud to be in our fourth decade of hybrid technology, having been one of the first car manufacturers to offer these vehicles in the UK in 1999.
Fast forward to the present day and our latest e:HEV full hybrids continue to deliver impressive hybrid performance, without ever compromising their smooth power.
Honda e:HEV powertrain explained
At the heart of Honda’s e:HEV powertrain are two advanced electric motors, powered by the EV battery or the engine depending on driving conditions. The system is designed to switch between three distinct driving modes – Electric, Hybrid, and Engine Drive – enabling it to adapt seamlessly to different driving conditions.
- Electric
- Hybrid
- Engine
Electric drive
Driven by the battery alone, like an electric vehicle.
Hybrid drive
Driven by two electric motors, powered by the petrol engine for high efficiency.
Engine drive
Driven by the petrol engine alone, for sustained high-speed cruising.
FAQs
Can I get a manual hybrid car?
Yes, you can get a manual hybrid car, but it will be a mild hybrid. Mild hybrids have manual transmission and can't travel on electric power alone, but the electric motor is simply there to reduce the workload of the petrol engine during acceleration etc for efficiency.
Full hybrids and plug-in hybrids don't have manual transmissions because the electric motor directly powers the wheels like an EV, bypassing the need for a manual transmission system.
Do hybrid cars still use petrol?
Yes, hybrid cars, as the name implies, use two sources of power – electric and fossil fuel. So, they still have a conventional combustion engine, that runs on traditional fuel, to power the car on longer journeys or higher speeds. This means they either need petrol or diesel.
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