Bring a new feeling to the world.
e:HEV is a hybrid that's close to an EV.
It was designed to make the most of both the motor and the engine.
It doesn't compromise on driving enjoyment or environmental performance.
Those who have experienced it know:
This joy, this excitement feels like the world is changing.
Original Hybrid System Integrates Environmental Performance and FUN at a High Level
Honda began taking initiatives, ahead of the times, to
adopt electrification technologies to its automobiles in
various ways, in order to reduce CO2
emissions, which Honda considers a critical challenge
for a manufacturer of mobility products. Among these
electrification technologies, hybrid-electric systems
are the most familiar one, and Honda is further
expanding its lineup of hybrid-electric models.
A hybrid-electric vehicle is equipped with electric
motors in addition to an engine and achieves excellent
fuel economy by efficiently using those two power
sources.
The e:HEV hybrid-electric system was created by
combining all of the engine and electrification
technologies Honda has amassed to date and adopting a
host of new technologies to achieve overwhelmingly high
fuel economy and a new level of fun of driving.
The electric motor drives the vehicle for the entire
speed range, and the internal combustion engine (ICE) is
engaged only while cruising at high speed. This system
achieves excellent fuel economy while offering the
exhilarating and sophisticated fun of driving unique
only to e:HEV, unattainable with an ICE-only system.
Image of e:HEV System
ā Traction motor, Generator motor
The Honda two-motor hybrid system consists of a traction motor and a generator motor, which efficiently convert engine output into electricity, supply power to drive the tires and charge the battery, while also regenerating electricity during deceleration. The traction motor uses a magnet which is free of heavy rare earth elements.
ā” Atkinson cycle DOHC engine
This engine realizes a high-output Atkinson cycle with excellent thermal efficiency.
ā¢ Lock-up clutch
During high-speed cruising, the system shifts into āengine drive mode,ā where the engine output shaft is directly connected to the wheels. With gear ratios suitable for high-speed driving, equivalent to the top gear in a manual transmission, the simple power transmission path maximizes the highly efficient operation of the Atkinson cycle.
ā£ Power Control Unit (PCU)
The PCU consists of a power drive unit (PDU) that converts battery current to AC and a voltage control unit (VCU) that boosts the voltage to a maximum of 650V, based on the requirement by the traction motor. As a result of downsizing and an increase in efficient operation, the PCU fits inside the engine compartment.
ā¤ Battery Pack
Power unit that combines lithium-ion batteries with an ECU for control, which efficiently stores and outputs electricity, contributing greatly to fuel efficiency and driving performance.
The Difference Between e:HEV and Other Types of Hybrid-electric Systems
Difference with a series-parallel hybrid system
While the series-parallel hybrid system adjusts the ratio of engine and motor drive according to driving conditions, the e:HEV uses efficient motor drive for most daily driving situations. There are two modes of motor drive: EV drive mode and Hybrid drive mode. The e:HEV realizes high-quality motor driving and excellent efficiency for both modes by featuring a simple structure without a complex power distribution mechanism.
Difference with a series hybrid-electric system
With a series hybrid system, the engine generates electricity which is used by the electric motor which drives the vehicle for the entire speed range. Even during high-speed cruising, the motor, which is less effective than the engine, has to maintain high rpm, therefore, the engine must increase the amount of electricity generation. In contrast, during high-speed cruising, the e:HEV simply engages the engine directly to drive the vehicle. The vehicle drives with high quietness and fuel economy in the speed range where the engine is most efficient.
In contrast, a two-motor hybrid system, like Honda e:HEV, has two electric motors:
- Drive Motor: Powers the wheels for better acceleration and efficiency.
- Generator Motor: Converts engine power into electricity to charge the battery and assist the drive motor.
- EV Mode: Runs purely on electric power for short distances.
- Hybrid Mode: Uses both the petrol engine and electric motor for efficiency and powerful acceleration.
- Engine Mode: During high-speed cruising, which require less driving force, Engine drive mode is more efficient than motor. Engine output is directly connected to drive shaft to reduce power loss.
- No gear shifts or lag like in traditional automatics.
- Instant acceleration from the electric motor.
- Smooth & quiet operation, especially in city driving.
- Quick in acceleration.
- Smooth & quiet at low speeds.
- More stable.
- Honda e:HEV is self-charging and does not need to be plugged in.
- PHEVs require external charging and can drive longer on electric power.
- Instant torque from the electric motor for quick acceleration.
- Seamless transition between power modes for a smooth drive.
The visuals in this content are for informational purposes only and do not represent any specific product or model.