2023 Honda's Two Motor Hybrid Electric System
4th gen Two Motor Hybrid System
2023-Present CR-V Sport 2.0-liter i-VTEC
Gasoline Engine: 145 hp @ 6100 rpm / 138 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
Propulsion Motor Power: 181-hp / 247 lb.-ft.
Combined System HP: 204 hp (using ISO standard)
MPG: City 43 / Highway 36 / Combined 40
- The Honda two-motor hybrid system is an innovative solution to the need for low-emissions and high fuel economy that doesn’t compromise packaging or performance
- Making its U.S. debut in the 2014 Accord Hybrid, the Honda two-motor hybrid system is currently available in the 2023 CR-V Hybrid and 2023 Accord Hybrid
- Fourth-generation of the Honda two-motor hybrid system debuts in the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V Sport and Sport Touring
- Honda has sold about 300,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. powered by the two-motor hybrid system
A key step in Honda’s electrification strategy, the new fourth-generation of the Honda two-motor hybrid system maximizes efficiency without compromising a vehicle’s dynamic performance or packaging. Delivering a sportier driving experience and improved capability, this latest version of the hybrid system debuts in the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V Sport and Sport Touring, which will represent about 50% of CR-V sales.
Two-Motor Hybrid System Fundamentals
Drive Force Transfer
Rather than use a torque converter or mechanical pulley or belt, the two-motor hybrid system relies on the interplay of the two motors for driving and generating power. This form of drive force transfer offers smooth and predictable acceleration matched with efficient low-rpm highway cruising when the gasoline engine is in operation.
Propulsion and Generator Motors
Honda’s two-motor hybrid system can operate as either a series or parallel hybrid. The majority of the time, the system operates as a series hybrid. Its electric propulsion motor drives the wheels directly, while the gasoline engine connected to the electric generator/starter motor functions as an electrical generator, supplying power to the hybrid battery and/or the propulsion motor. Under certain driving conditions, such as steady-state cruising at highway speeds, the system switches seamlessly to parallel hybrid operation, with the gasoline engine connecting to the front axle via a clutch, and vehicle speed is proportional to engine speed (rpm).
Atkinson Cycle Engines
The two-motor hybrid system features a 4-cylinder engine that uses the highly efficient Atkinson cycle. The Atkinson cycle holds the intake valve open longer than normal during the compression stroke, allowing a reverse flow of intake air into the intake manifold. This allows more complete use of the energy from the combustion process, greatly enhancing efficiency.
Intelligent Power Unit
The Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) houses the lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Compact and lightweight, the IPU allows for optimum placement of the batteries with minimum intrusion into the vehicle’s cargo or passenger space.
Power Control Unit
The “brain” of the two-motor hybrid system is the Power Control Unit (PCU). It controls all hybrid functions as it dictates the power management strategy to optimize performance. Based on driving conditions and power demand, it decides which drive mode is best and how much power from the generator should go to recharge the battery or drive the vehicle’s propulsion motor.
Drive Modes
Three different operating modes are used by the two-motor system, which seamlessly switches between the three depending on throttle position, state of battery charge, and other factors.
EV Drive Mode - Active when starting from a stop, during light cruising and acceleration, and when braking. The gasoline engine is off in this mode and is decoupled from the drivetrain to reduce friction.
Hybrid Drive Mode- The electric propulsion motor alone powers the front wheels, with the gasoline engine powering the electric generator motor, which in turn provides power to the battery pack. This either supplements the battery by providing added electrical power to the propulsion motor or charges the battery if needed.
Engine Drive Mode - Under certain conditions, such as when cruising at medium to high speeds, the high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC® gasoline engine provides propulsion via a lock-up clutch that connects the generator motor to the propulsion motor. This effectively sends power directly from the engine to the drive wheels.
- All-new Honda CR-V hybrid features fourth-generation Honda hybrid system
- Honda engine and transmission plants in Ohio play critical roles in launch of new CR-V hybrid producing newly refined Atkinson-cycle engine and fourth-generation hybrid system
- CR-V hybrid production starts in Canada, followed shortly by Indiana and Ohio plants as it will represent about 50% of CR-V sales
- CR-V is America’s best-selling crossover for the last quarter century
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