New hybrid system from Honda(Finally)

[gilbertguy]

Honda Accord will soon have a new PHEV hybrid system that can compete if not beat the Prius. Sounds pretty impressive, now if they can just put that system in the Insight?

2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Review: Car Reviews

[Cobb]

If you recharge a 6.7 kilowatt pack from a 110 outlet its going to take at least 8 hours, I doubt getting a 20 amp over a 15 amp breaker would help that much nor is available in most homes. My 4 kilowatt pack in my insight takes 5 hours and thats with a 10 guage extension cord that gets warm to the touch.

[samwichse]

Originally Posted by Cobb

If you recharge a 6.7 kilowatt pack from a 110 outlet its going to take at least 8 hours, I doubt getting a 20 amp over a 15 amp breaker would help that much nor is available in most homes. My 4 kilowatt pack in my insight takes 5 hours and thats with a 10 guage extension cord that gets warm to the touch.

Maybe they're doing what Chevy does with the Volt and only ~65% (10.4kwh of 16kwh) of the battery capacity is used?

6.7kwh @ 65% DOD = 4.3 kwh to put in the battery.

12a (max reasonable draw for a 15 amp breaker) @ 110V = 1.32kw

4.3kw / 1.32kwh = 3.26 hours

It comes out to 2.3 hours for 17A (4.3kwh / 1.87kw). Take off ~10% for charging inefficiency, and their numbers sound about right to me.

The cords to charge the Volt are STOUT, and even then, they were having issues with the plugs slagging themselves as there was a manufacturing defect that caused less than perfect contact internally.
Another Chevy Volt fire risk? Power cords may ignite - Yahoo! Autos

[Cobb]

If all of those assumptions work out in the real world then I agree.

At least they got a 2 liter engine so if the IMA or what ever they decide to call the new system checks out you got some balls moving the car.

I dont know, not likely Ill own a 36 thousand dollar car.

[Erik]

I have not seen anyone mention the 2013 CR-Z. Apparently they are changing the battery to Lithium Ion. Seems they are going with sportier rather than fuel efficiency for the updates.

[Cobb]

Hope they got a balancer on board and kept the agressive cooling the non lith one did.

I drove a stick with 5 thousand miles on it and I wasnt impressed above 35mph in regards to fuel economy or performance.

[Bugone]

Seriously - who are they targetting with this kind of car.

Despite the wheels and blue grill, it looks incredibly outdated. And the tech isn't exactly cutting edge. This is company car territory, and who would prefer one of these over a BMW 3 series or an Audi A4? Or even over a Chevy Volt or Ampera?

I wish they would try and make something 'astonishing' again. Super lightweight, extremely efficient, with cutting edge looks and styling.

[samwichse]

Originally Posted by Bugone

Seriously - who are they targetting with this kind of car.

The mainstream. Look at the Camry or Passat... mainstream cars look boring.

This seems like a very good competitor to me.

Sam

[gilbertguy]

Overall it looks okay..... except for that giant "H" on the front of the car! Just looks way to big to me.

[Eli]

The transition from gas to electric power is smooth and we’re thrilled to report that unlike the old IMA system used in cars like the Civic Hybrid and CR-Z, the start-stop function at idle is smooth.

Huh? What are they talking about here?