How Does It Work? Honda's 2 Motor Hybrid System Explained!

How does the hybrid system in the Accord, Clarity, Insight and upcoming CR-V Hybrid work? How is it different than other hybrids and will you really get 212 HP in that CR-V? Let's take a deep dive!

[ronaldroberts]

As an old hot-rodder, I can safely say....it's not about the horse-power, it's about the torque...It's always about the torque...well done Honda, well done.

[MrSilver]

Hi Alex...I am a product knowledge instructor for Honda Canada....That was a very good explanation of our system. Thanks for posting! :)

[killarazzi]

This aligns very well with my experience driving a 2019 Accord Hybrid. Mileage is amazing around 65 mph (53 mpg) then takes a hit around 70 mph (39 mpg). Thanks for the clear explanation!

[TKevinBlanc]

This system is silky smooth in my Accord. You only have to get used to an engine that revs independently of the speed of the car, but it's a very nice system.

[lazziebardakos]

Someone who explains it simply and clearly so that even someone not a mechanic can understand 👍🏼

[nickgeorgie]

I don’t know what do you do for a living, but I strongly believe that you should become a professor teaching this kind of things. Clear, concise, complete. No bla blas, just what is necessary. A big thank you! Nick from Greece.

[kcav]

Honda calling this an eCVT is such is a disservice to the ingenuity that went into this powertrain. This is Honda engineering at its best! Instead, they should be flouting the fact that this system has no real transmission. That would be music to the ears of most buyers who have had to replace a probematic transmission before. Calling it an eCVT is the worst thing they can do.

[earl]

My wife just bought a new accord hybrid- It is taking a little getting used to- I found using the paddle shifters for breaking pretty cool. I love the car, it is super quiet.

[dennisng]

This is the definitive guide to learning and understanding all three hybrid systems implementation. Thank you for this amazing lesson!

[brandonliao]

I've gotten 55 mpg consistently driving the Honda Accord Hybrid here in Florida. An amazing car with an amazing engine.

[robertrocheville]

As a Honda tech I have to say that was a very good explanation.
I hope they come out with a hybrid Odyssey.

[henrybrar]

Having that kind of knowledge is a positive thing but explaining it to others in such a simplified way takes it to another level. Finally someone who keeps it simple and yet makes 100% sense. Thanks a lot.

[skipsteel]

Clear a Professional does not have to love what they do, but in Alex's case he does. It shows in every video. Thanks Alex for making a very complicated hybrid system, into much more understandable data driven solution.

[christianreyes]

This type of video is new for you but I enjoy it! Please do more!

[backwoodsbungalow]

For context, the Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) in the original 3 cylinder Insight coupé hybrid essentially replaced the flywheel with a pancake electric motor generator. That was light and simple, but being bolted to the engine like a flywheel, it could not drive the wheels without the engine rotating. A 2 motor hybrid with a clutch is more complicated but enables the engine to be decoupled from the wheels and stationary while an electric motor drives the wheels. 😎

[ngoandrew]

Finally someone can explain how Honda Hybrid works! Thanks!

[davidpierce]

I've listened to other videos trying to explain the hybrid systems in my Accord. This is the only one that makes sense of it all and fully explains under which circumstances, what motors are running. I thought that when the gas motor kicked in it was always powering the wheels.

[saquibhussain]

You are the kind of YouTuber we need. Thank you for making videos like this, just what we really need. Just awesome perfect and real information we need for reviews. Lot of respect for your work.

[mitshumarner]

I test drove a CR-V EX Hybrid this past weekend on Long Island. I found the hybrid system to be seamless and inconspicuous for the most part. The engine kicks on automatically and does it's own thing when the battery gauge runs low. The tachometer is replaced with a similar, arcing gauge that records power usage and charging with a marker delimiting the two. The fuel gauge for the engine is to the right. The push button shifter is pretty much easy to use once you get used to it and clears up some space on the console. The EX-L gets a heated steering wheel on the Hybrid, a plus from the previous year when it was only available on the Touring. The ride was more or less very similar to the gas only model, but I didn't push the car too much.

I took it on the highway and it performed nicely, the engine cycling on and off to generate amps for the main motor and the battery. The dealer said that the motor would shift on and off at highway speeds depending on the sped I was going, hills, etc. I found the only way to tell if the motor was running was on a hill when it droned and on the highway, when the gauge showed the power usage farther beyond the demarcation point of charging. The dynamic resistance braking is from paddle shifters like truck Jake Brakes. You toggle more resistance and the car visibly slows down on exit ramps, while the battery fuel gauge visibly gains. Once at a full stop, the system resets to zero the regenerative braking effort automatically. I detected no discernible difference in what was motivating the CR-V at highway speeds versus local speeds.

The air conditioning is electrically run, so when stopped and the engine's off, the AC compressor still provides chilled air from the battery. When the battery is low, the engine kicks on to run the AC system compressor electrically. I am not sure how the heat works, but the dealer said i can remote start the engine on cold mornings to generate heat. He added that in cold weather, when starting off in EV mode, the car will automatically warm up the engine before it is required for electrical generation work.


Downside: Not the car, but the dealer who slapped a $1000 extra charge to the MSRP because of the rarity of the CR-V Hybrid. That prevented me from purchasing the CR-V then and there. The CR-V Hybrid is available across all trims of the the CR-V and in only a AWD format. It adds $1200 to the base price. The dealer adds another grand to the mix to make the car pretty expensive. I can wait. Looking forward Alex to your full test drive and I'd appreciate some commentary on the price gouging happening with Honda dealers in the USA.

[robertpower]

I have owned a Clarity for about 6 months and could never find a good explanation on their transmission type until now. I was told that it was a direct drive but was confused as to why Honda called it an E-CVT. Thanks for the explanation.