Understanding the Honda Hybrid E-Drive

See the cool E-Drive transmission used in the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, Insight Hybrid, and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. Watch how this incredible transaxle functions in all three modes of operation.

Clarifications.
- Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) is an engineering term to describe this system.

CORRECTIONS:
- Mode 2, Engine Drive Mode. The internal combustion engine (ICE) will operate at its most efficient rpm for the torque required to propel the vehicle. The motor is forced to rotate by the countershaft. The motor can draw power from the battery to help the engine supply torque to the countershaft (parallel hybrid operation), or it can act as a generator to supply power to the battery. Engine-only mode can occur at speeds as low as ~70.8 km/h (~44 mph).

- Mode 3, E-CVT. At higher vehicle speeds, the overdrive clutch is disengaged. The generator provides power to the motor (series hybrid operation), to the battery, or to both depending upon the battery state of charge, motor load, and other factors.

TIMELINE:
0:00 Start
0:12 Introduction
0:25 Vehicle Usage
0:51 Three modes of operation
1:42 Mode 1 - Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode
1:56 Two Oil Pumps
2:14 Final Drive and Driven Gears
3:28 Final Drive gear ratio = 65/19 = 3.421:1 (CR-V 66/17 = 3.882:1)
4:21 Counter Shaft Gear
5:22 Motor Drive Gear and shaft
6:30 135kW Motor power and torque ratings
7:17 Motor shaft gear to countershaft gear ratio = 54/22 = 2.455:1
7:53 MUST SEE: Motor shaft gear to final drive gear ratio = 8.398:1 (CR-V 9.530:1)
9:30 MUST SEE: Regenerative braking gear operation
10:20 Mode 2 - Engine Only Mode
11:42 How the engine is connected to the countershaft
14:00 MUST SEE: Overdrive clutch pack demonstration
16:00 Overdrive gear to countershaft gear ratio = 54/67 = 0.8059:1
17:00 Overdrive gear to final drive gear ratio = 2.757:1 (CR-V 3.129:1)
18:18 Power Generation
18:38 Input shaft gear to generation drive gear ratio = 39/76 = 0.513:1
19:15 106kW Power generator rotor
20:35 Final Assembly of parts - Parking Gear and Pawl
22:04 Mode 3 - E-CVT Mode
22:40 MUST SEE: Series Hybrid operation
23:45 Wrap up

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QUESTIONS FOR TEACHERS
1. What is the name of the Mode-1 operation?
2. What is the overall gear ratio from the 135 kW motor to the tires in Mode-1 on the CR-V Hybrid?
3. What is an advantage of Mode-1 operation?
4. What is the name of the Mode-2 operation?
5. What transmission part enables Mode-2 operation?
6. What is the overall gear ratio from the overdrive gear to the tires in Mode 2 on the CR-V Hybrid?
7. What is an advantage of Mode-2 operation?
8. What happens to the 106 kW generator during the mode-2 operation?
9. What is the name of the Mode-3 operation?
10. What is unique about the Mode-3 operation?
11. What is an advantage of Mode-3 operation?

[minilogoguy]

I'm a Honda master tech at a dealer and you actually explained it better than their own training material lol. I'm kinda not surprised though, the only transmissions they want us to even open and repair at the dealer are manuals, everything else we just swap and send the core back for remanufacturing.

[Try]

I've been watching your videos since 2014, the way you complete knock-down the parts, label them and do the demonstrations is out of this world. I hope you live long and health so that we could benefit from your knowledge in future car models

[hossainalwasi]

You are one of the finest teachers I have ever come across. I cannot believe this is free.
Thank you.

[Liam]

This is bloody wicked! Not only is it actually a fairly simple transmission in contrast to even an automatic or manual (It's essentially just a drop gears in and run transmission, no shift forks or multiple clutch packs and planetary gearsets), but it also reminds me of my other daily driver, a locomotive. The engine turns the generator. The generator powers the motor. Absolutely fantastic.

The way this is designed also seems fairly reliable, with only one set of clutch packs that really don't have to do much clutch work, and no real complex mechanisms at play. This really does seem like a plug and play motor/differential combo.

The old saying "Keep it simple, stupid" (KISS) seems to apply here. So long as it's kept cool and lubricated, I really see this transmission lasting a long time.

[johnmitchell]

Im a retired master auto technician and i just love the way you put your videos together and how efficiently you explain things. Your a work of art thank you.In my opinion from what im learning about hondas hybrid systems they seem to be the most thought out and straight forward of the lot

[sanurshenoy]

Professor Kelly sir, You are unquestionably the best in describing how the various transaxles work. Very clear and articulate and not trying to impress the viewers. We are fortunate to have you. Please continue to do what you are doing and may God bless you with good health, piece of mind and enthusiasm for a long time!

[Edsecondstocomply]

I just bought a 22 hybrid accord. I'm an enthusiast whose been wrenching on my own Hondas a long time. But this is my first hybrid. Thank you for helping me understand this drivetrain compared to all the traditional manual and automatic gear boxes I've touched before.

[Liguritio]

The sweetest thing about his videos is his always pleasant expressions and his methods of putting up the technology in the way commoners understands. Nice video and great person

[robj]

I have a 2019 Insight with this system. It's my first hybrid vehicle (I'm 73 years old). Being a mechanical minded person (grew up in my father's garage), I was so impressed with this technology when I went to the dealership to look at the car. Yes, there are other components that make up this entire drivetrain, but it's good to see this particular portion. I look forward to your sharing the inverter, computer, battery, (and other?) parts of the system.

[lenschuster]

I love your videos John. I recently purchased a 2023 Honda CR-V with the 4th generation hybrid system, and while it’s very similar to this it now offsets the two motors and added a low speed mechanical gear to allow for a tow rating. I certainly have no intentions of towing with this vehicle but I’d love for you to show exactly how that works. I’d also love to see any additional Honda hybrid vehicle videos you’d be willing to produce. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this but you’re an exceptional educator.

[lights]

If I would have had a teacher like you when I was in school, I would have received all A's. Great job.

[matthewbrightman]

I’ve watched a lot of yt videos, and this guy is second to none. I love my 2020 accord hybrid, and now i know why. Brilliant engineering. Instant acceleration at any speed, 45+ mpg without even trying.

[cooksautoworld]

Can’t thank you enough for what you bring to the table at no cost to us here on YouTube. Very much appreciated sir.

[GSXRMVDUCRD]

I took apart and reassembled automatic and manual transmissions in HS and Community College auto shop classes in the 60's and 80's so it's facinating to see how modern eCVT's work. I appreciate you, professor John D Kelly and my auto shop instructors

[trevorsmith]

Have purchased the new Jazz (UK) with this transmission and this is a superb demonstration on how it works - many thanks. It should be compulsory viewing for all of those car reviewers that tell us this transmission system is a CVT (as in a 2 pulley system) because that is what it sounds like if you put your foot down. Probably partly due to Honda calling it an E-CVT

[johncriminger]

We have just bought a 2025 CR-V Sport Touring version, now waiting on them to find one. This video is the best at explaining its operation. Thank you.

[beejott]

I have waited a long time for a serious professional description of the Honda i-MMD technology. Causal explanations (also for laypersons) of all operating states and their gear combinations. Thank you very much for this, Professor Kelly. (an honor for every student to be taught by you)....greetings from germany

[georgegould]

Enjoyed your video, learned a lot, very interesting I was a industrial electrician for 46 years working on and troubleshooting many different kinds of motors and generators and controls, now retired and just bought a 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid . Thank you for the operation explanation of my Accord Hybrid.

[GoofballFlyer]

WOW, I have been trying to find a video that actually explains how my 2019 Insight's drive systems works. You did it! No schematics or plastic models. Genius, you have the real parts and show how it really all fits together. THANKS!

[TheBitGuy]

I'm curious if this system is technically better than the the way Toyota and GM does it with the Volt? It seems like they were able to get away with smaller motor/generators because they can lock them together for more power. So it seems like Honda's might be less cost effective.