25 YEARS OF HONDA HYBRIDS
HISTORY OF HONDA HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Honda introduced Europe’s first petrol-electric hybrid, the Insight, in 1999. Over 25 years, they have perfected hybrid powertrains, now seen in models like the Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, and CR-V, all featuring the two-motor e:HEV system. Honda’s commitment to vehicle efficiency and innovation while maintaining driving pleasure has kept it at the forefront of hybrid technology.
Starting with the first Civic in 1972, Honda focused on reducing emissions with advanced petrol engines. Increased environmental awareness in the late '80s and '90s led Honda to hybrid research, aiming for world-leading efficiency. The Insight’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system achieved impressive fuel consumption of 3.4l/100km (83.1mpg).
Honda refined hybrid technologies over the years, developing systems like the i-MMD in the current e:HEV range and the SH-AWD in the NSX. In Formula 1, Honda's hybrid power unit helped Max Verstappen and Oracle Red Bull Racing win the 2021 World Championship, marking a significant milestone in their hybrid technology journey.
1. HONDA INSIGHT (1999)
The Honda Insight, launched in 1999, was Europe’s first petrol-electric hybrid car, boasting a combined fuel consumption of 3.4l/100km (83.1mpg). Its lightweight aluminium body and aerodynamic design achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.25. The car's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and a 144V nickel-metal-hydride battery, delivered exceptional fuel efficiency and low emissions.
2. HONDA CR-Z (2010)
The Honda CR-Z, launched in 2010, combined hybrid efficiency with sporty design. It featured an advanced IMA powertrain, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a 3-Mode Drive System (NORMAL, ECON, SPORT). Its 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor provided strong performance and fuel economy of 56.5mpg (5.0l/100km). The CR-Z offered agile handling and a driver-focused interior, blending driving pleasure with efficiency.
3. HONDA NSX (2016)
The 2016 Honda NSX showcased advanced hybrid technology with its SH-AWD system. It featured a mid-mounted twin-turbo V6 engine, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, and three electric motors for a total output of 581PS. This setup provided instantaneous torque, superior handling, and efficient performance. The NSX’s sophisticated braking and cornering systems ensured exceptional driving dynamics and efficiency.
4. HONDA CIVIC HYBRID (2022)
The 11th generation Honda Civic, introduced in 2022, features the e:HEV hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. This setup delivers 135kW and 315Nm of torque, achieving 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. The Civic operates efficiently across EV, Hybrid, and Engine Drive modes, with a fuel economy of 4.7l/100km and CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The hybrid system offers smooth transitions and energy recovery for urban and highway driving.
5. HONDA ZR-V (2023)
The Honda ZR-V, launched in 2023, is a stylish C-segment SUV featuring the e:HEV hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre engine and two electric motors, producing 135kW and 315Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and offers a fuel economy of 5.7l/100km with CO2 emissions of 130g/km. The ZR-V seamlessly transitions between EV, Hybrid, and Engine Drive modes, ensuring performance and efficiency across various driving conditions.
HISTORIC HONDA HYBRIDS
The following is a list of Honda hybrid models released in Europe over the past 25-years:
Insight IMA (1999)
Civic IMA (2003)
Civic Hybrid (2006)
Insight (2009)
CR-Z (2010)
Jazz Hybrid (2011)
NSX (2016)
CR-V Hybrid (2018)
Jazz e:HEV (2020)
HR-V e:HEV (2021)
Civic e:HEV (2022)
ZR-V (2023)
CR-V e:HEV / e:PHEV (2023)
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