Honda Announce the Accord PHEV Hybrid
19/03/2014 12:21
A new upcoming addition to the Honda Accord range has recently been announced. The Honda Accord PHEV is a hybrid model with an ability to recharge the battery directly from the mains power supply in your home. The battery pack is a lithium ion array with a 6.7kWh rating located over the rear suspension to protect it from rear collision damage. Honda claim that a full recharge can be achieved in just three hours on a US standard rated 120v power supply, however that could be reduced to only one hour if recharging at 240v.
The PHEV will feature a twin drive system pairing a 124kW electric motor with Honda’s 2.0 litre Earth Dreams i-VTEC engine. If the released figures are correct, the total output of the two engines combined is an impressive 143kW. There will be three modes of operations for the vehicle HV, HV Charge and fully electric. Fully electric is self-explanatory, HV mode operates when the battery is on a low charge and if heavy loads or hard acceleration is required. The third mode HV Charge will divert some power from the petrol engine to recharge the battery pack. Honda claim that a range of 810km is possible, but the electric only range is only up to 24km. Although full figures are not available at this time Honda appear confident that in full electric mode a 100mpg e-rating is achievable.
The Honda Accord PHEV has some interesting design features. In a vehicle of this kind weight is an extremely important consideration. Honda has addressed this issue with a front mounted aluminium sub-frame and a rear fitted bumper beam. Underneath the vehicle, covers are fitted to improve airflow efficiency. A spare wheel has been dispensed with, instead a comprehensive puncture repair kit will be provided. Although the battery array is housed above the rear suspension there is no intrusion into the boot area making it an ergonomic storage area.
A regenerative braking system similar to the one recently seen on the Honda Jazz will be used. This system will recover kinetic energy whilst braking; this will ensure that the Honda Accord PHEV will have a brake pedal that feels smooth and natural when being applied. Some rival car makers employ a hydraulic booster system to achieve the same results but, Honda claim that their system is superior as their hydraulic system is under full control electronically.
Although there is no word yet on availability or any final specifications for the Australian market, it is believed that the Honda Accord PHEV in the US will be a well-equipped vehicle. Forged alloy 17 inch wheels will be fitted as standard along with a low profile rear spoiler.
If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Accord range then contact us for more information. Our product specialists will be glad to answer any questions you may have. We have a large showroom you can visit, or you can call us to arrange a test drive at your earliest convenience.
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