Q: Where will the Accord Plug-In go on sale?
A: The Accord Plug-In will begin a rolling release on January 15, 2013, to participating dealers in California and New York.
Q: What is the driving range of the Accord Plug-In?
A: Accord Plug-In has a combined gas-electric driving range rating of 570 miles and a maximum EV mode driving range rating of 13 miles[1]
Q. What are the miles per gallon?
A. A 46 combined (MPG) gasoline-only rating and 115 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) electric rating. [1]
Q: How long does it take to recharge the battery?
A: The battery can be fully recharged in as little as 1 hour from a low-charge indicator illumination point using a 240-volt charger or 3 hours using a dedicated household 120-volt[2] circuit.
Q: How many people can the Accord Plug-In accommodate?
A: The Accord Plug-In is a 5-passenger sedan.
Q: How much does the Accord Plug-In cost?
A: The Accord Plug-In has an MSRP of $39,780[3]
Q: Is there a smartphone application to monitor state of charge?
A: Yes. Accord Plug-In owners can download a free smartphone application that allows the driver to remotely check the state of charge, initiate charging and remotely activate the climate control system.
Q: Are there any functions in the car to help me maximize the battery range?
A: Yes. The Accord Plug-In is equipped with eco-coaching functions through Eco Assist and the ECON button to modify system operations for increased efficiency, both adopted from other Honda hybrid vehicles.
Q: Is this Honda's first plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle?
A: Yes
Q: How can I sign up to receive more information about the Accord Plug-In as it becomes available?
A: You can learn more about the vehicle and request a quote at accord-plug-in.honda.com.
Q: How fast does it go?
A: The output of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is 141-hp. This is supplemented by a 55-hp lithium-ion battery pack.
Q: Where can I charge the car?
A: Charging at home is the most convenient method, either with the included charging cord set, which can be used with a dedicated 120V[2] 15A circuit, or with an optional 240V 32A charging station for even faster charging. Also, more and more public charging stations are being installed across the country. Locations can be found on the standard navigation system[5] or by using the smartphone app[4].
Q: Can I take it to any Honda dealer for repairs?
A: While many systems and parts are derived from the Accord, there are unique systems, including the high-voltage battery and electric motors, that should only be inspected and repaired by dealership technicians trained to service the Accord Plug-In. For this reason, Honda recommends taking the Accord Plug-In to an authorized Accord Plug-In dealer.
Q: Has the Accord Plug-In been crash-tested?
A: Honda has tested the Accord Plug-In in the same manner as it tests all of its other vehicles to ensure that it complies with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The Accord Plug-In has not been tested by NHTSA as part of the NCAP program; if and when it is tested, Honda (and NHTSA) will share the results.
Q: Do I need to get a permit to install a charger?
A: Some municipalities will require a permit. The home-charging station installer (EVSE vendor) will obtain the required permits at each location and any permit fees will be added to the EVSE installation costs.
Q: Can the charging plug be used in any public charger?
A: The J1772 connector is the latest standard for charging applications and is used by all major automakers. All new charging stations should be compatible; however, older stations may use a different connector. The charging locations identified on the navigation system[5] and the smartphone app[4] will only include compatible stations.
Q: Can I plug into any wall outlet at my house?
A: Accord Plug-In includes a 120-volt charger that can be plugged into any standard 120-volt wall outlet. It is recommended that a dedicated 120-volt GFCI outlet (not shared) be used and that a licensed electrician confirm the suitability of any outlet used.
Q: How long will the battery last?
A: The battery is covered as part of the emissions warranty for 10 years, 150,000 miles.
Q: How long will the battery remain charged if the vehicle is left unplugged?
A: The drain on the battery will be very small. However, a variety of factors like outside temperature, age of the battery and the original state of charge when it was parked will have an effect on the drain rate and amount.
Q: How can I test-drive an Accord Plug-In?
A: Check with your local Honda Dealership that carries the Accord Plug-In.
Q: Does the Accord Plug-In use regenerative braking to help recharge the battery?
A: Yes. Applying the brakes converts the electric motor into a generator. The motor slows the vehicle and produces electricity at the same time. The ECON mode and the “B” position on the shifter allow drivers to engage a much more aggressive regenerative braking function.
Q: Will "topping off" every night damage the battery?
A: No, "topping off" will not damage the battery.
Q: How does cold weather affect the performance and battery life?
A: The high-voltage battery life can be affected by ambient temperature. In particular, when it is cold outside, the vehicle’s electric driving range can be reduced, and a longer battery-charging time is required. In addition, parking in extremely hot or cold environments can accelerate battery drain.