The Civic Hybrid's primary source of power is a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine.
It features technological advances like VTEC®, Dual-Point Sequential Ignition (i-DSI) and truly remarkable friction-reducing measures for exceptional gas mileage, low emissions and excellent performance.
This version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) system thrusts the Civic Hybrid to the forefront of hybrid technology. On the electric side of the power-producing equation is an ultra-thin, brushless DC motor. Assisting the engine as needed, this highly efficient, compact unit increases total torque output by a whopping 66% at 1000 rpm. And, conveniently enough, you never have to plug the Hybrid in for recharging.
This version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) system thrusts the Civic Hybrid to the forefront of hybrid technology. On the electric side of the power-producing equation is an ultra-thin, brushless DC motor. Assisting the engine as needed, this highly efficient, compact unit increases total torque output by a whopping 66% at 1000 rpm. And, conveniently enough, you never have to plug the Hybrid in for recharging.
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The Civic Hybrid uses an intelligently designed engine to achieve greater fuel efficiency. It's a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, VTEC® engine with i-DSI that creates a lean air-fuel mixture. The engine uses a newly designed intelligent-Dual-Point Sequential Ignition (i-DSI) that uses two spark plugs to ensure complete combustion.
The IMA™ electric motor works in conjunction with the gasoline engine, and supplies additional torque in assist mode. The motor's ultra-thin design allows it to be mounted between the engine and the transmission. The motor also functions as the generator for the IMA System during deceleration, and as a starter, quickly spinning the engine up to idle speed.
Electrical power for the IMA™ System is stored in a bank of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. These batteries are recharged through regenerative braking, which converts the vehicle's forward momentum into electrical energy. So they never need to be plugged in.
The IMA™ power flow is controlled by the Power Control Unit (PCU), which is located between the passenger compartment and the trunk, along with the battery pack. The PCU controls the flow of electricity between the IMA motor and battery pack, supplying energy to the motor when needed. It also regulates charging of the system's nickel-metal hydride batteries and controls the automatic idle-stop feature.
When accelerating or climbing hills, additional horsepower and torque are needed. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine using electric current stored in the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.
- Motor provides extra power when needed
Primary power comes from the engine when cruising. The motor functions as a generator and charges the battery pack.
- Engine is used to maintain cruising speed
- Motor recharges battery pack when necessary
The Hybrid's newly designed intelligent Dual-Point Sequential Ignition system (i-DSI) utilizes two spark plugs to ensure the cleanest and most complete combustion possible.
The Integrated Motor Assist System (IMA™) is composed of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, and has several important functions. Located between the engine and transmission, the electric motor supplies additional power during acceleration. It also functions as a high-speed starter and as a generator for the charging system during regenerative braking.
