To achieve Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) status, a vehicle must be a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV) with zero-evaporative emissions and carry a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions equipment. Every 2008 Civic Hybrid has a plastic-resin fuel tank that helps control evaporative emissions, keeping them to near-zero levels.

The Civic Hybrid features a highly efficient, 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and DC brushless electric motor.

Every 2008 Civic Hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Similar to an automatic transmission, CVT substitutes the gears found in more traditional transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-belt running between a pair of variable-width pulleys. Combined with the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, the CVT constantly adjusts to provide the most efficient drive ratio possible depending on torque load. Honda CVTs provide better fuel economy* and acceleration when compared to a conventional transmission.

*Based on 2008 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

IMA couples a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Although the engine alone provides sufficient driving performance, when additional power is required, a permanent-magnet electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission provides power assist. The electric motor can propel the car from a stop to speeds up to 35 mph. Together, the motor and engine produce 110 hp @ 6000 rpm.

Instead of a mechanical linkage from the accelerator to the fuel-injection throttle, the Civic Hybrid uses "Drive-by-Wire" technology. The system uses an electronic position sensor connected to the accelerator pedal that sends an electronic signal to the powertrain control module.