Getting a Taste for Honda’s Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Versions of the Accord

Honda has been teasing us with Accord hybrid details for more than a year now, going back to the 2010 L.A. auto show when the big H debuted its plug-in hybrid platform intended for use in a mid-size sedan. Earlier this year, we had the chance to drive the Accord plug-in hybrid's running gear fitted to a last-gen Accord. Now, we've had a chance to drive the production version of both the Accord plug-in, which comes out early next year, and the standard Accord hybrid, which is set to bow later in 2013. As we earlier in the year, the hybrid system is unique among current configurations. Gasoline power comes from a 2.0-liter inline-four running the Atkinson combustion cycle. With an electric water pump, electric A/C compressor, and even electric variable-valve timing, the engine has no accessory drive belt. Attached to a system of clutches and both a generator and drive motor, the system can run in a number of configurations: full EV mode, using electric power derived from the combustion engine's generator, the engine driving the wheels with electric assist, or purely on gasoline propulsion. Comparison Test: 2013 Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost vs. 2013 Honda Accord EX, 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE Instrumented Test: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Instrumented Test: 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid It sounds complicated, but behind the wheel it's much like driving any other hybrid. Both the standard and plug-in use the same powertrain; the only difference is the size of the lithium-ion battery pack. Honda hasn't said how big the hybrid battery will be, but the plug-in uses the same 6.7-kWh unit used in the upcoming RLX. Both cars pull strong away from a stop. In our brief time behind the wheel we prefer the plug-in, if only for the ease with which it moves in EV mode. The standard hybrid, while less of a novelty, smoothly blends gas and electric propulsion. Honda hasn't announced any fuel-economy information, but don't be surprised if the standard hybrid posts best-in-class EPA figures. The current mid-size mileage champ, the Ford Fusion hybrid, has been rated for 47 mpg in both city and highway cycles. Read full story » from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

Put the internet to work for you. via Personal Recipe 647533