Back in December of 2010, Honda unveiled an Accord dressed in vinyl that read “Plug-in Hybrid.” Though that plug-in hybrid was nothing more than an early-stage prototype, Honda did reveal these preliminary specs for its plug-in:
- This new hybrid system is designed for mid-size to larger vehicles and will be introduced in a future Honda model in 2012.
- The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode.
- In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor.
- The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph.
- Fully recharging the battery will take 3 to 4 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.
Now, Automotive News (sub. req.) reports that the prototype plug-in Accord features a “suitcase-sized” lithium-ion battery pack that robs the mid-size sedan of much of its trunk space. Furthermore, AN claims that the plug-in version of the Accord – complete with an aluminum hood and other weight-reducing features – tips the scales at 330 pounds more than its gas-engined counterpart. According to AN, an engineer involved with Honda’s plug-in project says that testing will continue through the end of 2011. As we see it, a porky mid-size sedan without much in the way of trunk space probably won’t be the type of vehicle that knocks the Toyota Prius from its chart-topping hybrid sales position.
[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]
