Honda has developed a new lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system that’s optimized for small vehicles. The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive system is the latest addition to Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology suite of next-generation powertrain technologies that aims at both high fuel efficiency and driving performance.
This new system joins the two-motor Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive hybrid system for mid-sized vehicles and the three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling - All Wheel Drive) system for large vehicles. The two-motor system will be introduced in the 2014 Accord Plug-In.
The drive unit of the Sport hybrid intelligent Dual Clutch Drive system combines a four-cylinder, 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Its high-output motor and lithium-ion battery improve efficiency by more than 30 percent compared to conventional one-motor hybrid systems. Using the clutches to disengage the engine during deceleration increases energy regeneration and also contributes to greater fuel efficiency.
Honda says that the combination of the one-motor hybrid system and the engine provides sporty driving during acceleration and high-speed cruising. Efficient battery electric operation is enabled during startup and low- to medium-speed driving.