Honda Told How the Powertrain of the CR-V Hybrid Worked

The Honda CR-V Hybrid was one of the major debuts of the Japanese brand last year. A powerful powertrain is one of its highlights.

Apparently, not everyone knows that in 1999 Honda was one of the first automakers to launch a hybrid powertrain on the European market. The popular crossover received Honda’s latest i-MMD technology.

The powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.0 i-VTEC 145-hp engine, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery. The power to the battery comes from the gasoline (petrol) engine or during recuperation.

That is, the CR-V Hybrid is not charged from an external power grid. Honda thinks this is an advantage.

The automaker claims that while driving the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive automatically switches between electric, hybrid, and engine drive modes.

Electric Drive Mode

In the fully electric mode, only an electric motor operates. The crossover goes silently and emits no harmful emissions. This mode is used when accelerating at the start or when driving at low speeds. In the Electric Drive Mode, the range is just 2 km (1.24 mi).

That is, the electric motor in the CR-V Hybrid just adds torque and saves fuel. The battery charge is maintained through the use of excess motor energy, as well as through the recovery of braking energy.

Usually, the car starts driving in the Electric Drive Mode. The i-VTEC engine is activated later, depending on the load and situation.

Hybrid Drive Mode

In the Hybrid Drive Mode, the gasoline engine and electric motors work together. The i-VTEC sets in motion the electric motor-generator which, in turn, energizes the traction drive electric motor.

Conventional engines respond with a slight delay to pressing the accelerator pedal. The advantage of the i-MMD technology is that the engine provides smooth and instant acceleration without any delays.

Engine Drive Mode

This mode requires a gasoline engine only. This is appropriate for long journeys at high speeds.

The i-MMD automatically selects the optimal driving mode. The battery level information and fuel gauge are displayed on the screen of the center console.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is $3,000-4,000 more expensive than the usual gasoline version. The real fuel economy is a question. However, the electric motors actually add acceleration dynamics.