Honda Hybrid System for Larger Cars in development

By Alborz Fallah | February 22nd, 2010

With the Honda Insight Hybrid and the Honda CR-Z Hybrid only weeks away from their global launch, Honda Motor Co. is working as hard as possible on hybrid systems for larger cars.

According to Tomohiko Kawanabe the Japanese company’s head of automobile research and development, a finished product is only about three years away. “We’ve left the research stage and entered the field of development,” he told Reuters in an interview.

Unlike the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight and the CR-Z will both make use of a single electric motor, meaning it will be cheaper to manufacture but it will lack Toyota’s full hybrid system when it comes to fuel efficiency.

The announcement comes amid a series of changes in recent years at Honda. The company has dropped work on the next generation NSX, it changed directions from using clean diesel technology in late 2008 and instead concentrated on bigger hybrid systems for larger cars such as the Honda Odyssey.

That’s not to say that diesel has been dropped altogether, the Japanese company is currently studying development of a small diesel engine for Europe and India. “If you want to compete in markets like India, and also Europe, (a small diesel engine) is necessary,” Kawanabe told Reuters.

The best known diesel engine in the Honda range is currently the 2.20-litre unit found in the Accord and some other models (only offered in Europe).

vid_ghost

a coup! hmmm whats the point! when your just blowing all your money on the price of purchase over petrol!.
Shak

Why not just give the diesel to markets that want it, like us downunder, and give those stupid hybrids to the shallow Americans.
Tom

In FL, diesel is about a nickel cheaper than high test which both of my cars take. I was with you on the diesel cost factor when diesel was $1 more per gallon, but that has changed. Also the American oil reserves are mucky at best and would convert easier for industrial uses and diesel than typical gas than sweet crude does. Diesels make more sense for America and many places than hybrids.

Some die-hard enviros hate diesel, but they need to get with the program when it comes to fuel conservation. If fuel consumption isn’t properly managed, there will only be more pressure to exploit more areas such as the Florida coast for oil development. Reduce consumption, reduce demand, reduce emissions. Save the cheerleader, save the world.

I am curious about the CR-Z. I like little pocket rockets like the CRX and it’s a sharp looking car. The rear deck area also eliminates one of the problems I have with traditional two seaters. I can get my dog back there and still have a trunk. That said the Acura, Accord & Minivan lines are better served with diesel options.