The Enhanced 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

The new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is currently using a lithium-ion battery and its fuel economy has increased from 41 mpg to 44 mpg. For automobiles that never plug into the grid, the Civic Hybrid has solidified its second-place position with the improvement in fuel economy. With the increase in mileage, the Civic is much closer to the Prius, and now ahead of the Lexus CT 200h. It's thought to be the most fuel-efficient sedan on the market today.

The Integrated Motor Assist happens to be the fifth generation hybrid powertrain structure that the 2012 Civic Hybrid uses, which is thin, pancake like electronic motor/generator. The device resembles Ford and Toyota where it facilitates the gasoline engine by being sandwiched between the transmission and engine. The electrical motor assists the gas engine however it can be powered by electric by itself for short distances. The car will function briefly on electric power only in certain instances when the Civic Hybrid engine cuts off fuel, but all of the engines parts still move. Like other hybrids, the Civic's engine will turn off when it comes to a complete stop.

With the switch to lithium-ion batteries, the 2012 Civic Hybrid also features a larger gasoline engine than before. It is now offering a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine as opposed to 1.3-liters but the blended horsepower of gas and electric remain the same. The engine utilizes the electrical motor more often because the engine runs at a lower RPM due to the larger displacement, which results in a quieter ride. Every part of the hybrid solution was tweaked, like the increase of the motor output from 15kw to 20kw. To better manage temperature, it at this point uses plastic spacers, together with using more coils and magnets that are widely spaced. The motor has been enhanced three horsepower beyond the previous motor, moving up to 23 horsepower.

The newest Li-ion battery is much more powerful than the previous nickel-metal hydride battery at 20kw vs 15kw plus it is 30% lighter. With the battery remaining 35% more potent and the IMA system being more powerful, the car is able to cruise at low speeds on pure electricity. The vehicle has several complaints as a result of battery failures, so the upgrade to the lithium battery should fix that problem. An additional development in the IMA set up is the continuously variable transmission. The transmission has a drive pulley as well as a driven pulley that are linked with a steel belt which is similar to a 10-speed bicycle. It is kind of just like a cross between a manual and geared automatic transmission.

The 2012 Civic Hybrid has unquestionably garnered its place among the elite hybrid cars with its upgraded battery and improved fuel efficiency. It is definitely giving the Prius a run for its money.