What are the differences between Honda's second-generation and third-generation hybrid systems?
2 Answers
The main difference between the third-generation and second-generation systems is the adoption of a more thermally efficient Atkinson engine. The specific details are as follows: 1. Honda's i-MMD hybrid system features three different driving modes: Pure Electric Drive Mode (EV-Drive-Mode), Hybrid Drive Mode (Hybrid-Drive-Mode), and Engine Drive Mode (Engine-Drive-Mode). It switches between these modes based on different driving conditions to achieve optimal performance. 2. There are no structural or operational changes between the third-generation i-MMD system and the second-generation i-MMD system. Both still use a 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine, dual electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack. However, in the third-generation i-MMD system, Honda optimized the 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine, increasing its thermal efficiency to 40.6%, higher than the previous generation Accord Hybrid's 38.9%. Additionally, the power unit (IPU) is 32% smaller in volume compared to the previous generation Accord Hybrid, and it also utilizes Honda's newly developed rare-earth-free magnet motors.
As a long-time owner of two generations of Honda hybrids, the most noticeable improvement in the third generation is the much smoother power delivery. With the second gen's nickel-metal hydride battery, stomping the accelerator would make the engine roar in with a 'vroom' that you could feel through the steering wheel. The third gen's switch to lithium-ion batteries makes acceleration feel electric - the power delivery is immediate and linear, with barely any detectable engine engagement. Having the battery tucked under the rear seats without eating into trunk space is brilliant; my weekend camping gear fits with room to spare. Fuel economy? The second gen showed 5.8L/100km with AC on in traffic, while the third gen manages 4.9L. On one long trip where I deliberately didn't charge it, the third gen actually regenerated enough through braking to go from empty to three bars - the energy management is genuinely smart.