Honda is jumping into the race for hybrid supremacy with the announcement of its brand new 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid. The automaker says the Sedan will provide the Athleticism and craftsmanship of the all-new Accord platform.
The vehicle is set to go on sale in early 2013. And one point that will intrigue hybrid-enthusiasts is that the new Sedan will have the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles and a calculated total driving range of over 500 miles.
Honda’s new Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan. That model is expected to join the Honda Accord lineup in the summer of 2013.
Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery. The total system output is 196 horsepower.
The Japanese automaker says that to maximize driving efficiency, the two-motor hybrid system allows the Accord PHEV powertrain to move seamlessly between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive; and direct Engine Drive. Fuel efficiency for the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is expected to exceed 100 MPG-e. The vehicle is also expected to receive an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, owners of the 2014 Accord PHEV will be able to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the plug-in Accord to their own commute. In its default upon start-up, the car acts as a pure electric vehicle and will continue on in full-electric mode until battery capacity necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration, the gasoline engine can kick in to provide additional power.
In terms of charging times, the plug-in Accord can be fully charged in less than three hours using a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet. If that’s too long to wait, it can be charged in less than one hour using a 240-volt “Level-2” charger. And for those who love their apps, the free HondaLink EV smartphone application will allow owners to easily monitor the charging state of their vehicle.
