Honda Reveals Accord Plug-in Hybrid

Honda Motor Co. plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its redesigned Accord sedan in the U.S. early next year, about three months before the conventional hybrid model debuts.

Designated a 2014 model, the plug-in will be powered by a 2.0-liter "Earth Dreams" four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine that makes 137 hp, a 134 kW electric motor and a 6.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Honda says the combination delivers 196 hp and will have a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating of more than 100 mpg-equivalent.

The powertrain is configured to default to an electric-only mode at vehicle startup, switching to a combined electric-gasoline hybrid operation when the battery capacity drops to a preset level. At high speeds or under brisk acceleration, the gasoline engine takes over.

The driver also can lock the powertrain into a conventional hybrid (HV) mode or select a modified hybrid mode (HV Charge) that recharges the battery faster. Honda says the system can power the car in electric mode for 10-15 miles and deliver a total driving range of 500 miles.

The plug-in sedan, which features a much more aggressive grille and front-end design than the standard Accord, is equipped with regenerative braking. The car can be recharged in less than three hours from 120-volt household current and in less than one hour with a 240-volt Level 2 charger, according to the company.

Honda says the conventional hybrid Accord will use the same powertrain architecture but with a smaller propulsion battery. The company has not yet disclosed details about that model, including its expected fuel economy rating.