Honda Accord plug-in for Oz?

Will Honda’s upcoming Accord PHEV regain, in the alternative-power age, the reputation it once enjoyed as maker of some of the world’s finest-mass market petrol engines?

Conventional thinking has it that Honda went off the boil when its entrée into hybrid power was overshadowed by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive systems. But if early indications are anything to go by, its upcoming Accord plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) could have it edging towards the front of the pack again.

This is Honda’s first full parallel-hybrid package – that is, capable of all-electric drive. The mild hybrid systems it has rolled out to date through the Insight, Civic, CR-Z and Jazz (due here later this year) models limit the use of electric power only to supplement their petrol engines.

Set for release in early to mid-2013, the Accord PHEV uses Honda’s first twin-motor hybrid system, combining a new 103kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 124kW electric motor. It draws energy from a 6.7kWh lithium-ion battery.

Honda claims an aggregate system output of 147kW and the company is quick to point out this tops competitors like Toyota’s Prius Plug-In and GM Holden’s Volt PHEV.

Asked if or when the car might arrive in this country, Honda Australia spokeswoman Melissa Cross told motoring.com.au that the car is under consideration. “But that’s not yet extended to possible release dates, let alone pricing, specs etc,” she explained.

The new plug-in Honda Accord claims a 16-24km EV driving range and a calculated total range of over 800km. In petrol-only mode, it says it expects the car to return top EPA fuel economy figures for a mid-size sedan.

It also hopes it will earn an Enhanced AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology – Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle) rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), gaining it the all-important ZEV credits required to do business in California and possibly earning tax breaks and car-pool lane privileges for buyers.

The powertrain is designed to move seamlessly between three power modes: all-electric (EV), petrol-electric hybrid and petrol only. The company is claiming a partial zero-emissions vehicle fuel efficiency equivalent of over 100mpg – less than 2.4L/100km.

Two supplementary driving modes help optimise running efficiency and manage battery capacity by allowing drivers to “tailor” drivetrain capabilities to the purposes of each journey.

On start-up, the car defaults to EV mode, where it remains until it senses sufficient battery depletion for the petrol engine to kick it into hybrid mode. The petrol burner will also cut in with extra response on call from the go-pedal.

In “HV” mode, it functions as conventional hybrid, combining petrol and electric power in a way that optimises fuel efficiency without depleting battery charge. “HV Charge” mode takes this a step further, remapping the hybrid drive to boost the charge level.

Honda has put plenty of work into further developing its brake energy recuperation system to emulate the feel of conventional stoppers. The Accord PHEV uses an electric servo system designed to impart “exceptionally natural brake pedal feel” while maximising the regeneration system’s applicability.

The company also claims “remarkably swift” charging times – from near-flat to near-full in less than three hours on a standard 120V US domestic outlet, or under an hour off a 240V Level 2 charger.

The car will come with HondaLink, an EV smartphone app allowing users to schedule and remote-monitor charging. The app will also let drivers monitor drive range, locate charge stations and preset HVAC systems to ready the car for use.

Honda has made extensive use of aluminium throughout the car, including for the front-end subframe and the bonnet. Aerodynamics have come in for attention as well, with the addition of a small rear spoiler, low-drag, forged aluminium wheels with smooth covers, and undercovers to help smooth the passage of air beneath the body. Special tyres and low-friction wheel bearings help cut rolling resistance.

On its release in the US, the Accord PHEV will come well decked out with safety, luxury and convenience gear.

These include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The Accord PHEV also has an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to audibly warn pedestrians when it is approaching in EV Drive mode.

On release in the US, the Accord PHEV will boast the equipment levels of the top-spec Accord Touring, including 17-inch alloys, primo touch-screen audio with USB/iPod ports and internet radio compatibility, keyless entry and start, sat-nav, rear- and side-view cameras, fully power-adjustable seats with heating, LED headlights and environmentally friendly ‘bio-fabric’ upholstery.