LONDON: When the all-new Jazz launches later this year in the UK it will drive advanced Honda hybrid innovation from the race track to the road.
Using engineering expertise from its motorsport team, Honda is drawing knowledge from its Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit (PU) programme to improve the energy efficiency of the brand's e:HEV hybrid system.
The latest road-going beneficiary of this technology is the all-new Jazz.
Its e:HEV hybrid system recycles energy and harnesses it to charge the battery and support engine output, for strong performance, seamless switching between drive modes and maximum efficiency.
It consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit, which all work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response.
The advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:
EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly.
Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.
Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and driveforce is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels.
In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive.
For driving at highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration.
In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor.
EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
Rather than using a conventional transmission, Jazz is equipped with a newly-developed Electronically ontrolled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components.
The result is a smooth and reassuring transfer of torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes.
