So, I'm curious. The Insight also uses IMA, Honda's hybrid powertrain system. However, I'm reading that the Insight is electric-only under 30 mph. What did Honda tweak to allow for the IMA to behave this way, different from a Civic or Accord? Is it just that the Insight makes so much less demand of the engine that this is possible?

Thanks,
Wes

 

I doubt very much that the Insight II behaves much differently than the HCHII, as far as the conditions under which the car will use the electric motor only. I can guarantee it is not electric motor-only under 30 mph.

Electric-only propulsion with the HCHII (and Insight II, I assume) will happen typically on level or downhill roads, with very light load conditions, fully warmed engine and sufficient IMA battery state-of-charge. I don't think there's a precise cut-off speed for electric-only, but it gets progressively harder to achieve at higher speeds. You need a very light touch on the gas: just enough to maintain momentum.

Electric-only tends to be very fleeting, and that's likely for the best: it eats the IMA battery charge fairly quickly.

 

I'm kinda curious where you're reading the Insight is electric only under 30.

Because it just ain't so....