Honda Will Debut New EV And Hybrid By 2018

This year’s Honda display at the Detroit Auto Show felt kinda…off, despite repeated claims that 2015 is the “Year of Honda.” At its press conference at today, Honda didn’t have any big reveals or news, and even the “refreshed” Honda FCV had been seen before. But Honda didn’t let me walk away totally empty-handed,announcing that it will build a new plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle by 2018.

That’s great news for green car fans, as the Honda Fit EV and Honda Insight have both gone out of production, though the automaker isn’t entirely without green cars. There’s still the Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid of course, and the CR-Z is still sorta muddling along. I also have to say, the FCV looks a lot better in person than it does in pictures, and Honda also brought along its ninth (!!) generation fuel cell stack, which has been reduced about 33% in size compared to the previous generation, opening up a lot more passenger and cargo room.

There was also the neat little Honda uni-cub personal mobility scooter that was scootin’ around the place, was well as mention of the new HondaJet and Honda’s upcoming presence in the Formula 1 series. Unfortunately though, there are almost no details on either the plug-in hybrid or EV that Honda says it will build, and with sales of the FCV not set to begin until March of 2016. If this is truly to be the Year of Honda, the automaker had better start hustlin’.

…then again we did finally get a look at the production version of the Acura NSX, so perhaps I shouldn’t be *too* hard on Honda. But three years is a long time to have to wait for a new EV and plug-in hybrid, especially given just how many plug-in cars were revealed in the past two days.

Let’s hope Honda has a big reveal planned for either the Chicago or New York auto shows later this year.

Source: Gas2

Honda pulling plug on slow-selling Insight hybrid

It's been a rough ride for the Honda Insight, and now its journey appears to be at an end – word is that the five-door hybrid hatchback is going out of production.

The Insight nameplate was first introduced as a two-seat, three-door gas-electric hatchback just before the turn of the millennium, beating the Toyota Prius to market as America's first hybrid by over half a year. That original bantamweight Insight was discontinued in 2006, only to be revived in a larger, more Prius-like five-door form in 2009. But the new model never managed to keep up (let alone surpass) its rival from Toyota, which went on to become the best-selling dedicated hybrid car ever made.

As we reported just last week, Honda discontinued sales of the Insight (as well as its two-door counterpart, the CR-Z) in Europe due to lagging sales. But now word has it that the Insight is being discontinued altogether. The report from Bloomberg notes that the Insight hasn't amounted to even a tenth of Prius sales, and even then, well over half of those sold were in the Japan Domestic Market. Honda reportedly has 237 days' worth of inventory stockpiled, but dealers are said to have been told to stop taking orders.

We've inquired with Honda for official word on the Insight's fate here in North America, but have yet to hear back – we'll update you when we learn more. If the model is indeed dead, it won't be a surprise – we exclusively reported in December that it killing the model was on the table.

Of course, it's possible that the Insight will remain in production for a while to service other markets – potentially Japan only. The decision casts the future of the CR-Z into doubt as well, as the three-door model relies on a similar generation of Honda hybrid technology, and it's the only model in the automaker's lineup that actually sells fewer examples than the Insight. One way or another, Honda would still have its Civic and Accord hybrids to sell, not to mention the FCX Clarity fuel cell and Fit EV. Either way, it appears the Insight's days are numbered.

UPDATE: Honda spokesman Sage Marie tells Autoblog:

"The fates of Insight and CR-Z are not necessarily intertwined as they are very different models with very different missions. Moving forward, our hybrid vehicle strategy will focus on new hybrid models featuring expanded application of our innovative two-motor hybrid system with an eye toward significant volume growth. "

News Source: Bloomberg

2013 Honda Insight - A Closer Look

Now in its fourth year on the market, the 2013 Honda Insight has never quite lived up to the legacy left by its ground-breaking 1999 predecessor--even if it's now a much more usable vehicle. Sales have been much lower than Honda expected, and the Insight remains a niche player in the market.

The 2013 Insight is still the least expensive hybrid sold in the U.S., but it now faces new competition from the Toyota Prius C, not to mention the Honda Fit subcompact it sits next to on showroom floors. Both Hondas are five-door hatchback subcompacts, but the Insight is less flexible, has less room inside, and is priced more than $3,000 higher than the Fit.

In fact, the Insight faces even more competition from its Honda siblings. While much pricier, the Honda Civic Hybrid offers more luxury and better economy than the 42 mpg Insight can muster, despite the Insight's more distinctively Prius-like profile. That profile does help on the highway, where the Insight's 44 mpg matches the Civic. In city driving, economy drops to 41 mpg.

Those Prius-like looks are no coincidence, but not a direct copy of Toyota's iconic hybrid either. The shape is dictated by aerodynamics, with a steeply raked windshield and a smooth, high-tail design to reduce the wind resistance that gulps fuel.

Inside, a Civic-like digital display above the main gauge cluster includes a digital speedometer and various status indicators. The controls in the center stack angle toward the driver, with a separate area at right for the climate controls--which makes them awkward for the front-seat passenger to operate.

Visually, the 2013 model is identical to the revamped 2012 car. That year, it gained a new grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers to smooth airflow. The 2012 update included revisions to the instrument displays, interior materials, and a handful of new features. To keep the Insight firmly anchored as the least expensive hybrid on the market, Honda added a base model in 2011, which continues for 2013.

Inside, driver and front seat passenger have plenty of room, though the sloping roofline reduces headroom for taller rear passengers. We found the front seats a little flat, with short bottom cushions. The rear bench will take two adults, or--at a pinch--three kids.

Based on the nimble Honda Fit, and sharing its platform with the sporty CR-Z, the Insight is actually a nimble handler. With increased length and more weight than its smaller compatriots it isn't quite as fun, but you'd choose it over the Toyota Prius if you wanted a little fun mixed in with your day-to-day gas sipping.

The ride quality is good under most circumstances, despite a short wheelbase, and it's mostly quiet inside. The exception is when the driver accelerates hard, producing a prodigious amount of engine howl. The 2012 update also included more insulation and thicker noise-suppressing materials to cut the clamor, but if you drive the Insight aggressively, you'll be well aware of how hard the engine has to work.

The 1.3-liter engine and 10-kilowatt (14-hp) motor together put out 98 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. Being a mild hybrid, the electric motor can't move the car away from a stop by itself; instead, it contributes torque to assist the gas engine and also recharges the battery on engine overrun and during regenerative braking. Power is transmitted to the wheels through the only transmission option, Honda's continuously variable transmission (CVT). Thanks to assistance from the electric motor you get decent low-speed acceleration, but passing at highway speeds needs a little extra planning...

The 2013 Honda Insight base model is priced at $18,600 before delivery, and includes automatic climate control, remote entry, power windows, and an audio system with two speakers. The mid-level Insight LX, starting at $20,375, adds steering-wheel controls for the four-speaker audio system with USB interface, an armrest console, map lights, a security system, and floor mats.

The top-of-the-line Insight EX, at $22,065 includes heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, a six-speaker stereo system with Bluetooth audio linking, and alloy wheels. It also adds steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, simulating "gears" in the CVT for extra response. Adding a navigation system (on the EX only) costs an additional $1,725.

All Insight prices also have a mandatory destination fee of $790 added to them.

Source: Green Car Reports

Honda’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales passed 800,000 units at the end of December

Honda Motor’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales surpassed 800,000 units as of the end of December 2011—12 years and 2 months after the start of sales of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan November 1999.

Honda introduced the first generation Insight, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid equipped with Honda’s original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system. More recently, following the introduction of the second generation Insight in 2009, Honda introduced a total of six new hybrid models in the last three years to expand the hybrid vehicle lineup and sales.

Honda’s annual worldwide hybrid sales for 2011 was approximately 200,000 units (up 30% compared to 2010), and Honda’s total hybrid sales during the last three years exceeded 500,000 units. In Japan, the ratio of hybrid vehicles exceeded 45% of all new Honda’s vehicle registrations for the month of December 2011.

As of today, Honda sells seven hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world. In addition, the market introduction of the ILX, the first Acura brand model equipped with a hybrid system, is scheduled in spring 2012 in North America.

Source: Green Car Congress

Honda to begin sales of refreshed Insight hybrid and new Freed hybrids in Japan; new Insight Exclusive with 1.5-liter engine joins lineup

The Insight Exclusive. Click to enlarge.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced the newly refreshed Insight hybrid model, accompanied by the new Insight Exclusive model featuring a 1.5-liter engine. Honda will begin sales of both hybrid models at dealerships across Japan on 11 November. Honda also will begin sales of the all-new Freed Hybrid minivan and Freed Spike Hybrid tall wagon at dealerships across Japan on 28 October. The Freed Hybrid and Freed Spike Hybrid will be Japan’s first 5-number class (i.e., compact size) minivan and tall wagon hybrid vehicles.

The monthly combined sales target for the Insight and Insight Exclusive is 1,500 units, with prices (before consumption tax) starting at ¥1,838,096 (US$24,221) for the Insight and ¥1,980,953 (US$26,103) for the Insight Exclusive. The monthly sales target for the Freed series in Japan is 10,000 units, with prices starting at ¥2,046,667 (US$26,969). Honda said that in Japan, more than one-third of registered Honda automobiles are hybrids.

Refreshed Insight. The refreshed Insight offers new exterior styling elements and refined interior. With an upgraded 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine plus IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, the Insight offers fuel economy of 27.2 km/L (64 mpg US, 3.7 L/100km) as measured in JC08 mode and 31.0 km/L (73 mpg US, 3.2 L/100km) as measured in 10·15 mode, while maintaining driving performance.

Sound insulation and absorption materials have been added to increase interior quietness. To maximize handling stability and ride comfort, suspension settings have been updated, and application of VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) is now standard.

Insight Exclusive. The new Insight Exclusive model shares the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with the CR-Z sport hybrid model, but specially tuned for the new Insight Exclusive model. The Insight Exclusive offers fuel economy of 23.2 km/L (54.6 mpg US, 4.3 L/100km) as measured in JC08 mode and 26.5 km/L (62.3 mpg US, 3.8 L/100km) as measured in 10·15 mode.

Exclusive exterior design elements include a premium front grille with integrated LED accessory lights, front bumper, side sill garnishes, a rear bumper diffuser, and a shark fin antenna.

On the Insight Exclusive XL InterNavi Select Type, Honda’s InterNavi + Linkup Free service is standard with a full-segment (12seg/1seg) high-definition terrestrial digital monitor, allowing users to enjoy a wide variety of functions, including HD TV broadcasts.

The Freed Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Freed hybrids. With a combination of advanced packaging technology and Honda’s lightweight, compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, the new models feature one of the best fuel economy ratings among compact minivans and tall wagons, according to Honda: 21.6 km/L (50.8 mpg US, 4.6 L/100km) as measured in JC08 mode and 24.0 km/L (56.5 mpg US, 4.2 L/100km) as measured in 10·15 mode. In addition, all hybrid models and front-wheel-drive gasoline engine models of the refreshed lineup qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax incentives.

The Freed hybrids offer as standard both ECON mode and the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist)o help the driver develop and maintain a fuel-efficient driving style.

The front windshield with sound-insulating glass and added sound insulation and absorption materials in the body contribute to interior quietness. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which contributes to stable driving and reduced driver’s burden, and Hill Start Assist are both standard.

In the Freed Hybrid, the seat legs have been specially designed to accommodate the extra floor height required for the IMA battery, resulting in cabin space equal to that of the gasoline-engine Freed. In the Freed Spike Hybrid, the reversible cargo floor panels have been specially designed to accommodate the extra floor height required for the IMA battery, resulting in cargo area space in full flat mode equal to that of the gasoline-engine Freed Spike.

Freed and Freed Spike gasoline-engine models will also become available on October 28. Furthermore, Honda will launch a new range of Freed special-needs vehicles on 25 November, including a wheelchair-accessible model with a newly developed electric winch, a side lift-up seat model, and a passenger lift-up seat model.

Source: Green Car Congress

Top Four Fuel Efficient Hybrid Vehicles for 2011

The prices of the gas are going up like never before and there is no sign of it slowing down in near future. Does that mean you should panic and go all out to buy a hybrid car? If the prices are nearing to $4 a gallon, people do look out for alternatives and want to get rid of their gas guzzlers. Well, if you are planning to go for a hybrid or electric car then do so for its environmental benefits but not for saving the money on gas prices as it might not save you any of it.

Let us have a look at the top 5 fuel efficient cars in 2011 that you should go for buying not just for money but its environmental benefits.

1. 2011 Toyota Prius 1.8L 4-cyl. Hybrid engine, Automatic
2011 Toyota Prius is going to give you best mileage. According to EPA estimates 2011 prius is going to give you an impressive 51 mpg for city drive, 48 mpg for highway and 50 mpg for combined.

2011 Prius has everything you want in a car from great fuel economy, competitive price, lots of add on features to hatchback utility. The new Prius is better than its previous models where its aerodynamic drag is reduced and looks sleek and sporty. The new version gives more power and better fuel economy in addition to better suspension and improved steering. Look out for the plug in version for the car in near future as Toyota is facing tough competition from Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, the best future competitor for Prius.

2. 2011 Lexus CT 200h
As per the estimates by EPA 2011 Lexus CT 200h is going to give 43 mpg for city drive, 42 mpg for highway and 40 mpg for combined.

2011 Lexus CT 200h has more to offer then just better fuel efficiency. The car has 1.8 L 4 cylinder engine, with 650V electric motor system which together gives 134 HP. The car is stylish and is fun to drive with lots of refinements. In addition you would get good and comfortable seats, a very impressive cargo space and a versatile layout.

3. 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
As per the estimates by EPA 2011 Lexus CT 200h is going to give 40 mpg for city drive, 43 mpg for highway and 41 mpg for combined.

2011 Honda Civic Hybrid is very similar to Toyota Prius when it comes to looks and mechanically very similar to Honda Civic Sedan. In spite of its similarity the very efficient Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system works great in boosting its fuel economy to impressive levels. The car has 1.3 L, 4 cylinder engine which gives 93HP which is assisted by 20HP electric motor and a pack of batteries located in the rear of the car.

4. 2011 Honda Insight Hybrid
According to EPA estimates 2011 Honda Insight is going to give you an impressive 40 mpg for city drive, 41 mpg for highway and 43 mpg for combined.

2011 Honda Insight Hybrid is a mix of Honda Fit’s front end, Honda Civic Hybrid’s Integrated Motor Assist which makes it a mild hybrid car. It has 1.3 L, 4 cylinder VTEC engine assisted by electric motor system. Together they make 98HP which gives 123 pound-feet of torque.

Source: Newcarpark