All-new Honda Jazz to debut advanced hybrid system

MANILA: As the all-new Honda Jazz is expected to make an appearance later this year, it will also banner an advanced Honda hybrid technology that now transitions from the race track to the road. Honda draws insights from its Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit (PU) program to enhance the energy efficiency of the Honda e:HEV hybrid system.

The current Honda Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit, the RA620H, utilizes a high-performance 1,600cc six-cylinder internal combustion engine, integrated with an Energy Recovery System. The advanced hybrid electrical systems expertly reuses energy that the exhaust gases and brakes generate to produce additional boost power for increased speed and to decrease turbo lag.

The all-new Honda Jazz now becomes the recipient of this technology. Aside from recycling energy, the e:HEV hybrid system uses the energy to reinforce engine output and charge the battery, for maximum fuel efficiency, and smooth shifting between drive modes.

The e:HEV system is also designed for a more thrilling driving experience. It features two powerful electric motors attached to a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine through a power control unit, an advanced fixed-gear transmission, and a lithium-ion battery. These all work together to efficiently deliver a direct and seamless response.

Instead of utilizing a traditional transmission, the all-new Honda Jazz is armed with a newly-established Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) having a single fixed gear ratio. This enables a direct relationship between components that are in motion. The outcome is a seamless torque transfer in terms of accelerating across all drive settings.

To provide excellent efficiency and a high-performance driving experience, the e:HEV hybrid system has three interchangeable drive modes, namely, the engine drive, hybrid drive, and EV drive. For most driving situations in urban areas, maximum efficiency is attained through the smooth transition between the EV drive and the hybrid drive.

EV drive, wherein the lithium-ion battery brings power directly to the electric propulsion motor, is involved when the vehicle slows down, gathering energy through regenerative braking for battery recharging.

In hybrid drive, the engine provides power to the generator  then delivers it to the electric propulsion motor. Additional power coming from the petrol engine can be redirected for battery recharging through the generator motor.

On the other hand, engine drive is utilized when driving at highway speeds. In this drive mode, the petrol engine is directly connected to the wheels through a lock-up clutch.

Photos from Honda

Also read: 2020 Honda Jazz unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show