In the new energy track, hybrid models are still the best choice at present with the dual advantages of fuel saving and battery life. Toyota THS system has always been the leader in the hybrid industry with its unique patented technology, but with the iteration and improvement of its rival Honda i-MMD hybrid technology, Toyota is no longer the only one. The upcoming 2023 model e:HEV version of GAC Honda is equipped with the latest fourth-generation i-MMD hybrid technology. It is said that Honda is good. Is Honda planning to use the model e:HEV to set off a big wave in the A-class car market?
model e:HEV and the ordinary version have not much difference in appearance and interior. The silver exterior mirror, blue bottom logo and e:HEV logo are unique to the version. The new family design language of HEV retains familiar elements while continuing to simplify the front face design. The honeycomb center grille has been smoked and connected with the narrow and sharp light groups on both sides, revealing the combat power of F1 racing everywhere. In terms of interior, the model e:HEV has been changed from a mechanical gear shift lever to a SBW button electronic gear shift, which fits the hybrid theme. The interior of this generation of style does not have too many fancy designs. It is simple and practical, and it is more in line with the model's own sports tendency. The honeycomb mesh alloy air outlet design and sporty color-blocking seats further show the sports genes - this car is used for battle, and is by no means a leisurely person.
A car that desires combat must have a heart full of fighting enthusiasm. The most anticipated and most research-oriented aspect of the HEV version is its fourth-generation i-MMD hybrid system. The new car is equipped with a brand new 2.0L Atkinson self-priming engine, the motor has a maximum power of 135kW, a peak torque of 315N·m, the transmission is matched with an improved E-CVT continuously variable transmission, and the comprehensive fuel consumption per 100 kilometers under WLTC conditions is 4.39L (the current Accord hybrid is 4.82L/km).
Simply put, compared with the third-generation technology, the progress of the fourth-generation i-MMD hybrid system is multi-faceted. For example, in terms of fuel saving, the 2.0L engine equipped in the new car is more efficient in combustion with the support of high-combustion pressure direct injection + multi-stage injection technology, and the thermal efficiency has been increased to 41%; the battery pack energy density has been significantly increased by 79% compared with the Lingpai Hybrid version of the third-generation i-MMD. These optimizations have effectively improved the fuel economy of the new car.
In terms of power response, the model e:HEV has upgraded the electronic control system and power battery system, which is not only lighter, but also enhanced the motor power output density, which is 12% higher than Lingpai , which can bring a pleasant driving experience. At the same time, the application of high rigid crankshafts and secondary balancers on the engine also helps reduce jitter, making the new car faster and more stable.
From the book data, the overall efficiency of the model e:HEV and Accord Rui Hybrid and Lingpai Rui Hybrid equipped with third-generation i-MMD have been significantly improved. Compared with Accord Rui Hybrid, the engine power of the E:HEV is actually 2kW lower, but the compression ratio is higher. The overall power of the 149kW system is only slightly lower than the Accord Hybrid's 158kW. The almost negligible reduction in book power is a sharp drop in fuel consumption performance.
It is obvious that while ensuring Honda's driving passion, the fourth-generation i-MMD has made a breakthrough in economic efficiency has become a highlight. This seems to be the place where Honda Dafa has been working hard to improve. After all, Toyota THS has always taken high efficiency as its selling point, and performance is not a strong point, while the fourth-generation i-MMD system chooses to achieve a greater efficiency leap on the basis of maintaining performance.
For 2.0L engines, its thermal efficiency has increased from 39.1% of the second generation and 40.6% of the third generation to 41% of the fourth generation. The compression ratio has increased from 13.0 of the second generation and 13.5 of the third generation to 13.9 today. It seems that all are very small increases, but it is the subtle progress that has contributed to the efficient performance of the fourth generation i-MMD. In general, the model e:HEV fully demonstrates what it means to be faster and more efficient than the normal version. No wonder the model e:HEV has not been launched, and the car has been given the title of "F1 hybrid civilian version".
But if you only balance performance and fuel economy, it is not convincing to say that the model e:HEV is the "F1 hybrid civil version" is "subjective enough. The Honda i-MMD system is in line with the Honda F1 racing hybrid technology, which is the core reason why the model e:HEV is known as the "F1 hybrid civil version".
At the 2021 World F1 Grand Prix, the winning Red Bull Racing team RB16B car was equipped with a RA6201 hybrid system developed by Honda. Similarly, the fourth-generation i-MMD technology also uses a motor to replenish energy and increase torque for the engine. The optimized electric drive system can intervene in power operations more rapidly and naturally, effectively reducing turbo hysteresis, and flexibly switch between the three drive modes to improve the overall power efficiency of the vehicle. Especially at low speed, the acceleration experience is even more extraordinary than other hybrid models.
Red Bull Racing team is in the F1 field, and Honda makes an indelible contribution as its power unit supplier. When these F1 hybrid technologies are delegated to mass-produced models, we can see that a "family car" can also play with performance and energy saving. Therefore, the Honda model e:HEV can be regarded as a technically decentralized model of Honda F1 hybrid racing, and it is called the "F1 hybrid civilian version".
When it comes to hybrid system, the opponent that has to be mentioned is Toyota THS system. Toyota's THS system mainly relies on a set of planetary gear set for power distribution and oil-electric conversion. The motor participates in the work regardless of operating conditions, which is very excellent in fuel consumption economy. For example, the WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption of Toyota Ray 1.8L dual-engine version is only 4.36L/km. However, after the evolution of i-MMD technology to the fourth generation, the fuel consumption of the model e:HEV is almost the same as that of the Rayling Dual Engine Edition. With stronger horsepower, it excellently demonstrates the characteristics that the "F1 hybrid civil version" should have - the high performance symbolized by F1 and the high efficiency represented by hybrid civil version.
GAC Honda model e:HEV
In short, the excellence of model e:HEV in terms of power is obvious to all, which will also become a highlight of the new car market. However, after all, with the support of technology, hybrid models are often much more expensive than conventional fuel models. It is worth mentioning that both Nissan Sylphy and Volkswagen Lavida are about to add new models and continue to put pressure on competitors in the fuel track. So, with the help of the most advanced hybrid system, can GAC Honda model e:HEV finally achieve impressive sales results and stable market position in the fiercely competitive market structure? Let's wait for the launch of this performance hybrid - e:HEV!
