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RedDevil · 10-28-2013, 06:26 PM

They sure are. They also claim 36 km/l - you can do the math.

The difference really is in the gearbox.
Toyota's 'infinite gear' planetary HSD system can only cover 3 ratios without a loss; the other ratios involve using a pair of electric motors as a generator and motor to simulate a gear in between. It can use the electric motors alone (without the ICE) in EV mode; but it is a bit of a compromise in terms of gearing for RPM.
Likewise, Honda's current CVT gearbox and IMA system have their problems and inefficiencies - the ICE always runs in EV mode, albeit in DFCO with open valves; the CVT has relatively high friction, and the electric motor has to operate at the same RPM as the engine - it replaces the flywheel...
None of these problems exist with the new system.

The Fit now uses lithium-ion batteries to boot, that will enhance the EV efficiency compared to the old NiMH batteries.
That all should explain why the Fit does better at the JDM/Euro cycle tests, despite being bigger.

Progress...

10-28-2013, 06:26 PM	#21 (permalink)
RedDevil Master EcoWalker Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Nieuwegein, the Netherlands Posts: 3,999 Red Devil - '11 Honda Insight Elegance Team Honda 90 day: 53.96 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,714 Thanked 2,247 Times in 1,455 Posts	They sure are. They also claim 36 km/l - you can do the math. The difference really is in the gearbox. Toyota's 'infinite gear' planetary HSD system can only cover 3 ratios without a loss; the other ratios involve using a pair of electric motors as a generator and motor to simulate a gear in between. It can use the electric motors alone (without the ICE) in EV mode; but it is a bit of a compromise in terms of gearing for RPM. Likewise, Honda's current CVT gearbox and IMA system have their problems and inefficiencies - the ICE always runs in EV mode, albeit in DFCO with open valves; the CVT has relatively high friction, and the electric motor has to operate at the same RPM as the engine - it replaces the flywheel... None of these problems exist with the new system. The Fit now uses lithium-ion batteries to boot, that will enhance the EV efficiency compared to the old NiMH batteries. That all should explain why the Fit does better at the JDM/Euro cycle tests, despite being bigger. Progress... __________________ 2011 Honda Insight + HID, LEDs, tiny PV panel, extra brake pad return springs, neutral wheel alignment, 44/42 PSI (air), PHEV light (inop), tightened wheel nut. lifetime FE over 0.2 Gigameter or 0.13 Megamile. For confirmation go to people just like you. For education go to people unlike yourself. Last edited by RedDevil; 10-28-2013 at 07:12 PM..