Honda's new "i-DCD" hybrid system: bye-bye "IMA", hello Prius competition (finally!)

[NeilBlanchard]

INefficient electric mode? Many plugin electrics/hybrids are ~85% efficient plug-to-wheels; while the Prius' engine is just 38% efficient, at best.

My opinion on why Honda hasn't sold very many hybrids is that the Prius beats the Insight (2nd gen) by 8-10mpg while seating 5 vs 4 for the Insight.

I'm looking forward to hearing the details on the new i-DCT hybrid system. Competition means improvements all around.

[ChazInMT]

Honda has a DCT motorcycle that seems pretty slick, I read about it here. (Honda Crosstourer) I think the car i-DCD thing is maybe an application of this.

Great read, I see they mention the 3 motor thing I posted about earlier in Honda 3 Motors in 1 Car

For conversation starters....you don't suppose Apple will sue them for calling it i-DCD do you? Does Apple own all things i?

[MetroMPG]

Chaz - noted & corrected in the thread title. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by jamesqf

inefficient electric-only mode

Note Honda's statement about the 30% efficiency increase over previous IMA hybrid system. Think it's safe to say electric mode isn't making things worse.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I hope focus isn't shifting away from hydrogen. But, this does seems pomising.

Hydrogen isn't going to happen.
The drawbacks are even worse than for electric cars.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

My opinion on why Honda hasn't sold very many hybrids is that the Prius beats the Insight (2nd gen) by 8-10mpg while seating 5 vs 4 for the Insight.

I'm looking forward to hearing the details on the new i-DCT hybrid system. Competition means improvements all around.

That's right, the Prius is a bigger and more practical car than even the Civic Hybrid I think. I sat in a rental 2nd gen Prius and it felt rather roomy inside compared to most compact cars. The hatch helps with storage space a ton too.

i-DCT sounds pretty good to me. To be honest, I think the clutched electric motor setup is how it should've been all along.

[rmay635703]

If they can couple the efficient lean burn system they had on the insight I with a MT and a clutched EV side instead I would be all for it

erm...

That said if their system works as well as a Prius but their motor has lower BSFC we can only hope they eventually make their way to having a MT version like every other Honda

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

INefficient electric mode? Many plugin electrics/hybrids are ~85% efficient plug-to-wheels; while the Prius' engine is just 38% efficient, at best.

Yes, inefficient. Especially for a non-plugin, but even with plugin it's usually more efficient to use engine and electric motor together than to use one, then the other.

[Cobb]

As an aftermarket plug in insight owner I choose to abuse the undocumented "ev" mode to coast longer once accelerated to speed by the mix of the two per the onboard computer. Of course having a higher state of charge the system automatically mixes in more electrical power or assist than it would otherwise. The limit is similar to the prius 2/3 in the fact its only under light throttle, otherwise the ice kicks back on and both are used.

I imagine having the plug in ability may cause a skew in mpg from the drivers stand point trying to conserve the energy since its limited or use more of the ev feature.

Then of course you got the other fact most hybrids give best fuel economy when you use the least of the electric as possible.

I like the fact I can keep up with traffic never exceeding 80 mph and still clocking 54 mpg on the mid.

[meanjoe75fan]

Could jamesqf (or anyone else) tell me what's inefficient about even only?

When I'm lucky enough to borrow mom's Fusion, I simply capture regent charge during the inevitable (I live in the Appalachians) descent, and run ev-only to the 50% SOC the Fusion likes to maintain.

That's better than efficient; it's effectively "found energy."

I agree that running EV is dumb--if you reasonably forsee having to burn Dino juice to recharge. I suppose if you lived somewhere billiard-table flat, you might almost never use EV optimally.

But if you live somewhere "steeper than the speed limit"?

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Hydrogen isn't going to happen.
The drawbacks are even worse than for electric cars.

I agree. Can you say "Hindenburg"?

I'm not saying hydrogen can't be done safely. But i think there is considerable consumer resistance. With the added challenge of launching a new distribution network, hydrogen has a big uphill climb here.

Anyway, I'm very glad to read of Honda's new scheme.

One possible benefit that's been hinted at between the lines: so far as I know, most (all??) electronic dual clutch transmissions also offer paddle shifters for functionality close to what you get from a traditional standard. I see it more as an automatically shifting standard rather than an automatic with clutches.