2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Submitted by Honda UK on 6 June, 2007 - 13:19
Honda has been developing hybrids for twenty years. Some famous guest drivers sampled their latest evolution at Hampton Court Palace and from Brighton to London
The Honda Civic Hybrid uses a petrol and electric engine. The system incorporates a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that only allow a few different discrete gear ratios to be selected.
The flexibility of a CVT allows the driving shaft to maintain a constant angular velocity over a range of output velocities. This can provide better fuel economy than other transmissions by enabling the engine to run at its most efficient revolutions per minute (RPM) for a range of vehicle speeds.
The Honda civic hybrid also utilises the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Which uses an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission to act as a starter motor, engine balancer, and assist traction motor. Again making a fuel efficient car even friendlier to the environment.
A synopsis of the media hype, interviews and speeches plus a selection of the best green vehicles on display at our inaugural Brighton to London Eco-Rally which took place on World Environment Day 05.06.07. Includes BBC coverage of the Royal Launch Event at Hampton Court Palace. Music credits: Love Machine by Girls Aloud
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