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Honda Civic hybrid IMA

The IMA operating principle (1/2)

The CVT transmission is only available for Japan and USA
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Honda's patented IMA concept is quite simple - use an efficient Otto engine supplemented by an electric motor when additional power is needed. Also referred to as a 'hybrid' system because it uses two power sources, the IMA concept allows the Civic Hybrid to use a smaller gasoline engine without any significant loss in performance.

This system is especially effective due to the fact that acceleration requires a significantly higher power than needed for cruising on a level road (where vehicles spend most of their time). An engine more powerful than needed has to work under low load most of the time, condition where its efficiency is lower than under high loads, thus worsening the vehicle's fuel economy..

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December 2003