Celebrate 25 Years Of Hybrid System Existence In The Global Automotive World, Here's Honda's Journey

Members of the Honda hybrid model. (Doc. Honda)

JAKARTA - Honda is one of the manufacturers who also continues to innovate in the automotive world, including various technologies including hybrid.

This time, Honda celebrated 25 years of special achievements in developing hybrid technology in the global automotive world by 2024. This was marked after Honda's first hybrid car launch in Europe in 1999 through Honda Insight, which became the beginning of Honda's innovative journey to create efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.

"Since then, Honda's hybrid engine technology has continued to be developed and refined by focusing on developing efficient and powered machines while maintaining the fun to drive that characterizes Honda. Until now, hybrid technology has been applied to mass production cars such as Honda Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, and CR-V, all of which are equipped with a powertrain of two motorbikes e: HEV and are also embedded in Honda racing car engines in Formula 1," wrote the official statement received, Friday, August 9.

Honda's hybrid engine technology for mass production cars was marked by the introduction of the first generation Honda Insight, which used a hybrid engine with the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system in 1999.

The IMA hybrid system helps engine performance so that fuel consumption can become more efficient. The IMA hybrid system was first applied to Honda Insight and then the Honda CR-Z which is a Hybrid Honda Sport car that was marketed in Indonesia.

Furthermore, this technology transforms into Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) intelligence, where the dual motor powertrain (battery and engine) system works simultaneously and supports each other. The performance of this technology then produces acceleration that is powerful but also remains smooth where fuel efficiency can be maximized. The i-MMD system is applied to the fifth generation Hybrid Honda CR-V, the tenth generation Honda Accord Hybrid.

In addition, Honda also continues to develop the system called e: HEV where the performance of electric motors works more dominantly to move machines. System e: HEV also provides a pleasant driving experience, as well as fuel efficiency and a very low emission rate.

Currently, Honda already has a variety of car lines that use hybrid e:HEV technologies such as Honda Fit (Jazz), City, Civic, Vezel (HR-V), ZR-V, Odyssey, Step WGN, CR-V and Accord. Honda has introduced e:HEV technology for two flagship models namely Honda CR-V and Honda Accord in 2023.

Another Honda hybrid technology system, the three-motor Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is presented by Honda in the second generation of Honda / Acura NSX where the Honda supercar car has a powertrain three motor working system. The SH-AWD system in the second generation of Honda / Acura NSX presents a more enjoyable driving experience, fuel efficiency and low emission levels.

"The Honda hybrid system technology journey comes to the latest generation of Honda Prelude which comes in a styleful and dynamic design. The Honda Prelude Concept is the latest hybrid-tech car to go on sale and mass production by 2025. This car is expected to bring a perfect balance between driving pleasure and extraordinary fuel efficiency. This is in line with Honda's long-term commitment to its electrification strategy. The Honda Prelude Concept was launched for the first time in the world at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023 in Japan, "added the company statement.

As is known, this car was then featured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed event in West Sussex, United Kingdom in July 2024.

In addition to mass production cars, Honda's hybrid technology was also developed as a powertrain in the Formula 1 racing event. Honda developed hybrid turbo engine technology in the Formula 1 racing event since 2015 where the hybrid system works to generate additional power and regenerative power in the turbo engine power unit.

Honda's hybrid turbo engine technology in Formula resulted in a three-time racer title (2021, 2022, 2023) won by Max Verstappen and the constructors' world title twice (2022 & 2023) by the Red Bull Racing team.

On this occasion, Honda served as a power unit provider for the Oracle Red Bull Racing team and the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team until the end of 2025.