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One of the better articles on hybrid cars likened the electric component to an electric supercharger. While it was describing all hybrids in general, it fits Honda IMA system better.

Like a conventional supercharger, the Assist kicks in only when you need lots of power - typically acceleration, moving from a complete stop, hill climbing. It does not work alone.

Bottom line is all energy ultimately comes from the fuel tank - the Assist optimizes the tank - not replace it.

Chuck

In all honesty. I think thats what Honda was thinking when they did the Accord hybrid. The bloody thing pulls almost like a TL. Anf the one I drove seemed to either want to be a street warrior or a hwy sled. With its best FE on the HWY.

I also think Toyotas offerings in its Lexus line are more alnog you thoughts. Kind of a hot rod that CAN get better FE. LMAO.

Hi Chuck:

___Indeed but I also believe Honda is/will be running into trouble because they rely on that electric supercharger at every opportunity. Driving a Prius for example, you have to be accelerating at post hypermiler rates to get the pack to start assisting whereas with the Honda’s IMA setup (Insight/HCH/Accord), you touch the accelerator and IMA wants to give all she is worth. Having to touch the pack on every accel is a great performance boost but not a good overall hybrid strategy for longevity and max FE given the limited pack size imho. If Honda would have waited to use Assist for a high TPS reading, it would help alleviate the pack draw but the higher RPM’s is where the electric motor adds little vs. way down low in the RPM range. Toyota’s HSD took care of this but not without the additional expense of the second MGSet and control SW.

___Good Luck

___Wayne