Honda Civic Hybrid

GMC Yukon Hybrid 2,200 Honda Civic Hybrid 2,100 Lexus RX 400h 1,100 Lexus LS 600h 900 Nissan Altima Hybrid 2,350 Saturn Aura Green Line 1,300 Saturn Vue Hybrid 1,550... 

The Japanese companies Toyota and Honda have assumed the lead in the introduction of hybrid electric cars to the world market. Both companies have chosen the parallel architecture with a conventional, but smaller, petrol engine than is fitted to the equivalent ICEV and an auxiliary battery to provide boost power. The first such cars were the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight, which were released in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Subsequently, in 2003, both companies brought out improved models, namely the Toyota Prius THS 11 and the Honda Civic hybrid. These are both mid-sized family saloon (sedan) cars. The Toyota Highlander (a seven-passenger SUV) and the Honda Accord... 

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid combine a conventional internal combustion engine with a battery-powered motor (see also the discussion at the end of Box 10.2). Nickel-metal hydride batteries are routinely applied in hybrid electric vehicles, although there is increasing competition from... 

The default assumptions for each vehicle type are summarized in Table 8.1. The assumed cost and performance of the gasoline hybrid and electric vehicles are based on current technology. The hybrid price and estimated mileage is based on the average retail price and efficiencies of the three existing hybrid vehicles on the market - the Honda Insight, the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Prius. The cost and performance of the electric vehicle (EV) is based on the recently retired GM EVl. 

Fig. 11. Automotive finishes such as that on the Honda Civic have depth, luster and environmental resistance that is the result of a complex mixture of hybrid organic-inorganic materials cured into mixed graft interpenetrating polymer network systems.

In general the non-structural vertical panels are best served by unreinforced thermoplastics. In fact, the first hybrid to include thermoplastic panels to any significant extent, the 1984 Honda Civic CR-X, used 11 kg of injection moulded PC/ABS alloy for front wings, side panels and front fascia, all painted off-line. A joint ICI/Austin Rover development in 1983 achieved a Class A on-line paintable polypropylene wing for the Maestro van, in the form of a sandwich comprising a glass fibre reinforced core and a toughened skin. Subsequently it became apparent that the sandwich solution... 

The base price for the 2009 Toyota Prius is 20,680. Toyota has enjoyed phenomenal demand for its Prius hybrid car. The Japanese firm responded by building a new, half-mile-long assembly line capable of turning out one Prius per minute. Toyota hopes to increase U.S. sales of the Prius to 600,000 vehicles yearly by 2012 or so. Honda is also hoping to get back into the hybrid market after discontinuing its Insight model due to poor sales. A hybrid Civic will hit showrooms in 2009, one of four hybrid models planned for release by 2015. 

Honda has dropped the hybrid versions of its Insight and Accord, but (in addition to its hybrid Civic) is working on a completely new hybrid car. Conversion kits are also available to add extra batteries and convert the Prius and Ford s Escape into plug-in hybrids that provide up to 75 mi/gal. 

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