Honda unveils new hybrid vehicle drive system

In this Feb. 14, 2019, photo, this photo shows the Honda logo on a sign at the 2019 Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. —File photo from Associated Press

TOKYO, Dec. 18  — Japan’s Honda Motor Co. released the next-generation version of its hybrid vehicle drive system e:HEV on Wednesday.

The new version features higher combustion efficiency and better fuel economy both at high and low speeds.

Utilizing newly developed motive power control technology, the system realizes exhilarating driving, in which changes in engine speed and sound are vividly conveyed to drivers.

Honda started selling hybrid vehicles in 1999. The new e:HEV system is the fourth edition. The system will be installed in SUVs, such as the Vezel, that will be sold in 2026 or after.

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Its new motive power control technology, called “S+ shift,” will be used for its Prelude sports car to be released in 2025.

The new e:HEV system comprises two motors and a 1.5-liter engine for small vehicles and a 2-liter engine for midsize models.

Honda aims to achieve a 10 pct improvement in fuel economy for midsize vehicles, including the effects of a decrease in vehicle weights.

By increasing parts that can be used for both small and midsize models, Honda aims to cut costs and double profitability per vehicle from the levels achieved by the 2018 models.

The automaker hopes to double annual hybrid vehicle sales by 2030 from 650,000 in 2023.

Honda has set a target of entirely replacing its vehicles sold globally with electric or fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. But it thinks that hybrids will remain important until the full spread of electric and fuel cell vehicles.