After a brief, unsuccessful life, the Accord hybrid exited the market in 2007 after only three years at dealerships. Honda has developed a new hybrid powertrain and plans to get back into the game of offering a larger hybrid vehicle.
"The motor will have higher output. There will be dual motors, with a larger battery that enables the car to be driven in all-electric mode," Tsuneo Tanai, COO of automobile operations at Honda, told Automotive News. The Current hybrid powertrain used in the Insight and Civic Hybrid uses a single motor.
Specifics on which models would be offered in hybrid trim are unclear, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a hybrid CR-V or Odyssey. If Honda is going to try to catch Toyota in the green arms race, it will certainly need to expand its lineup. The new powertrain may even be destined for an Acura or two.
The CR-Z hatchback will hit dealer lots next year and a hybrid Fit may follow in 2012. We're sure Honda has higher hopes for its larger hybrids this time around. The Accord may even get another shot.
Source: Automotive News