Honda took an unconventional route for the successor to its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. Instead of following what Toyota has, it went its own way and created a system that operates more like an all-electric vehicle. Enter the two-motor hybrid system, which first arrived in the Accord back in 2014. It’s also now in the CR-V, Civic, and the new Prelude. Unlike the series-parallel setup found on most Toyota vehicles that uses a planetary gear set, Honda’s two-motor setup eschews a transmission altogether.
Planetary gear set? Nope. A conventional CVT with belts and pulleys? God no. Yup, Honda completely omitted the gearbox. There’s nothing there but an engine, two electric motors, and a traction battery. One motor turns the wheel, while another works as a generator. It also includes a lockup clutch that allows the engine to turn the wheels in certain driving conditions. Everyone saying that vehicles powered by this hybrid system use a CVT of some kind hasn’t done their homework. They need to do better and learn more about the cars they’re driving or reviewing.
Honda 2-Motor Hybrid: Operating Modes
Honda’s unique two-motor hybrid powertrain operates in three ways. Like all hybrids, it can operate in EV mode at low speeds and during coasting. This means the system relies only on the electric drive motor and the small traction battery. However, once that’s depleted, the engine comes in for the assist and recharges the battery.
In most driving situations, the two-motor hybrid system operates in hybrid mode. That means the gas engine and electric drive motor work together to motivate the vehicle. Unlike in competitors like Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Subaru, Honda’s setup works differently. Instead of powering the wheels directly, the gas engine powers a generator, which then sends electricity directly to the electric drive motor. Unlike a typical series hybrid setup, the Honda two-motor hybrid system bypasses the battery entirely to power the electric drive motor.
Lastly, the system can also go into engine drive mode. This means the lockup clutch activates to allow the 2.0-liter four-cylinder to turn the wheels under specific driving conditions. That allows the system to operate more efficiently during highway driving. In the CR-V, a second lockup ratio is included for low-speed engine-only mode and enabling it to tow 1,000 lbs.
Unique and Modern
It’s best to think of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system as an EV with a generator backing it up. It operates with the smoothness and responsiveness of a battery-electric vehicle, but with the convenience of a conventional internal combustion vehicle. As a result, vehicles powered by this system feel like an EV from behind the wheel. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, this makes Honda’s two-motor hybrid system the ideal powertrain for those looking to experience an EV, but can’t charge at home. It’s the best of both worlds, blending instant power delivery with familiarity.
If you’re looking to go into the nitty-gritty on this system, check out Honda’s more detailed walkthrough here.
