Introduction: Why Honda Hybrids Matter
Honda Hybrid Cars Explained is a deep dive into how Honda’s HEV system that combines electric motor performance with petrol engine dependability. As for the buyers that are on the fence, the main questions are — Do hybrids in fact save you money? How do the batteries hold up over time? And what is the true cost of ownership as compared to petrol models? This article delves into those questions in detail and we put forth our analysis to help you determine if Honda’s hybrid tech is worth the price.
HEV systems in our experience do a great job of using regenerative breaking and the petro engine to charge the battery which in turn we see as a great convenience for those that don’t use public charging stations. That said convenience is not the full picture in the long term the costs of ownership, the trade in value, and the maintenance differences also play large roles.
Honda e: HEV – The Power in Accord and CR-V
Honda’s e: HEV we have a two motor hybrid arrangement. One motor is a generator which also functions as a battery charger and we have the other which takes care of the wheels. The engine mainly powers the generator which in turn charges the battery and supplies its energy to the drive motor. In city traffic which is low speed we see mostly electric power used, at high speeds it’s the petrol engine that steps in. This is a very smooth transition which at the same time increases efficiency and does not trade off performance.
HEV reports that in as many cases as possible to go with the electric drive which in turn results in quieter performance and better fuel economy in urban areas. In stop and stop traffic which is very common the technology does very well at recharging the battery.
Performance vs Petrol Models
When it comes to performance we see a difference between hybrids and petrol only models. The Accord Hybrid puts out about 212 horsepower which is in the same ball park as its fuel only counterpart. Also the CR-V Hybrid reports the same power which is also true for its traditional fuel driven version. Also what you get is very responsive acceleration which is a result of the electric motor’s instant torque which in turn makes hybrids very dynamic.
However we do not see hybrids as being built for high performance driving. What we do see is that they present a smooth and efficient power which may not excite the engine sound and manual control lovers. At the same time that said for the daily commute and family use the Honda hybrids do very well in terms of efficiency and performance. The drive feel is very refined with less noise and vibration as compared to the petrol only models.
Real Fuel Savings
Fuel efficiency is what sells hybrid cars mostly. The Accord Hybrid attains an EPA report of 48 mpg combined, also the CR-V Hybrid does at an average of 38 mpg. In comparison to their petrol counterparts these numbers are very much better, also we see that for people with long daily commutes the difference is large. Over the year we are talking of savings in the hundreds of dollars in fuel cost.
Of course it varies in the real world based on what you drive like. City drivers will get the most out of them as hybrids do great in stop and go traffic. On the highway we don’t see as big a difference because it’s mainly the petrol engines that dominate at higher speeds. That said in mixed driving conditions Honda hybrids still out perform their petrol counterparts. For buyers that are into reducing fuel costs the results are very much noticeable and long term.
Hybrid Battery Lifespan and Replacement Cost
One out of the issues with hybrids is battery life. Honda has put in that their hybrid batteries will last 8 to 10 years which is also between 100,000 to 150,000 miles. In practice many owners report that in fact they last beyond that which is to say they are getting 10 to 15 years out of them especially with proper care. The battery is also included in Honda’s hybrid warranty which is a plus point for the first few years of your ownership.
Replacement costs at times may be great. As for the hybrid battery for the Accord or CR-V that range from 4000 which includes labor. While that is a large expense we must also note that for most users this will occur well into the car’s life which in turn means that between the fuel savings and the low maintenance requirements the issue of a future battery replacement is a small trade off.
Maintenance Differences
Hybrid cars in general require less care then petro cars. The electric motor which aids the internal combustion engine also means less need for oil changes and reduced wear and tear on moving parts. Also we see that regenerative braking systems which charge the battery as you slow down wear out brake pads at a much slower rate which in turn reduces the frequency of pad replacement. While routine maintenance like rotating tires and checking fluids is the same it is presented that in total the maintenance costs are lower.
That also said we see in the case of hybrids that which elements are different and special. The battery cooling system, hybrid drive motors, and electronic controls’ which are that which we put a large focus on. While these do prove to be very reliable as a whole what we do see is that repair bills can really add up when something does go wrong. It is best that owners find out who the good technicians are that work with hybrids to avoid any extra issues.
Resale Value
Resale value is a key issue in long term ownership. Honda hybrids do very well in that aspect which we attribute to great demand for fuel efficient cars. The Accord Hybrid in particular is the car to go in the used market, it provides a great balance of dependability and performance. Also CR-V Hybrids do well in the resale market as SUVs in general are a family favorite.
Compared to petrol cars, hybrids tend to do better in terms of resell price. Also due to increasing fuel prices and a greater trend towards environmental friendly cars we see this play out. What we are also to note is that for the hybrid car owner at the time of sale or trade in you will see a better return on your initial investment.
Hybrid-Specific Faults
While true that Honda hybrids are very reliable, there are issues. We see reports of trouble with the battery cooling fan which does in fact affect performance when it does get clogged with dust. Also we have notes of the odd software glitch in the hybrid control system. While these faults are not common, they do put into relief the value of a regular maintenance schedule.
Another issue is that of repair costs. Hybrids have more complex systems as compared to traditional petrol engines, and also it is the case that not all mechanics are trained to work on them. This results in higher repair bills when issues arise which are out of warranty. Buyers should include this in their long term ownership models.
True Cost of Ownership: Does it Pay Off?
When it comes to the big picture fuel efficiency, maintenance, battery replacement and resale value Honda hybrids come out on top in terms of what you save in the long run. Although they have a greater initial cost which is the same as with petrol models that’s balanced out by lower fuel bills and very good trade in value. Also for those that keep their cars long term the savings are very large.
However we see that which vehicles are hybrids is not the best buy for all. Low mile drivers may not see enough of a fuel savings to make up for the larger price at purchase. Also those that are selling within a few years may not see full benefit of long term savings. In the end the total cost of ownership is a result of your driving habits and how long you keep the car.
Conclusion: Should You Get a Honda Hybrid?
HEV system reports real world fuel savings, also our batteries last long and we see good resell value which makes hybrids from a financial stand point very attractive. We see that maintenance is low except for the fact that some repairs can be expensive. For most consumers the long term benefits outweigh the drawbacks which in turn makes Honda hybrids a smart buy.
If you are in the market for a new hybrid the Accord is an excellent choice to start out in. It brings sedan comfort to the hybrid segment which the CR-V takes a different approach by adding the versatility of an SUV. Also what you see with both of these models is that Honda’s hybrid technology is not just for show it works in the real world for today’s driver.
