Buzz
Honda đang tham gia vào xu hướng điện khí hóa với dòng xe Hybrid và dự định sẽ tiếp tục phát triển các mẫu xe điện trong tương lai, tương tự như nhiều thương hiệu khác. Là một nhà sản xuất xe 2 và 4 bánh danh tiếng, Honda luôn giới thiệu những công nghệ độc đáo và có thể, công nghệ Hybrid e:HEV mà họ đang áp dụng là một trong những sáng tạo đáng chú ý. Thông thường, những chiếc xe Hybrid (hay còn gọi là full hybrid) sẽ có hai kiểu truyền động chính. Kiểu đầu tiên là truyền động nối tiếp, trong đó động cơ điện là nguồn động lực chính và động cơ đốt trong chỉ hỗ trợ hoặc cung cấp năng lượng để sạc pin. Kiểu thứ hai là truyền động song song, động cơ đốt trong là nguồn động lực chính, và động cơ điện chỉ hỗ trợ giảm tải cho động cơ đốt trong, giúp tiết kiệm nhiên liệu. Tuy nhiên, Honda e:HEV lại hoàn toàn khác, kết hợp cả hai kiểu truyền động này, vừa có thể là truyền động song song, vừa là truyền động nối tiếp.
Thành phần cấu tạo của hệ thống e:HEV
Electric Motor
Honda e:HEV vehicles are equipped with two electric motors. One of the motors is responsible for energy recovery and propulsion, with a maximum output of 181HP and 315 Nm of torque (as seen in the Honda Civic Hybrid). This motor operates independently at lower speeds, up to approximately 100km/h, meaning that regardless of whether the internal combustion engine is running, the vehicle is powered solely by the electric motor.
The second electric motor acts as a generator, supplying power to the primary motor or charging the battery when there is excess energy. In real-world driving, the system works seamlessly, and when accelerating, it's almost impossible to distinguish whether the power being transmitted to the wheels comes from the electric motor, even if the internal combustion engine is fluctuating in speed.
Additionally, thanks to the energy-recapturing electric motor, the car’s braking system works more effectively, a noticeable difference compared to traditional Honda Civic internal combustion models. This is due to the electric motor assisting with braking, providing more precise control before activating the ABS system, which improves braking efficiency compared to the traditional method where the driver applies the brakes until ABS kicks in.
Internal Combustion Engine
This engine serves as the main source of power to drive the generator when the vehicle is traveling at speeds of 20km/h or higher. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine uses the Atkinson cycle (optimized for fuel efficiency and durability, though with lower power output). Its ideal operating speed is around 2,000 rpm. However, when driving at speeds over 100km/h, the internal combustion engine works in tandem with the electric motor to provide power to the wheels.
Transmission
Though named e-CVT, the Honda e:HEV models do not feature the traditional CVT or multi-speed transmission. Instead, the car uses a single clutch system, referred to as a "Lock-up Clutch" by Honda. When driving at high speeds (typically over 100km/h), the clutch engages to connect power from the engine directly to the wheels with a fixed gear ratio (comparable to the highest gear in a manual transmission, usually around 0.8).
This means that the transmission no longer contains the usual drive belts found in traditional CVT systems. Instead, it consists of two electric motors and a clutch system, which is a unique approach compared to standard transmissions.
Power Control Unit (PCU)
Intelligent Unit (IPU)
Rather than just a regular battery, Honda refers to this as an entire system, including a lithium-ion battery combined with an ECU system that manages and stores energy.
Operating Modes
At low-speed driving conditions (around 30km/h) and with sufficient battery charge, the e:HEV model can operate entirely on electric power without the need to start the internal combustion engine.
The Hybrid mode in e:HEV models allows the vehicle to intelligently switch between power sources, which may rely solely on the energy provided by the generator (driven by the internal combustion engine), or a combination of both the generator and the battery at the same time.
The drive mode will automatically switch to high-speed operation. The power from the engine is directly transmitted to the wheels through the "lock-up clutch" system.Conclusion
Regarding design, it can be said that these are simple structures. The most complex task, which is the distribution of force to the wheels, is handled by the computer system. One of the common concerns might be the cost of replacing or repairing the electric motor if it fails. However, one thing is certain: electric drive systems are easier to replace, repair, or restore compared to traditional CVT or manual transmissions.As for the engine, the naturally aspirated engine using the Atkinson cycle offers stability and durability compared to turbocharged engines, which are more complex and operate at higher intensities.
Ignoring whether it’s significantly more fuel-efficient or not, the e:HEV system delivers more power, providing a smoother, more comfortable driving experience compared to the traditional turbocharged engine combined with the CVT transmission from Honda. This technology truly enhances the driving experience and is worth trying.
