With the introduction of the 2024 Honda CR-V comes the entry of the brand’s full hybrid system. Named e:HEV, Honda’s 6th generation CR-V gets its first taste of electrified power, but what’s in a name if we don’t understand how it works and why it makes the technology a wonder of automotive propulsion innovation? Read on as we take a look at the eco-friendly mill that powers the 2024 CR-V RS, shall we?
Honda’s full hybrid system – e:HEV
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Photo: Honda
Hybrid is defined as “something made by combining two different elements”. This same principle applies in hybrid engine technology, and e:HEV is no different. Honda’s full hybrid system employs a gasoline engine and two electric motors to achieve exceptionally low fuel consumption and as well as promise a new level of driving pleasure.
Specifically for the 2024 CR-V where e:HEV debuts in the PH market, it makes use of a 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine working with one Traction Motor and one Generator Motor. About 146 HP and 183 Nm of torque come from the petrol engine and the electric motors put out around 181 HP and 335 Nm of torque. Combined – and based on Thailand specs since there was no official figure announcement for the PH-spec – power output is rated at 204 HP.
The e:HEV is a self-charging system. The system gathers energy from braking and deceleration and recovers friction losses that would otherwise be unused through its regenerative braking system and traction motor. This stored energy extends the electric power range and further optimizes fuel economy. The battery can also be recharged with the help of the engine, serving as a generator to keep the electric drive system primed for action at a moment’s notice.
The electric motors operate throughout the low- to high-speed RPM range and the hybrid technology employs only the gasoline engine when driving moves to high-speed cruising. This translates to better fuel economy and less emissions, overall.
Photo: Honda
That said, e:HEV technology makes use of three different Drive Modes.
Electric Drive
The first e:HEV mode uses electricity from the battery alone for “spirited” starts and acceleration. When coming off a stop or during city driving, only the Traction Motor is used to propel the vehicle drawing energy straight from the battery. The gasoline engine does not operate at all in this mode and the vehicle is in full Electric Vehicle mode. The system precisely controls the power output of the motor based on the driver’s operation of the accelerator pedal for a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Hybrid Drive
This second mode of e:HEV makes use of both the petrol engine and electric motor(s). Here, the engine generates electricity and provides power to the wheels via the traction motor. The balance between acceleration Gs in response to driver input and rising engine RPMs are optimized in this mode, which makes for a smooth, linear acceleration feel. Electricity is also drawn from the battery for acceleration but only as needed.
Engine Drive
e:HEV’s third mode relies solely on the gasoline engine, specifically for sustained high-speed driving. At high speeds where less torque is required, relying on the engine for power rather than “high revs” only makes sense. During high-speed cruising, the system directly connects the engine’s driveshaft to the wheels to bring energy loss to a minimum.
Photo: Honda
Switching between operating modes to suit various driving situations between three modes is done automatically and intelligently by the e:HEV full hybrid system. Not to be disregarded, though, is the fact that the hybrid system also comes with a Drive Mode Switch. Choosing between Sport Mode, Normal Mode, and Econ Mode allows the vehicle to “respond” and to suit certain driving styles. Keeping in mind how the three Drive modes work and how toggling the switch influences the engine’s and motors’ behaviors, this results in a quieter, more refined, and more comfortable driving and riding experience.
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Undoubtedly, Honda made a solid hit on the mark by finally bringing in a hybrid option, and with such a great-selling model at that. Many have said that its price on paper is high “for a CR-V”, and we honestly cannot disagree. However, given e:HEV technology as well as Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT 24 as standard features, you also cannot deny that you are getting a lot of technology and overall value with the 6th generation CR-V RS.
It’s a pretty exciting time to be a fan of the CR-V. And if you’re also big on a Honda crossover that’s as environmentally friendly as it gets, e:HEV is your ticket into getting the best of both worlds.
