Development of Electric Powertrain for New Model Hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle 2017-01-1158

An electric powertrain has been developed for Honda’s 2017 model hybrid SUV.

The electric powertrain developed for the hybrid model consists of a Twin Motor Unit (TMU), a high-output front motor mated to a 7-speed DCT for efficient power generation, a Power Control Unit (PCU), and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The TMU is made up of two motor units able to drive the left and right wheels independently, as employed in Honda’s flagship sedan and high-end sports cars. The PCU delivers electric power to the motors, and the IPU stores drive torque and regenerative energy. The high-output front motor and TMU are equipped with sports hybrid SH-AWD components, as used in existing mass-production models, in order to realize handling performance equaling that of the base SUV. Positioned under the floor outside the passenger cabin, the PCU has a newly developed 3-in-1 inverter, motor control ECU, and 12V DC-DC converter built-in, and is housed in a fully waterproof structure. The layout of battery cooling ducts in the IPU has been simplified to increase the compactness of the unit, allowing it to be positioned in the cabin beneath the first row of seats. These technologies have reduced the overall volume of the PCU and IPU by 39% against previous models. The positioning of the PCU and IPU under the floor has made it possible to realize equivalent seating comfort for seven adults to the base SUV.

The use of these technologies in the hybrid SUV model has realized fuel economy performance of 26 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg for highway driving, for a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.