What is a Hybrid Car? Honda Hybrids Explained

Hybrid vehicles offer a balance of fuel efficiency, eco-friendliness and long-term savings. Check out Proctor Honda's available models:

Honda CR-V Hybrid 

SUV

⬝ 204 hp* Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain  -  1.06 kWh battery -  40 City/ 34 Highway Fuel-Economy Rating**

⬝ Available in Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims

How Does the CR-V Hybrid Work?     View Inventory ⮞

Honda Accord Hybrid 

Mid-Size Car

⬝ 204 hp* Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain  -  1.06 kWh battery -  51 City/ 44 Highway Fuel-Economy Rating**

⬝ Available in Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and Touring Hybrid trims

How Does the Accord Hybrid Work?     View Inventory ⮞

Honda Civic Hybrid 

Compact Car

⬝ 200 hp* Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain  -  1.06 kWh battery -  50 City/ 47 Highway Fuel-Economy Rating**

⬝ Available in Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims

How Does the Civic Hybrid Work?     View Inventory ⮞

How does the Hybrid system work?
The Honda Hybrid System Explained

Hybrid vehicles contain both an internal combustion engine and one or more batteries working in tandem to power the vehicle saving fuel and reducing tailpipe emissions. It also recuperates energy otherwise lost. This is done through regenerative braking, an energy recovery mechanism that harnesses kinetic energy used to brake into electricity that then powers the vehicle's battery. This in turn reduces brake wear and improves energy efficiency. Regular Hybrid models only require gas fuel, no plug-in necessary.

Unique to Honda Hybrids, Honda's two-motor hybrid electric system features Intelligent Multi-mode Drive (i-MMD) which automatically selects the most efficient mode (EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive) to utilize the most efficient power source: electric, hybrid or engine, for the best driving conditions. For example, EV Drive is ideal for shorter distances, while Engine Drive optimizes efficiency at higher speeds.

Honda Hybrid models are also equipped with deceleration paddles that provide more control over deceleration, providing the ability to adjust the level of regeneration with "plus" and "minus" paddles to increase or decrease regenerative effects.

What Should I know Before Getting a Hybrid?
Vehicle Benefits and Considerations

While initial costs up front are normally higher for Hybrid vehicles, this price is generally offset by benefits down the road. These include lower fuel costs, extended oil change intervals and a potentially better resale value.

Hybrid cars generally follow a maintenance schedule similar to that of a regular internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. In some instances, it may even be less frequent. The hybrid's dual power system puts less of the workload on the engine, especially in stop-and-go driving, reducing wear and tear. This not only potentially lengthens the lifespan of the engine, but may degrade its oil slower, resulting in longer oil change intervals. Other unique features such as Regenerative braking and Auto Idle Stop can help brake preservation and reduce fuel consumption/vehicle emissions that could cause more frequent maintenance.

Weather is an important factor to note. Hybrids work in both hot and cold weather, but extreme conditions can lower the fuel economy as the engine takes on more of the load that the more temperature-sensitive battery would usually handle. Though, hybrids typically do not lose as much MPG as ICE vehicles would.  

Honda Hybrid Batteries
Replacement, Warranty, Life Expectancy and Maintenance FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a Honda hybrid battery?

A hybrid battery replacement costs anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the model and service center.

What is the Honda hybrid warranty?

Every Honda hybrid vehicle comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty***, whichever comes first. 

What is the life expectancy of a Honda hybrid battery?

8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, though this can vary based on usage and maintenance. Circumstances such as extreme heat exposure or lack of use may limit this duration. 

How can I extend my hybrid battery life?

Best practices such as driving regularly, avoiding extreme temperatures, routine vehicle maintenance and smooth acceleration and braking all may potentially lengthen the life of the battery.