Gasoline-electric hybrids are typically known for one thing: environmentally-conscious motoring. With that, expect sky-high fuel mileage and low tailpipe emissions at the expense of a sordid driving experience. Luckily for enthusiasts, Honda realized that the typical hybrid solution also didn’t fit well with their sporty nature. And so, they’ve developed this: the Sports Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive or Sports Hybrid i-MMD.

While the name itself is clunky, the technology behind it is amazing. It automatically switches between three driving modes to provide the highest possible efficiency when driving. These modes comprise: EV Drive, where the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly; Hybrid Drive, where the engine supplies power to an electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor; and Engine Drive, where the engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch.



Meanwhile, the Engine Drive mode is the most efficient set-up for cruising at higher speeds and it can be supplemented by an on-demand power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor to supplement engine torque under certain conditions. At a 60 km/h cruise, the i-MMD will typically run in EV Drive for more than half the time. At 100 km/h, it will be in EV Drive for approximately one third of the time.

The software ‘brain’ of the i-MMD system decides when to shuffle between these modes to maximize efficiency, without disturbing the driver or requiring any further thought or input from them.

Now, while the set-up resembles other hybrid vehicles—where an Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, propulsion motor, generator motor, and power control unit are all located under the hood, and a lithium-ion battery back housed under the trunk, the i-MMD does have one innovation: a fixed gear transmission.



Rather than using a conventional transmission, a single fixed-gear ratio creates a direct connection between moving components, resulting in a smoother transfer of torque. This format means Honda’s system is more compact than a planetary eCVT typically found in other hybrid vehicles, as well as being more refined.

Moreover, the transfer between power sources, including the engine stop-start function, is virtually imperceptible. The smooth transfer of torque means there is no driveline shunt or undesirable feedback through the pedals or steering wheel, and the near-silent powertrain means a vehicle equipped with i-MMD boasts outstanding NVH.

The first application of the i-MMD system happens to be larger Honda vehicles, particularly the likes of the CR-V and the Accord. In this set-up, the 2.0-liter i-MMD makes a respectable 184 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque—figures that match their conventionally-powered counterparts featuring the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine. But, based on WLTP test protocols, it does 18.87 km/L. However, the more interesting application of the i-MMD system is found in the Civic-based Honda Insight. With a smaller, 1.5-liter displacement, it still makes a healthy 151 horsepower and 267 Nm of torque—yet, it delivers 22.1 km/L. Though Honda hasn’t confirmed it just yet, if this is the very same engine that they’ll fit in the all-new Jazz Hybrid, then you’re looking at a formidable pocket rocket.

As part of their 2030 Vision, the Honda Sports Hybrid i-MMD will form the cornerstone of their plan to reduce their emissions. Yet, it’s equally clear that while they want to produce environmentally-sound vehicles, they still aren’t willing to give up their sporty nature yet. By coming up with unique methods to electrify their vehicles such as the i-MMD system, Honda is able to chart a unique path, driven by one thing: their challenging spirit.