How Does An Integrated Motor Assist Operate?
During its first generation, the Integrated Motor Assist could not power the car with only electric power. It is limited to only assisting or starting the car engine.
However, the Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 model could activate the electric motor, without turning on the internal combustion engine.
The IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) has a less powerful motor, which lets the car slow down or stop the rate of deceleration to a minimal extent.
What Is The Integrated Motor Assist?
The Integrated Motor Assist, abbreviated as IMA is Honda’s hybrid car technology introduced back in 1999 on the Honda Insight model.
The IMA technology utilizes the electric motor mounted between the internal combustion engine and transmission.
It works as a starter motor, engine balancer, and assist traction motor. The IMA is available in both 2nd generation Insight and Jazz Hybrid models as well.
1. How Does The IMA Function – A Detailed Report
The IMA utilized a regenerative braking system to capture the energy lost during the heat generated by deceleration. It reuses the power to accelerate the vehicle.
The process leads to three effects namely increased acceleration rate, reduced pressure on the engine, and frequency of brake hardware replacement.
You should understand that acceleration boost is essential. It allows the engine to scale down to fuel-efficient variants without making the vehicle slow or weak.
The reason why cars have integrated motor assist is it provides better highway mileage as compared to their counterparts.
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2. How Does The IMA Start The Vehicle?
The vehicles equipped with an IMA system can quickly turn off the engine when the car stops. You can use the electric motor to spin it back when the brake pedal is released.
These vehicles have a conventional starter for a backup. The starter makes the only hybrid production system that can operate with a high voltage disabled electric system.
With the high voltage system disabled, it utilizes only the engine like a traditional vehicle.
You should know that IMA also acts as the vehicle’s alternator, typically a 12-volt battery. You can browse online to find the best maintenance tips for your car.
3. What About Low Speed Cruising?
At low speed, the IMA can easily control the electric motor at a rate of 10 and 22 mph. The engine slows down as it is controlled by the speed of valves.
It reduces the energy for pumping air in and out of each cylinder and allows the motor to regenerate more electricity to charge the battery faster. It is one of the best features of the Honda integrated motor assist.
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FAQs
1. Is there a noticeable difference in performance with IMA?
IMA can enhance acceleration and provide a smoother driving experience. However, the performance improvement may vary depending on the specific vehicle and driving conditions.
2. Is maintenance different for vehicles with IMA?
Maintenance for vehicles with IMA is similar to traditional vehicles, but there may be some additional considerations for the hybrid components, such as the battery. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the system functions optimally.
3. Do all Honda vehicles have IMA technology?
No, not all Honda vehicles have IMA technology. It was primarily used in certain Honda models, and Honda has since developed other hybrid systems like the Honda Hybrid System and the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
4. Is the electric motor in IMA capable of powering the vehicle on its own?
No, the electric motor in IMA is not designed to power the vehicle independently. It primarily assists the gasoline engine and provides regenerative braking.
5. What happens when the vehicle is at a standstill in IMA mode?
When the vehicle is at a standstill, the gasoline engine may shut off to save fuel, and the electric motor can power accessories like the air conditioning or run in idle-stop mode to conserve energy.
6. Can IMA be used in all driving conditions?
IMA is most effective in city driving conditions with frequent starts and stops, where the regenerative braking can recover more energy. In highway driving, it may have less of an impact on fuel efficiency.
Check out this video from Small Cars Direct to learn some notices when buying a used Honda Civic IMA Hybrid!
Summary
Thus, the IMA, although introduced in 1999 on the Honda Insight model, still plays a vital role.
It uses an electric motor and works as an assist traction motor. It is available in both Honda Insight 2nd generation, and Jazz Hybrid car models.
When you want to know the functioning of the integrated motor assist inside Honda cars, then make sure to read the information mentioned above.