Emerging electric drive technologies for 2010

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), once considered a "bridge" technology between ICE and FCEV, have sprung into the spotlight, major characters in the global rise in environmental awareness. In the past year, in particular, many announcements have been made concerning the planning and marketing of hybrids based on various systems. In technological development, a time-based approach is vital. The progress of electrification technology is fast-paced, and system choices vary depending on future dates and targets. At present, Honda is considering a simple, lightweight, and affordable HEV system, such as integrated motor assist (IMA), an effective means of making hybrids accessible to as many customers as possible. The IMA system is therefore being incorporated into a series of models designed to satisfy various customer needs. In addition, I would like to examine the recent trend of five system configurations-HEV and EV. Automobile manufacturers are announcing their own versions of these powertrain technologies, each with its own characteristic features.