💡 Discover Honda's Revolutionary IMA Technology!

💡 Discover Honda's Revolutionary IMA Technology!
Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) wasn’t just another hybrid system—it was a visionary approach to fuel efficiency and performance! 🌱⚙️ From the 1999 Insight to the fun-to-drive CR-Z, this system laid the groundwork for future hybrid innovations. 🚗⚡

✨ Want to learn more about the IMA’s evolution? Read on for a deep dive into Honda’s journey toward a greener future! 🌎💚



A New Milestone in Environmental Technology After CVCC and VTEC: Honda’s IMA Mild Hybrid System
Original Article from Honda Magazine | JDM Enthusiast Magazine | Updated on Today

Overview
In the 1970s and 1980s, Honda’s CVCC technology, followed by SOHC VTEC and three-stage VTEC in the early 1990s, were pivotal advancements in eco-friendly and fuel-efficient automotive design. In the mid-1990s, Honda introduced IMA technology, marking a new direction by incorporating electric assistance to gasoline engines. This innovation provided additional power under heavy loads, improving fuel efficiency while maintaining robust performance.

IMA, short for Integrated Motor Assist, can be translated literally as Honda’s "Comprehensive Motor Assist System." As the name suggests, IMA is not a traditional hybrid system but a supplementary one. Unlike Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, IMA technology focuses on assisting rather than acting as a separate driving force. While some models equipped with IMA can operate at extremely low speeds using electric power, full electric driving is generally not available. Its flexible integration with transmission systems, however, is one of its key advantages.

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Key Features of IMA
The system primarily consists of a gasoline engine, electric motor, battery pack, and a Power Control Unit (PCU). As shown in the image below, the motor replaces the flywheel and is directly connected to the crankshaft. Functioning as an active flywheel, the motor provides additional power to the transmission input shaft.

When braking, the engine's rotational inertia allows the motor to act as a generator, converting energy into electricity stored in the battery pack. During acceleration, the motor provides supplementary torque to the transmission, improving performance. This operational principle makes it clear that IMA is designed for acceleration and torque assistance rather than acting as a standalone propulsion system.

Historical Development
IMA made its debut in Honda’s 1997 Tokyo Motor Show concept car, the J-VX, powered by a three-cylinder engine with VTEC and direct injection technology. The system first entered production in the 1999 Insight (ZE1), which utilized the ECA three-cylinder engine paired with the thin DC brushless MF2 motor.

First Generation Insight (ZE1): Powered by a 995cc ECA engine producing 70 horsepower, its lightweight construction (820 kg) earned it accolades as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the U.S. for consecutive years.
Battery Technology: Early models featured 20 Ni-MH batteries arranged in series. The battery pack and Power Control Unit (PCU) were placed in the trunk area.
Applications Across Honda Models

Civic Hybrid (ES9): Introduced in 2001, this model marked the second application of IMA. Its 1.3L LDA engine featured i-DSI, VTEC, and VCM cylinder deactivation technology.
CR-Z (ZF1/2): Widely regarded as the most enjoyable and tunable hybrid, the CR-Z offered both CVT and 6MT transmission options. The manual version remains a favorite among Honda enthusiasts.

Accord Hybrid (CN3): Launched in 2004, this marked Honda’s attempt to integrate IMA into a larger sedan, though limited success led to discontinuation in 2007.
Evolution of IMA and Its Transition to Lithium-Ion Batteries

In 2011, Honda introduced lithium-ion batteries manufactured by Blue Energy, offering double the energy density of previous Ni-MH batteries. Models such as the CR-Z ZF2 saw significant performance improvements with this upgrade.

Conclusion
IMA, as Honda’s first foray into mild hybrid systems, provided a foundation for subsequent advancements like i-DCD and i-MMD. While retired from active use, IMA remains a milestone in Honda’s journey toward sustainable mobility.