🚗 Discover the Honda i-DCD System 🚗

🚗 Discover the Honda i-DCD System 🚗

Editing Time Updated: November 21, 2024

The Honda SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) is a hybrid marvel designed for small- and medium-sized vehicles. 💡 Using a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and an electric motor, it delivers both fuel efficiency and dynamic performance! 🌟

✨ Did you know? Honda’s i-DCD system ensures no charging hassles—fuel remains the only energy source! Plus, it powers vehicles like the 2013 Fit GP5/6, VEZEL Hybrid, and Jade Hybrid. 🎯



👉 Why i-DCD Stands Out:
✅ Higher efficiency
✅ No "jerkiness" in shifting
✅ Enhanced durability
✅ Perfect for dynamic drivers 🚀

While Honda's newer systems like i-MMD focus on eco-friendliness 🌿, i-DCD proves that efficiency and power can go hand-in-hand. Who knows? It might evolve into something even more impressive in the future! 🔋


The Honda i-DCD system, officially known as Honda SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive, is a hybrid system designed for small- to medium-sized vehicles. It features a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and an electric motor integrated within the transmission structure. This system utilizes both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to drive the vehicle in parallel. The system generates electricity for its battery during braking and cruising, requiring no external charging. Gasoline remains the sole energy source.

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The i-DCD system is mainly applied to Honda's small- and medium-sized vehicles, such as the 2013 third-generation Fit GP5/6, VEZEL Hybrid, Grace Hybrid, Jade Hybrid, Shuttle Hybrid, Freed Hybrid, and other JDM models. Together with i-MMD (SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Drive) and SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD, it replaces the first-generation IMA (Integrated Motor Assist System) to form one of Honda's three main hybrid systems currently in use.

Compared to other hybrid systems, the unique selling point of i-DCD lies in its performance. Honda emphasizes not only fuel economy but also dynamic power. Unlike the earlier IMA system—where the motor and engine were integrated—i-DCD separates these components. This enables the electric motor to drive the vehicle independently from a standstill, unlike the IMA system. In regenerative braking, the motor does not rotate with the engine, reducing friction losses. Additionally, there is no clutch slippage during acceleration due to the motor being located on the transmission side.

The IMA system, which integrates the engine and motor, resembles the 48V systems now gaining attention in Europe, but Honda pioneered this concept as early as 1999 with the Insight.

The i-DCD system includes an electric motor and DCT transmission. For the Jade Hybrid, the gasoline engine, coded LEB-H1, is a 1,496cc unit with outputs of 131 hp/6,600 rpm and 15.8 kg·m/4,600 rpm (110 hp and 13.7 kg·m for the Fit GP5). The electric motor is an AC synchronous motor housed in the DCT gearbox, with a system voltage of 173V, maximum output of 29.5 hp, and torque of 16.3 kg·m. Cooling is provided via transmission oil. The 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission, co-developed by Schaeffler Group's Japanese division and Honda, boasts a claimed efficiency of 90%. A compact planetary gear in the motor reduces system size.

For example, the gear ratios for the third-generation Fit GP5 and Jade Hybrid (FR4) are:

1st gear: 4.148 [4.192]
2nd gear: 2.007 [2.266]
3rd gear: 1.481 [1.642]
4th gear: 1.098 [1.118]
5th gear: 0.810 [0.810]
6th gear: 0.605 [0.616]
7th gear: 0.446 [0.446]
Final drive: 4.842 [5.588]
The lithium battery pack, developed by Blue Energy (a GS Yuasa and Honda joint venture), is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, similar to the IMA system. It comprises 48 modules, a Power Control Unit (PCU), an ECU, and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU).

In the 2018 mid-cycle refresh, the JDM Jade Hybrid RS (FR4) showcased these advancements. Unfortunately, this model wasn't released in China, possibly due to concerns about road conditions affecting the more complex DCT systems.

The system is straightforward in operation:

The odd gear shaft (1, 3, 5, 7) is the primary shaft housing the motor, while the even gear shaft (2, 4, 6) is auxiliary.
Dual dry clutches ensure no half-clutching, improving durability and reducing shift jerks.

While the i-DCD system has high efficiency and relies heavily on the gasoline engine's power, its lower electric reliance contrasts with eco-friendly trends. The newer Fit Hybrid e
replaced i-DCD with the i-MMD system, which aligns better with Honda's environmental goals. However, Honda rarely abandons its technology entirely—just as the ATTS system evolved into SH-AWD, the i-DCD system may also reemerge in a plug-and-play form in the future.