Honda is betting heavily on conventional as well as more advanced plug-in hybrid models as the company is planning to increase its ‘green’ offerings in the very near future.
At the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, the Japanese brand lifted the wraps off a conceptual proposal for a mid-to-long range plug-in hybrid called the AC-X. The study is much larger than the Insight hybrid measuring 4,700mm long, 1,820mm wide and 1,400mm with a wheelbase of 2,750mm.
The four-seat, fastback-style model makes use of several active aero components including the front and rear bumpers, and side skirts along with the specially designed alloy wheels to achieve a very low aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.21.
The AC-X is powered by a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 127HP 1.6-liter petrol engine and an electric motor delivering a maximum output of 161HP (120kW).
Honda says that its plug-in hybrid concept can run on electricity alone for 50 km (31 miles) at speeds of up to 100km/h (62mph). The combined driving range, however, is in excess of 1,000 kilometers (+620 miles).
As a plug-in hybrid, the AC-X has an estimated fuel economy of 110km/L (236 mpg US or under 1lt/100km), while as a hybrid, 36km/L (84.7 mpg US or 2.8lt/100km).
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