How do Hybrid Cars Work?

Here’s an in-depth look inside a car’s hybrid system and how it works!
A hybrid system comprises of an internal combustion engine and electric motor fed by a battery pack to propel the transmission in a vehicle. Typical benefits include lower emissions and better fuel economy, less wear and tear on the combustion engine, and more power. In this video, we tear apart all of the components in the Honda Accord V6 Hybrid’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to see what’s inside and how it works.
The main components of the IMA system are the battery pack (Nickel metal hydride, 144V DC), junction board with contactors, power inverter for the IMA motor, air condition power inverter, DC to DC converter, a blower motor fan that cools electronic components behind the rear seat, the motor control unit and the slim asynchronous 3-phase AC electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. Additional features on the Accord include a slimmer transmission with an electric ATF pump, active noise cancellation, variable cylinder management, dual mode A/C compressor, aluminum rebar and hood, amongst other upgrades.
The Honda Accord V6 Hybrid was ultimately a failure for what it was - it did not deliver the expected fuel economy of a hybrid that’s because its asynchronous motor was mounted directly to the crankshaft of the engine. This meant it was a mild hybrid - the combustion motor had to always be turned on to move the vehicle and it couldn’t be run on electric power alone.
Skip to section in the video:
0:00 Introduction - Under Hood
0:49 Intelligent Power Unit
3:01 IMA Motor Removal
5:05 Intelligent Power Unit Components
8:56 Battery Teardown
11:48 Junction Board
14:38 Air Conditioner Inverter
15:00 DC-DC Converter
16:55 IMA Inverter
20:07 Motor Control Unit
20:37 IMA Motor
23:24 Final Thoughts
Here's an in depth look at how car electronics work:
• Why Car Electronics ar...
Here's an excellent resource video series by Weber Auto for reference:
• Honda IMA Hybrids Part...
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[@AverageStarsectorSpacer]

Don't let the toothbrush fool you, this guy knows what's he talking about!

[@speedkar99]

Well thanks

[@tolrem]

Yep this guy's smart.He makes me feel stupid when I watch this video..

[@MegaSomveer]

He definitely does!

[@evanponcelet5794]

Never underestimate a man who knows the importance of oral hygiene.

[@byronbenicio7853]

you all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a way to get back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Hi! I’m an automotive instructor and I just want to say that this is such a good video. Great job on this deep dive!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, didn't realize instructors watch me too.

[@stevendolan7573]

This guy is incredible. Never encountered anyone as knowledgeable.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you appreciate my content

[@jooky87]

The best vids! No stupid graphical explanation, just the straight guts step by step!

[@speedkar99]

Straight and to the point is my style!

[@7149250now]

This was an excellent video man. I’m an electric technician student right now and the IMA breakdown was right up my alley!!!!!! Do more hybrids if you can please.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, I really want to get a Toyota hybrid and tear it down

[@Zage55]

🤣youll literally solve a mechanical issue in a instant with that knowledge holy shit keep up the good work man!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks!

[@SniperSnake50BMG]

I don't know how much to thank you. You have showed me the 2 most important components for me to understand... The CVT and the hybrid system.

[@speedkar99]

Well my channel has got a lot more than that 😉 enjoy

[@davisabongo3355]

Man ...the way you explain these things... you exhaust every detail one needs to know... keep it up.!

[@SalesGeniuses]

Have no idea how complicated Hybrid is until I saw your video.

[@speedkar99]

I don't call this complicated at all...

[@neilpinkett]

Is there any boundaries to your automotive knowledge?... great vids , and a splash of humour. Keep up the good work.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. The aim of my channel is to reflect my constant quest for knowledge and share those experiences with everyone. Always keep learning...keeps my motivated and having fun!

[@MrManuel1329]

The Germans are starting to include mild hybrid system like this. Mercedes and Audi are big on it they completely gotten rid of the starter motor and relying on the sandwich hybrid motor.

[@speedkar99]

Yes

[@lifelessalloy7000]

For someone with so few views and stuff. You did an excellent job Explaining and describing everything. Thank you.

[@akoj3262]

i'm new to autoparts and vehicle systems. I know nothing and dont know how the parts look. Thank you for taking time to do all these so that people liked me can learn! I just went for a simple hybrid class and the instructor said its a must to use insulated tools and gloves that supported beyond certain voltage when handling battery. Sometimes there is no second chance when it comes to mistake!

[@PELPIDAS]

Perfect video as always. Thank you!! Maybe the best auto channel on KZbin. Keep it up !!

[@speedkar99]

Soon enough

[@tunethetoy7225]

For those that are just as clueless as me the sections on the video progress bar help a lot to come back to the things I missed. Thanks a lot for the informative vid!

[@speedkar99]

Well at least sectioning off helped to break things down , thanks

[@tunethetoy7225]

@@speedkar99 more than you know!

[@smarts53]

I really appreciate how you actually gut each individual component

[@speedkar99]

Thanks that's what I've done for entire car subsystems on my channel

[@ahmadfarooq5651]

Very simple very precise and to the point, not a single damn second wasted. 👍

[@franka2507]

Special insulated gloves are required when working on high voltage system, bring along a toothbrush it can work also !

[@speedkar99]

The toothbrush did the trick Thanks

[@SubhenduBiswas-HappyGoLucky]

Hi, I am an enthusiasts about car technologies. Such a deep dive in the subject is quite difficult for people like us. But you really have done it well, specially the diagram of function-circuit. It have made the matter more easier to comprehend.

[@kristianhermann5971]

Are we gonna see a hybrid engine coffee table from these parts....could almost build a dinner table

[@speedkar99]

Perhaps! Follow me on Instagram and you'll see it in a few weeks

[@u3b93]

@12:33 the bypass resistor is to limit the inrush current to the capacitors in the other components of the system, its this high current which causes the damaging ark between the contacts. What you have said is technically/electrically good too, a resistor in series will lower the voltage. The battery seems to be of the same capacity, chemistry(NiMH) and voltage of that of a Prius C(1.5L 4 cylinder inline), but this Accord is 3.0L V6! I like your videos and appreciate the effort being put into. Please continue with other informative tear downs.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks and yes you are right it prevents arcing

[@endurofan9854]

WOOOOW a certain complete detailed explanation, so fast but i got the hang of it, well some of it 😆 thank you for sharing 🙏

[@enwekaarthur279]

My first time seeing someone explain this so well with oractical evidence. Thanks i love the video❤

[@courtney1907]

do you have a video where you put things back together again?

[@speedkar99]

No but if you play it in reverse....

[@courtney1907]

@@speedkar99 LOL made my morning!

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent teardown and explanation!

[@mem7806]

another great video. just binge watching all of them honestly

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@user-bx5zy1mu3v]

As always great content! It is always a pleasure to watch your videos, thank you very much!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome.

[@DaddyBear1971]

Wow! Incredible work. If you’re looking another video idea... you could show how other hybrid vehicles function differently. Especially Toyota Prius or one of there other hybrids.

[@qnaap]

Cool to see that the battery unit with all the electrical components look really serviceable. I have owned a Honda Insight 2011 for just over two years now and should the battery die tomorrow, I am still profiting of gas savings compared to my old Mazda 3. Also the Insight is a very comfortable car to drive! It makes you want to drive smooth and economical. I love this car! (I also own a small old French hatchback for when I want to have fun driving) P.s. a 3.0 V6 with all this heavy hybrid stuff around really seems to defeat the purpose of having a hybrid. Although this thing must drive like a dream with ice cold AC even when standing still. :)

[@speedkar99]

Agreed! It's good how Honda made everything easily serviceable. I believe the Insight has a very similar system but a higher voltage battery. A V6 was the wrong engine, Honda should have used a K20 with the Accord

[@minkusmcminkus7598]

This confirms that it's mostly witchcraft and wizardry, miss my diesels

[@speedkar99]

Diesels are like the opposite

[@mdbeckykhan]

Sir you’re awesome Everytime I watch your videos I learn and I feel excited

[@speedkar99]

Thanks! I'm glad I could inspire people

[@kristianhermann5971]

I enjoyed this one, thanks SpeedKar. So cool to see all the bits.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@buttholethebarbarian313]

1:05 Amazing... he actually has his 10mm socket. Those things can be more elusive than the Sasquatch

[@speedkar99]

Agreed! I did loose a 10mm ratcheting wrench and never found it

[@michaelstigman4069]

Wow! I really wish I could hang out with you while you are doing your job... I love what you do!

[@moonasha]

seeing the guts of that inverter with its chunky capacitors and IGBTs was cool

[@speedkar99]

It sure is pretty cool yet way simplier than I thought it would be

[@shumicheng]

really good stuff. perfect explanation!

[@eugeneputin1858]

Nah, im about to binge all these videos. This is awesome

[@speedkar99]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy learning about how cars work.

[@Stingray_614]

Next video suggestion!! Show us how the wife’s kitchen aid mixer works!

[@Tony32]

Go to his wife channel, he was trying to use it without a blade lol

[@Stingray_614]

@@Tony32 oh bro you already know I’m on that. The Oreo chessecake video they made was 🔥

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, glad you found her channel lol. The mixer is sure handy but when it breaks....

[@vithe3rd81]

@@speedkar99 That's where AvE takes over.

[@moxncal]

This is a great video, do more hybrid videos especially toyota prius. These videos are great for learning how to hack the hybrid into all electric car.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks and you are right, I'd love to learn more how Toyota hybrids work

[@philh9238]

One of the best hybrid videos

[@tenchimuyio]

Thank you for this video. You've made hydride ez and fun to watch. I'm actually interested in learning hybrids as secondary career. I work on diesel trucks and might mean towards hybrid tech

[@speedkar99]

Hybrids are the future! Definitely worth learning

[@TheBeso1994]

This was really helpful.

[@villainsneverdie5160]

This guy deserves mad respect

[@fxworld7012]

I am always amazed at the intelligent tech knowledge you show in these videos, I believe your channel is one of the most intelligent on You Tube also, keep up the good work..

[@speedkar99]

Thanks I just wish I could access newer technology but that'd be way out of budget.

[@thillaiambalam5661]

You're a real genius man. Well explained and informative. Was wondering why there's a DC to DC converter.👏👍

[@ihsanewadjinny8196]

to back charge the 12V battery

[@jeanpaultuyisenge6837]

Excellent, well explained

[@atozcarinformation]

really nice video bro tq

[@jmk20083]

Man I don't know what to say! The most informative and an exciting channel on KZbin, thank you.

[@fuaddaoud75]

Great job عمل عظيم

[@kangneincheeng9874]

Very good video. Keep doing it. Thank you.

[@speedkar99]

Will do. Just gotta find more interesting cars to teardown

[@gianconde2705]

This dude’s legit. He’s a teacher with a toothbrush for a pointer.

[@EdwardTilley]

Great video - very informative.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@parkershaw8529]

ALL the (light duty) ICE vehicles should be like this. The rotor can double as engine flywheel. The electric motor can start the engine with ease, so in stop and go traffic, or waiting for traffic light, the ICE can be shut down completely. Of course, regenerative braking improve city fuel economy and brake pad wear, also replace the alternator. (It's great idea to have old starter as the backup)

[@NormaBellinger-qr4ox]

How many electronic / mechanical parts go into FHEV? More or less than Apolo space capsule! Are you doing these video tear downs as a hobby, your knowledge on such technology is outstanding.

[@speedkar99]

It's my hobby. I love tearing things down and see how they work.

[@seshachary5580]

as always awesome education. regards

[@muriithikiragu2932]

Very good explanation great job 👍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@krishath7085]

Great video , thanks dude.

[@a.m.9357]

Top notch stuff here. Awesome. 💙

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@shockbay3387]

Wow! You are damn good for explanation! Thanks man you rock👍👍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, glad you find it easy to follow

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Lots of parts. Thank you for this video

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@salvadorgalvan5620]

😂 thanks so much for the auto tech info. Very helpful 👌

[@listerine-pr5lt]

That current sensor circuit is most likely not a filter as you presented it but an analog to digital converter or a signal amplifier.

[@arifmekanik]

Thanks for your information...

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@COGSCNY]

Great job 👏 only thing is a battery is a group of cells. Keep it up 👍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@hereigoagain5050]

Thanks SK99! Very informative video.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@kimjong9262]

Watching from🇧🇹 . Very informative 🙏

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@kevinkishor8153]

AWESOME VIDEO

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@sajanaabeywardana9725]

Great! I suggest honda IDCD hybrid system on ur future videos. Good luck!

[@speedkar99]

Would be good to see!

[@FrankySilverFace]

Came for the video. Stayed for the master class.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome!

[@babumanikuttan2258]

Your video is very useful

[@elliot3147]

Awesome video

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@Jazzmaster71]

You must have a Masters in mechanics and electronics.

[@Martinsp16]

excellent video!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@yootasakchaisena9371]

Truly excellent mechanic

[@yootasakchaisena9371]

I wonder how will you put all the parts back together….haha

[@viliuspocius438]

Love to see a video about vebasto

[@johanendra7641]

nice review 👍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@ergodoy7741]

Well explained - can you do a water cooled battery system, maybe a full time electric motor with gas assist like the Chevy volt? Now that’s a fascinating system! Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Thanks! I'd love to tear down a more complicated hybrid system, I'm thinking a Toyota hybrid next!

[@this446]

Thank you for the knowledge!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@oldtoolslovers3271]

Thanks for good explanation

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@dlukton]

This is interesting to watch; but I'm happy owning a car that's a lot less complicated than this one is (or was).

[@bylappah6665]

Can u make video about, generator / alternator and how battery get charged during drive ?

[@Squirm114]

@ 18:47 is it possible that these capacitor modules also include the rectifier diodes inside?

[@user-mt9tc5eq6e]

Hi, I have an accord same as the one you have demonstrated. my car is having a tremendous vibration during regenerative braking and also during motor assist. do you have any idea what might be causing it. I know that this is not a place to ask such a question. but i dont think anyone else understood this car deep like you. Appreciate your help

[@welltell.]

Suddenly i get this crazy urge to ask for that big round magnet. I am not sure what i am going to do with it, but the kid in my will figure some to use it. lol.

[@speedkar99]

Well if I don't use it you can have it. Meanwhile I'm busy sticking things to it myself haha

[@welltell.]

@@speedkar99 Ha ha ha... okay it's a deal!!! When you get bored of sticking things to it let me know so i can get a chance to stick things to it. It will be a lot of fun... unless my wife complains. lol

[@Beamer12345]

You always amazes me........are you a human or a computer????...??you are so smart.............

[@hotchinahk]

Thank you for this video, I am surprised the battery pack is not lithium battery.

[@MrButtonMonkey]

Best explanation I've watched. Thank you so much!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome!

[@casketblack5660]

Dude, all your videos are excellent! But you forgot one thing! Whats your favorite tooth brush bro?!

[@speedkar99]

My brothers toothbrush

[@robbflynn4325]

did I really hear you say Flux Capacitor, reminds me of a movie I once saw

[@speedkar99]

It was a joke lol

[@u3b93]

@20:00 I think it is incorrect to say that these diodes are used as a rectifier, these diodes are present in other IGBT blocks. I may be wrong, its the way the IGBT are switched that turns the motor into a generator. I am still learning about the inverters, by watching Damien McGuire channel. In the Prius there is a separate stage with does this voltage conversion known as the voltage Booster which does Buck also.

[@speedkar99]

Alright I'll take advice, im no electrical engineer lol

[@u3b93]

@@speedkar99 You are doing great

[@jtm_h]

Oh how i wish i have that motor assembly for my hydro electric project

[@mohammednifras9994]

Good video

[@FamilySouthernGospel14535]

That toofbrush has seen better days😂😂

[@NormaBellinger-qr4ox]

Hi, I have a question! If the IMA motor is connect to crank shaft, then when in electric drive mode the combustion engine is turning? That being the case would the compression on each cylinder have a negative affect if it is not igniting each cylinder?

[@WolfmanDude]

Does anybody know how much power the electric motor has? Could be useful for some project!

[@1corvair2]

Great video

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@tails300]

You should check out a RAV4 Prime, which you can drive in electric only or hybrid mode. Hybrid mode has 300 total system horsepower.

[@speedkar99]

I'd love to review one of those

[@ElysiumNZ]

I got myself a 2013 Fit III 1.5L Hybrid imported from Japan. Dam amazing car and technology compared to my previous 1994 Toyota Corolla.

[@speedkar99]

Nice. Didnt realize the fit had a hybrid

[@ElysiumNZ]

@@speedkar99 US market never got the hybrid models. My understanding is only California and Oregon got the full EV models but only for lease. I think the reason we easily get them here is we get a lot of used vehicles from Japan due to their strange 10 year rule for cars. So basically we’re getting cars that are almost new with very low mileage.

[@jband007]

Thanks

[@atech6580]

Can all those modules like dc-dc converter / DC to 3 phase ac converter work separately?

[@speedkar99]

From each other? I'm not sure..