The Insight’s hybrid system is Honda’s own Integrated Motor Assist, or IMA. As you can see in the upper right-hand corner of the slide, there is an ultra-thin, high-output motor, which is powered by a high power battery and high-voltage control system. It’s a simple, lightweight, compact, and efficient system.
In the lower part of the slide, we see how the IMA system operates under various conditions. During acceleration, the motor assists the engine.
Then, during low-burden cruising, the Insight enters EV mode, resting all cylinders of the engine and letting the motor do all the work. The result is reduced fuel consumption.
When the Insight decelerates or goes down a hill, the motor becomes a generator, capturing the energy of deceleration.
Finally, when the Insight isn’t moving, the engine enters idle stop mode.
The Insight’s IMA system is fundamentally similar to that of the Civic Hybrid, and it’s one that greatly enhances fuel efficiency.
At the very bottom of the slide, we see the operation of engine and motor as displayed in the Energy Flow Information screen of the Multi-Information Display.