HONDA The Power of Dreams

The hybrid system of PCX HYBRID is the world's first hybrid system for a mass-production motorcycle, providing an unprecedentedly direct and enjoyable riding feel.
When starting off, the motor, which generates a large amount of torque from low rpm, assists the engine to achieve more agile acceleration and reduce staggering when riding in tandem. When cornering, the improved traction performance enables powerful acceleration on rising speed.

Hybrid systems usually require a drive battery and a complex control system, which leads to an increase in weight. The system used in the PCX HYBRID has a compact structure that fits into the body of the gasoline model PCX to avoid a decrease in driving performance due to the increased weight, aiming to allow everyone to experience the " pleasure of riding". 

In order to achieve a compact and lightweight system, a "parallel system" was adopted to add a drive assist function to the ACG starter, which was responsible for engine starting/generation in the PCX.

The energy source for engine start and assist is a newly developed compact lithium-ion battery, and for the core material for the motor, an electromagnetic steel sheet with low iron loss, has been adopted, which is also used in automobile hybrid systems, in pursuit of high efficiency. As a result, we have achieved a slim and compact hybrid system that fits into the same body as the gasoline PCX model.

The lithium-ion battery is located at the rear of the luggage compartment, and the power drive unit, which controls the system, is placed inside the front cover; by optimizing the layout, the luggage compartment capacity can accommodate a full-face helmet.

The motor assist achieves a 33% increase in torque at 4,000 rpm and a 22% increase at 5,000 rpm compared to the PCX's engine torque. This results improved acceleration performance and a more agile throttle response.

The motor assists the engine for about three seconds after the start of throttle operation, and then gradually reduces the amount of assist over a period of one second to achieve a natural and comfortable riding feeling.
When not assisting the motor, the ACG starter generates electricity to charge the lithium-ion battery in case acceleration is required.
In addition, when starting from an idling stop, the motor assists to shorten the time required to connect the centrifugal clutch. Compared to the gasoline model, it has been made possible to accelerate quickly.