Set to go on sale in early 2013, the Accord PHEV will offer the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles and a calculated total driving range over 500 miles.

The 2014 Honda Accord Sedan will feature four new powertrains including a Plug-in Hybrid option. Set to go on sale in early 2013, the Accord PHEV will offer the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles and a calculated total driving range over 500 miles.

Powered by Honda’s first two-motor hybrid system, the PHEV will use a new Earth Dreams^TM 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a 124 kW electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kWh Li-Ion battery, and total system output is 196 hp.

Fuel efficiency is expected to exceed 100 MPG-e, and it’s also expected to receive an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board.

Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, drivers will be able to choose two driving modes to manage battery capacity. In its default upon start-up, the Accord PHEV acts as a pure electric vehicle and will continue on in full-electric mode until battery capacity necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration, the gasoline engine can kick in to provide additional power.

In “HV” mode, the plug-in Accord acts as a conventional hybrid. In “HV Charge” mode, it blends gasoline and electric power while also augmenting the battery charge level.

When plugged into a Level 2, 240 V charger the recharge time is less than one hour – about half the required charge time of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The battery pack is mounted above the rear suspension.

Image: Honda