[Colin]

It's not just the battery, the IMA motor is putting out 23 HP (up from the previous HCH's 20hp). In all likelihood, the stronger motor is made possible by Li batteries, but I still don't know if just adding the batteries would move our motor from 12 hp to 23? (somehow I'm doubtful)

 

[Colin]

The CR-Z's chief engineer is on record for saying a new IMA system that would allow electric only operation was slated for the CR-Z.

Any link for this, sounds like a good read.

 

[Colin]

I keep hearing a rumor about a next gen hybrid Accord that uses two IMA motors in tandem. This could be an approach Honda takes on the hotted up version of the CR-Z, but I have more confidence in them adopting the HCH decoupled IMA system.

Actually, this is beyond the rumor stage, Honda revealed this last year.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid Concept - Official Site

Two motors, plug in capability and a 10-15 mile electric only range. This will probably debut in the next generation Acura RL

 

[Colin]

I'm thinking that it would make sense that the batteries are housed in the same 'case' unless their cooling needs are different. However, I'm sure that it's much more involved than just swapping out the pack because you'll need the engine control unit to 'know' what to do with the extra power capacity.

 

[Colin]

I take this to mean we shouldn't expect new batteries, perhaps only a bigger base engine.

I take it to mean that there will be new batteries and possibly a larger/stronger IMA motor to go along with it. I'm going to assume that the reason the CR-Z didn't get the 2011 Civic's 20 hp/103 lb-ft torque motor from the start was the lack of a suitable battery pack (that would fit) to run it.

 

[Colin]

Honda has already experimented a considerable time with the new batteries. It could be that they have anticipated some opportunities when they designed the CR-Z, so that you can just replace the batteries for more capacity and then only have to upload a new software.

But probably not.

They finally released the 'white papers' on the new Civic. Found this on the Hybrid section. (IMO, not looking like new batteries are a "drop in" mod)

Civic Hybrid: IMA Electric Motor
Providing a supplemental power boost and giving the Civic Hybrid the capability to cruise on its electric motor alone in certain driving situations, the IMA's new, lighter and more powerful electric motor is designed to provide up to 23 additional horsepower (17 kW) to the Civic Hybrid's engine. Mounted between the engine and the CVT transmission, the IMA motor is an ultra-thin DC brushless design and provides a substantial amount of low-end torque to aid acceleration, while also assisting in steady-state cruising and hill climbing.

In addition to providing supplemental power, the IMA motor acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to recapture kinetic energy and recharge the IMA's battery pack during regenerative braking. For this fifth generation of IMA motor, an 8-pole design (instead of the previous 6-pole design) reduces heat. The new motor also operates in a lower voltage range (108-172V) compared to the previous motor (132-211V).

Civic Hybrid: IMA Intelligent Power Unit (IPU)
Power for the IMA system is controlled through the Civic Hybrid's Intelligent Power Unit. Located directly behind the rear seatback, the IPU consists of the Power Control Unit (PCU)— or the IMA's command center, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery module, and an integrated cooling unit.The Power Control Unit (PCU) electronically controls the flow of energy to and from the IMA's electric motor.

The battery pack stores electricity in a bank of lithium-ion cells. This bank of 40 individual 3.6-volt batteries stores up to 144 volts of electrical energy for the IMA motor. The new lithium-ion battery technology has approximately twice the energy density and about four times the output density of the previous nickel-metal-hydride batteries. Output is increased by 33 percent, volume is reduced by 36 percent, weight drops by 29 percent and the work capacity of the charging and discharging rates is approximately 3 times higher.

 

[Colin]

Wow, the system on the CR-Z uses way more cells!

ntelligent Power Unit (IPU) with Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Pack

The Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) controls the power of the IMA system. The IPU contains the energy storage module (battery), Power Control Unit (PCU), motor Electric Control Unit (ECU), and a compact air-flow cooling system. The IPU is located beneath the rear cargo area for minimal impact on interior space. The nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery system consists of seven modules that send power to the electric motor as it assists the engine. It also stores the electricity when the motor generates electricity during regenerative braking. The seven-module battery system is comprised of 84 individual "D-sized" 1.2-volt cells for a total battery system output of 100.8 volts and a capacity of 5.75 ampere-hours.

 

[Colin]

So a new Civic pack would be fine as a grid charge parallel/boost supply for the CRZ....
Sadly, with the state of the tech at the moment, there was always a big chance that we were going to get left behind as things move on.

LOL, as much as I hate to be left behind, I hope we are as the tech needs to grow and evolve more.