Anyone find anything that Honda does better than the PiP? Green Car Congress: Honda introduces Accord hybrid and plug-in in Japan; hybrid in US in October
Better empg, equal ice mpg, more power, and it looks & drives like a normal sedan instead of an econobox?
There is already a great thread about this (here), I posted my opinions, review/pics in there. In short, the only thing it doesn't do better is price and trunk space (ignoring the fact that styling is a personal choice)
The Honda has more ev range, faster Charging time , the car is bigger and more weight. The hybrid part is not as efficient as the pip hybrid part
With a base price over $4oK, we should hold off on the celebrating. A certain other plug-in taught us how critical being affordable is as a priority for the masses. Mainstream acceptance requires a business-sustaining cost. It cannot have a dependency on tax-credits either. The new approach to hybrid design & efficiency obviously shows promise though.
At least the choices are getting more numerous. For less trunk space and higher price tag, I might consider the Volt if it weren't made by GM. Honda used to pride themselves on a great fleet mpg average. They seem to have lost focus lately. The minivan has poor mpg, especially for a company that claims they cherish the best mpg title, and I hear it is not that reliable. Ford comes in with so-so numbers on their hybrid. Hopefully all these cars get better in the next 4-8 yrs.
