Development of IMA Motor for 2006 Civic Hybrid

Honda has employed IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology in the 2006 Civic Hybrid to enhance fuel efficiency and improve dynamic performance of a compact 4-door sedan.

Our objective in developing the motor in the IMA system was to increase power, torque, and efficiency while maintaining the size of a previous motor. To achieve this aim, we focused on the following points:

• IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) rotor structure
• High performance magnet
• Flat wire coil
• Polygonal bus ring structure
• Integrated 3-phase connector

As a result, motor power was increased by 50% and achieved a 3 point average increase in efficiency, enabling vehicle dynamic performance and fuel efficiency objectives to be achieved.