First look at the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid

Honda looks to give rival automaker Toyota a run for its money in the plug-in hybrid market.

Honda is set to enter the plug-in hybrid arena with the forthcoming 2014 Honda Accord PHEV. The automaker previously offered an Accord Hybrid, but the venture lasted a mere three years. Now, Honda will once again try its hand at the Hybrid market with all-new redesigned hybrid platform. Like the Ford Fusion Energi and Fusion Hybrid before it, Honda plans on releasing an Accord Plug-in Hybrid and Accord Hybrid.

Set to hit dealerships in early 2013, the Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will have the capability of running in all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles and a calculated total driving range of more than 500 miles. Although EPA estimates have not been disclosed, Honda expects the Accord plug-in Hybrid to best 100 MPGe, a figure comparable to the Fusion Energi.

The Accord Plug-in Hybrid boasts one of Honda’s four new efficient powertrains available on the all-new Accord models. It will be powered by the automaker’s first two-motor hybrid system, and utilizes the innovative Earth DreamsTM 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine system, which produced 137 horsepower. The vehicle’s electronic driving is maintained by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium ion battery, capable of 196 horsepower. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will serve as the foundation for the conventional hybrid Accord, due out in the summer of 2013.

In addition to full-electric mode, 2014 Accord PHEV owners will also be able to select to other driving modes. The vehicle’s second mode is a hybrid mode reminiscent of the Chevrolet Volt. The Accord PHEV’s hybrid mode uses an engine generator, which produces electricity for the drive motor. In it third driving mode, the electric motor receives additional power thanks to a gas engine mechanically connecting with the drive wheels. Also, the engine will be engaged whenever full acceleration is reached.

Aside from its unique drivetrain, the 2014 Accord PHEV touts exceptional visual changes. The upcoming plug-in hybrid will be available in three exterior colors, including two shades (White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl). The Accord PHEV also features a weight-reducing aluminum hood and rear bumper beam, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, a distinct front grille, and improved underbody aerodynamics.

The Accord PHEV sedan also touts a laundry list of standard features including Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB/iPod connectivity, Pandora internet radio, Smart Start and Smart Entry, Honda Lane Watch, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition, multi-view rear camera, heated front seats, audio with touchscreen interface, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bio-Fabric seating surfaces, and LED headlights.

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid will be built in Sayama, Japan. Stay tuned for more information regarding the 2014 Accord Hybrid, which will be released after the Plug-in Hybrid model.

Click HERE for more images of the 2014 Honda Accord PHEV.