As part of Honda's electrification strategy in Europe, which is centered on the 182 HP ZR-V hybrid crossover and the CR-V hybrid SUV equipped with the same propulsion system, it is this latest model that plays an additional role - and again more decisive - because it is also offered with Honda's first plug-in hybrid system for continental markets.
This is the e:Phev plug-in engine which uses the same 4-cylinder 2.0 Atkinson cycle petrol engine as the ZR-V and CR-V hybrid models, however revised to improve efficiency and dynamic performance, also thanks to the 'electric' all-wheel drive which is specific to this version.
Improvements to the 2.0 petrol engine include a new high-pressure multi-stage direct injection fuel system and a catalyst that is more efficient thanks to low-temperature activation, which improves its environmental performance.
The dimensions of the exhaust ducts have also been enlarged to support the increase in power output.
Also noteworthy is the presence of a shell entirely made of polyurethane which acts as an engine cover and increases acoustic insulation.
This prerogative, combined with the greater rigidity of the crankshaft, helps to reduce the passage of noise and vibrations towards the interior and further improve the quality of life on board.
Honda CR-V e:Phev uses a 17.7 kWh battery placed under the passenger compartment - therefore without taking up space for people and luggage - which helps in 'hybrid' journeys and allows you to travel 82 km when you choose the 100% mode electric.
The greater electrical assistance compared to the CR-V e:He hybrid allows the engine rotation speed to be kept much lower thus further improving noise levels, refinement and fuel efficiency at different speeds.
Furthermore, the electric range - which as in the e:Hev versions uses the regenerative braking system for recovery - can be quickly restored by connecting the car to a socket and using the high-power on-board charger, which is very compact and lightweight.
The innovative Plug-in hybrid system allows the CR-V to have an average WLTP approved consumption of just 0.8 litres/100km with a fully charged battery and CO2 emissions contained in 18 g/km.
When the battery is fully discharged, these values increase only marginally, as the vehicle switches to operating as a traditional hybrid, offering performance comparable to the 2WD e:HEV variant.
Enhancements include a high-pressure, multi-stage direct injection fuel system, while a high-performance, low-temperature-activated catalyst improves environmental performance.
The surface of the exhaust pipe has also been enlarged to further improve power delivery, while the all-polyurethane engine cover maintains high insulation from noise and vibration.
This, combined with the greater rigidity of the crankshaft, contributes to further improving the liveability of the interior.
The hybrid version of the HondaCR-V, called e:HEV, is equipped (as with the ZR-V) with the most advanced version of the Full Hybrid engine which combines a petrol engine with a newly developed automatic transmission.
The latter houses the electric propulsion unit and the generator on separate axles, so as to allow a 6.5% increase in torque (reaching 335 Nm) without increasing overall dimensions.
The maximum rotation speed of the electric motor has also been increased by 1,500 rpm (i.e. 7% more) and reaches up to 14,500 rpm.
It should be noted that the CR-V transmission now also boasts a second gear, which is activated when the engine is connected directly to the front wheels.
A new low ratio is therefore added to the existing high ratio.
Both are optimized for as many driving situations as possible, with the aim of significantly improving both the driving force at low speeds in Engine Drive mode and the driving frequency in this efficient and direct mode.
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