In fuel-guzzling Saudi Arabia, electric cars pique interest

As the first ever petrol-electric hybrid car to be launched in Europe, the Honda Insight is a true pioneer. Featuring a state-of-the-art powertrain, incredibly low kerb weight and an exceptional aerodynamic design, the sleek two-seater coupe was one of the most fuel-efficient models in the world, with a combined consumption figure of 3.4l/100km (83.1mpg). Powering this cutting-edge coupe was Honda’s trend-setting Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain that gave the car class-leading fuel-efficiency and incredibly low emissions. Housed in a light and strong aluminium body designed to deliver one of the lowest drag coefficients of any production car, it slipped through the air with minimal wind resistance. At the heart of the Insight was one of the lightest 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engines ever made, using advanced lean burn technology, low friction components and lightweight materials. Connected directly to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and driving through a five-speed manual gearbox, was an ultra-thin (60mm) DC-brushless motor. This was powered by a 144V nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH) battery (weighing just 20kg) mounted under the boot floor. When accelerating, the electric motor boosted engine performance to the level of an equivalent 1.5-litre petrol engine, while under deceleration it acted as a generator to recharge the batteries.