This is Lawson Auto Service's 2003 Honda Insight Hybrid. It gets over 60 mpg!  
It is powered by a 3 cylinder 1.0 liter VTEC engine and is equipped with a 5 speed manual
transmission.  The electric motor is used for extra power when accelerating and also for
starting.
 
I get asked quite often, "Do you have to plug the vehicle in at night"? The answer is No.
It never needs to be plugged in. The onboard computers keep track of the mount of power
assist, condition of the battery pack, and charging of the batteries. The main battery pack
is recharged by the generator and also by "regenerative braking".

There is a standard 12 volt battery underneath the hood of the Insight. All of the 12 volt powered
components run off this battery. The DC-DC  Module in the back converts the 144 volt battery
pack to a lower voltage in order to charge the battery under the hood.

The Insight has a top speed of 115 mph, and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds. Not too
bad for a 1 liter engine. Handling is fantastic. I  currently have all the tires aired up to 45 psi. It makes
for a slightly rough ride, but it helps the mileage tremedously.

I have managed to get 84.6 mpg on a 31.8 mile drive. This was done on June 3, 2005. Weather conditions
at the time: Cloudy with light rain, temperature around 75-80 degrees, no wind. 

Below are a few pictures of the 144 volt battery pack and electronic control modules that are hidden behind the
seats. I will add more pictures as time allows.

 
    








































                                                 Click on these two pictures above for a closer view.