it already has a 12 volt starter. its used when the temp is either very high or very low. or when there is a problem with the traction battery system.

the car is perfectly drivable without the assist. its just slower getting up to speed. think geo metro. i kill the assist during the engine warm-up period on my commute to keep my mpgs high.

as for marketing hoo-haa, if you get rid of the assist and replace it with a bigger engine, it _will_ burn more fuel. how much depends on how you drive it.

btw, you will also need a way to charge the 12 volt battery. the assist motor is the alternator, via the traction battery and a dc-dc converter.

2000 Honda Insight. Kenwood MP3 head unit, Blaupunkt door speakers, dual Cobalt amps, 3 MTX stealth subs, 4th very-high-mounted brake light, Sumitomo tires, yellow-top, hot induction air mod, tinted, SG2, MIMA, center armrest.


best tank 78.4 mpg