the big thing you would lose is torque. The IMA takes it from 66 to 91 ft-lbs. thats a big jump in a little car.

the battery module weighs 48 lbs. theres probably another 100 or so to be tossed from the back of the car, plus the IMA motor (20-30 lbs?). so thats a drop of less than 10% of the cars weight. add back a way to charge the 12 volt battery. and dont forget the battery system is also used to smooth out the power pulses of that little 3-cylinder.

all-in-all, i would go full electric before i went 1-liter gas only. i would rather have a little pocket rocket that i plug in at night than a cute little car that cant get out of its own way.

ymmv!!!

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 82 mpg