Running the HAH on gas only
 

Does anyone know whether the HAH could run on gas only with the high voltage battery pack disconnected or removed? Is this approved by Honda?

My reason for asking is related to long-term use of the vehicle/resale value. If there are serious post-warranty problems with the hybrid system or battery pack, it is unlikely that owners will be willing to spend many thousands of dollars to do the necessary repairs on a vehicle already six or seven years old. Potential purchasers of a such a used vehicle would also balk at taking on this risk.

Honda seems to be silent on the matter. However, I've read on this site the HCH can run on gas alone, albeit with very limited performance. The HAH would have no performance problem with its 240hp gas engine. Honda would would certainly help its hybrid sales if potential owners knew that gas alone operation were possible. It would also be a clear advantage over competing systems such as Toyota's.

Re: Running the HAH on gas only
 

because both the civic hybrid and accord hybrid use the same basic ima technology, i would think that you could run the accord hybrid on gas only too.

however, if your intent is this, simply buy an accord v6 instead of a hybrid. one of the liabilities of having a hybrid is the life of the battery pack, and i believe if you take out the battery after using it for a little bit, its charge will deplete to nothing within two weeks and it won't recharge to what used to be its full potential again

Re: Running the HAH on gas only
 

The estimates I've seen for all Hybrid battery packs is the life of the car, i.e. 8 years or more and easily 200k to 300k miles. No one yet knows for sure.

However, the Accord will run on gas only. If the battery does not have sufficient charge, it is equipped with a starter (normally not used) and will avoid auto stop.

Re: Running the HAH on gas only
 

Thanks for the comments. I would have no intention to run on gas only unless something went wrong with the hybrid system on a trip. In Canada the batteries are only guaranteed for 80,000 miles -- a figure many drivers could easily reach in four or five years. It's nice that people are predicting much longer useful life but it won't help if they prove to be wrong. If Honda were really confident it would be covering the batteries for the mileage that most people actually drive in eight years. However, if the HAH could be driven without properly functioning high voltage batteries, owners would at least have an option when faced with very expensive repairs.

Re: Running the HAH on gas only
 

It will very likely trip the check engine light almost immidiately, if not before you even start it.

Re: Running the HAH on gas only
 

In real cold weather (-10 F and lower) the HAH runs on gas only without charging battery on decel or breaking and no assist until system warms-up or warmer weather.
The car still drives fine but fuel economy suffers.