If you're among the alleged 50% of consumers who are aware that hybrids don't come with power cords, you may be familiar with Honda's system. Dubbed "Integrated Motor Assist," this Accord's powertrain team consists of a conventional gas engine helped out by a battery-powered electric motor that, under certain conditions, takes some of the workload off the gas engine's back. IMA also serves as a generator to capture free kinetic energy under braking or coasting for recharging the battery pack. (Well, it's free in the sense that you already paid for it via burning gas to accelerate up to speed.) IMA's last job is to be an instant starter.
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