Honda Integrated Motor Assist

Integrated Motor Assist, usually shortened to IMA, is a mild hybrid powertrain developed by Honda in which a thin electric motor sits between the petrol engine and the transmission. The motor works as the starter, as a generator that recovers energy during braking, as an engine balancer and as a source of extra torque during acceleration, and it lets the engine shut off at a stop and restart quickly. IMA debuted in 1999 on the first generation Honda Insight and was later fitted to the Civic Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, Fit Hybrid, Freed Hybrid, CR-Z and Acura ILX Hybrid. Early versions could not move the car on electricity alone, and the motor was weaker than those of rival full hybrid systems, which is why IMA is regarded as one of the earliest mild hybrids. Honda later phased it out in favor of newer hybrid systems.