THE Honda PCX Hybrid is a unique motorcycle. It is the first hybrid motorcycle and a harbinger of many more to come, at least from Honda.
Honda terms the PCX Hybrid as having a “motorcycle hybrid system” because it doesn’t function quite like a car’s hybrid system. The electric “engine” does not actually power the PCX at any time but it only “assists” the conventional engine when required.
The internal combustion side of things is conventional scooter-tech. The fuel-injected, 124cc SOHC liquid-cooled four-stroke single produces 12.1hp at 8,500rpm and has a maximum torque of 8.9 ft/lbs at 5,000rpm.
The rest of the scooter is also common to the PCX; 14-inch wheels, a front disc brake and rear drum, a fork and swingarm suspension combination, and a double cradle frame. The bodywork and styling also gives no clues to the Hybrid but for a discreet “Hybrid” badge on the front side panels. The same Smart key system is also present.
The electric side of the “powertrain” is more interesting. An alternating current generator (ACG) producing 1.9hp at 3,000rpm and 3.2 ft/lbs of torque at 3,000rpm is the electric engine and starts the engine as well. A 48V lithium-ion battery powers the AGC and sits in the 23-litre luggage box while still retaining enough room for a helmet. The brains behind the AGC is the Power Drive Unit (PDU), which is sited in the fairing.
As you might expect, the electric assistance lends the PCX with a more “bubbly” response up to 3,000rpm. It definitely beats the standard PCX off the line but beyond that 3,000rpm threshold, it remains that familiar PCX we all know. The assist is determined by the amount of throttle the PDU detects. Interestingly, there are two assist modes.
The D mode is set up for enhanced fuel economy and a less assistance. The S mode improves performance with more aggressive assistance and less focus on efficiency. In all, the boost of 36 per cent extra torque and 15 per cent more horsepower means the Hybrid effectively has 14hp and 12 ft/lbs of torque.
In addition, the PCX Hybrid has an idling stop system to further enhance fuel economy. An LED instrument panel keeps tabs on speed, distance and also which mode the PCX Hybrid is in with an indicator to show how much assist the battery is giving to the ICE and also battery charge statuses. Fuel consumption is indicated as well as a useful clock.
In the final reckoning, the fuel consumption figure is 51-55km per litre (km/l). If you take it steadier (we didn’t), you can get up to 60km/l. Fuel tank capacity is eight litres, so the PCX Hybrid theoretically can go for 480km before needing a fill-up. In any case, it will always get better FC figures than any conventional scooter.
If you are looking to save the planet while remaining stylishly PCX, the Hybrid is selling for RM13,499, excluding road tax and insurance.