RESCUING A HIGH MILEAGE HONDA INSIGHT HYBRID - THE NSX OF HYPERMILING

EV Channels Review

Jonny Smith revisits his former Honda Insight, a car he describes as the 'NSX of hypermiling.' This episode chronicles the resurrection of a high-mileage, 2001 first-generation Insight that had been off the road for seven years. Smith highlights the car's groundbreaking engineering for its time, including its all-aluminum construction, lightweight design, and impressive fuel economy. The primary focus is on reviving the hybrid battery pack, a complex process involving deep cycling and careful re-connection. While the car starts and runs, the hybrid system's status is uncertain, and an airbag light and seized rear brakes present immediate challenges. Despite these issues, Smith expresses a strong emotional connection to the car, emphasizing its unique driving experience, engineering prowess, and the satisfaction of bringing a neglected vehicle back to life. The video concludes with the car heading for an MOT, with future plans including potential suspension upgrades and exploring lithium-ion hybridization.