Is the Acura NSX gas or electric?
The Acura NSX is a hybrid, not a fully electric vehicle.
In the current generation, Acura pairs a gasoline V6 with electric motors and a compact battery to deliver high performance. The NSX uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with three electric motors and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, but it lacks a plug-in charging port.
How the NSX powertrain blends gas and electricity
Key components driving the hybrid system are:
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
- Electric motors: three permanent-magnet motors (two at the front axle, one integrated with the engine to drive the rear axle)
- Battery: high-voltage lithium-ion pack (~1.3 kWh)
- Transmission: 9-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)
- Drivetrain: Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with hybrid assist
Electric motors provide instant torque and assist the gasoline engine, especially at low speeds, while regenerative braking helps recharge the battery during deceleration. The system is designed to maximize performance while maintaining everyday usability.
Plug-in capability and charging habits
Before charging specifics, note that:
- Not a plug-in hybrid: no external charging port
- Battery recharged primarily through the engine-driven generator and regenerative braking
- Limited electric-only driving: electric range is not a focus of the design
As a result, the NSX remains a gas-electric hybrid, with electric components tuned to support performance rather than provide extended all-electric driving.
Generations and notable variants
First generation (1990–1994)
The original NSX was a gasoline-powered supercar with a mid-mounted V6 and advanced chassis design for its era, without a hybrid system.
Second generation and Type S (2016–present)
The modern NSX introduced a hybrid powertrain: a twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors and a 9-speed DCT. The Type S variant, introduced in 2022, enhances performance and chassis tuning within the hybrid framework, but remains not a pure electric car.
What this means for performance and ownership
In daily use, the NSX blends refined interior comfort with the immediate electric torque from its front motors and the broad power band of the V6. Fuel economy is secondary to performance, and gasoline remains the primary fuel source, with electric components supplementing rather than replacing it.
Summary
The Acura NSX is a gas-electric hybrid, combining a gasoline V6 with multiple electric motors. It is not a plug-in or fully electric vehicle, and its battery is charged through the engine and regenerative braking rather than from an external charger. The Type S variant elevates performance within the hybrid setup, but all NSX models stay within the hybrid category rather than EVs.
