Is this a plug-in hybrid system?

No, the petrol engine can charge the lithium-ion battery that supplies power to the electric propulsion motor, and the car can run in full EV, Hybrid and Engine modes

How does the e:HEV hybrid system operate?

It comprises two compact electric motors connected to an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit, which all work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response

The e:HEV set-up includes three interchangeable drive modes, automatically selected for the driving conditions:
• EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly
• Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to an electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor
• Engine Drive: the engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch when the system recognises that driving the wheels directly with the engine is the most fuel efficient drive mode