I Just Finished Putting a Massive Lithium Battery in My Honda Insight, And Now I’m Getting Over 100 MPG With an Additional 77ft-lbs of Torque

It’s not every day you see someone turn a humble Honda Insight into something that leaves gearheads and fuel-efficiency fanatics equally stunned. But that’s what I saw this morning when Austin Perdue posted his latest creation in the "Show off your Honda/Acura" Facebook group. What started as a quirky hybrid is now a torque-rich, lithium-powered, 100+ MPG beast that challenges what we thought a first-gen Insight could ever be.

Here’s how Austin described it in his own words: “Just finished putting a massive lithium battery in the back of my Honda Insight, and turning the hybrid system up to 11. The electric assist has been increased to approximately 24,000 watts, or +77 ft-lbs of torque from 0 rpm, on top of what the engine makes, and there's still headroom in the system. It's not a rocket, but is probably in the range of a B16A CRX in terms of 0-60. I'm averaging 100-120 mpg. The car is around 400 lbs lighter than a stock VX, as it sits.”

This is a setup that bridges the best of both worlds: massive fuel efficiency and usable torque from zero. The result? A commuter car that can embarrass expectations while barely sipping any fuel. Even more impressive that Austin built this system himself in about a week.

Why the Insight Platform Still Matters

To understand just how wild that is, you have to consider the platform he started with. The first-generation Honda Insight has always had a reputation as a hyper-efficient car. One owner's Honda Insight has reportedly driven nearly a million miles, proving the compact model is not just durable, but a canvas for innovation as well. Yet it rarely garners headlines for raw performance or DIY electric torque.

Austin’s upgrade changes that narrative. By injecting an extra 77 lb-ft of torque instantly through a beefy lithium battery pack and custom-tuned hybrid controller, he didn’t just improve efficiency, he fundamentally changed how the car feels. A B16A CRX reference isn’t something you throw around lightly. That’s a benchmark in the tuner world for featherweight agility and respectable speed. But the kicker is that Austin’s car is still lighter than a Civic VX.

And then there’s the mileage. Averaging 100 to 120 mpg in a real-world daily driver with this kind of performance is almost unheard of. While newer Honda Insight models offer impressive hybrid performance, they can’t touch this kind of hand-built efficiency. Austin’s car proves that with the right know-how and motivation, older tech can surpass even the latest factory benchmarks.

What the Community Had to Say

Commenters in the group were quick to recognize how special this build is. Alejandro Molina Melendez put it perfectly: “Now that's what I call daily driver perfection. Stupid mpg figures and enough power to have fun!” That blend of practicality and thrill is exactly what makes Austin’s Insight such a fascinating case.

Paul Bibeau added, “That’s sooo sick! How much work was this? New goals.” Austin replied, “I put it together in about a week.” For those who've done work of this kind by themselves, they know that a week is pretty dang impressive. A full upgrade of this scale shows just how well-prepared and knowledgeable Austin was going into it.

Then there was Jordan Howell, who offered a more philosophical take: “People don’t realize there is still potential to have fun modding your car with electric cars. It opens up a lot of doors for different possibilities. I know it closes some good ones too, but this is the way it will be. Things change.” It’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond this one build. The future of car modification is electric-assisted, and Austin’s car may just be an insight into what that future can look like. 

Ryan Patrick Shay chimed in with a real-world comparison: “100 mpg is what my 79cc 4 stroke Phatmoto bike gets. It's my city runner. That's damn good mileage you got there for a car.” When your electric-enhanced Honda gets the same MPG as a minibike, it’s clear you’ve done something remarkable.

Why It Doesn’t Have to Be EV vs Gas

We’re at an interesting point in automotive history where older hybrid systems see a second life. They aren’t just being driven to death, they’re being upgraded in garages by people like Austin who understand both the potential of electric motors and the importance of weight and gearing. The Insight platform could be more relevant now than ever for budget-minded enthusiasts chasing both fuel savings and character.

This project also quietly reignites the debate that continues to surface around the Honda Insight vs EV discussion, especially among gearheads who mourn the decline of gasoline. Yet as this project shows, it doesn't have to be one or the other. Hybrids like this can deliver the charm of a combustion engine while adding the punch of electric torque, creating a best-of-both-worlds scenario.

That's why I think this story represents something bigger than just one cool car. It reflects a shift in what defines performance, sustainability, and ingenuity. Austin’s Insight reminds us that brilliance now includes kilowatts, battery placement, and coding skills. What impresses me most is that this isn’t some exotic EV swap with a six-figure budget. It’s a smart rework of what was already a clever car. This is also a powerful and refreshing glimpse into how car culture is evolving—where creativity, sustainability, and performance are no longer separate lanes, but part of the same road forward.

Key Takeaways

• A lithium battery upgrade in a first-gen Honda Insight can dramatically increase both efficiency and performance when tuned intelligently.
• Custom hybrid tuning can unlock surprising levels of torque, offering an EV-like driving experience while still retaining the original engine’s character.
• Real-world MPG figures in the 100-120 range are achievable, even with performance gains, when weight and aerodynamics are properly managed.
• Projects like this highlight the ongoing relevance of older hybrid platforms and open new doors for creative car modding in the electric age.
• You don’t need a massive budget or factory support to push the boundaries of what’s possible with sustainable driving.

Let's Hear What You Have to Say

What do you think of Austin's Insight? Would you ever consider building your own hybrid performance project like this?

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts in our comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “Show off your Honda/Acura” public Facebook group.