IMA Motor
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The IMA motor is a synchronous AC type unit that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy and vice versa. It assists the engine during acceleration, runs the vehicle during low speed cruise, and starts the engine.
The IMA motor is located between the engine and the transmission. It consists of a 3-phase coil stator and a permanent magnet rotor that is directly connected to the engine crankshaft. An IMA motor rotor position sensor is mounted on the back of the engine block to detect the position of the rotor.