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Honda unveiled the all-new 2013
Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto
Show and announced plans to
begin leasing the 123 city-mile
per charge (76 mile range
combined adjusted city/highway)1 battery
electric commuter vehicle in the
U.S in summer 2012. The Fit EV
is based on the popular Fit
(named Jazz in Europe) and is a
part of the company’s diverse
portfolio of alternative fuel
vehicles that includes
petrol-electric hybrid, plug-in
hybrid, fuel cell-electric and
natural gas-powered models.
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American Honda
will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in
select California and Oregon markets next
summer, and will expand to six East Coast
markets in early 2013. The introduction of the
Fit EV to Europe has yet to be confirmed. The
Fit EV’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price2 (MSRP)
is $38,675 with an estimated lease priced at
$399 a month. Honda will monitor market
acceptance, but expects volume at this early
stage of production to be approximately 1,100
Fit EV’s over the next three years. |
Fit EV Performance
The Fit EV is designed to meet
the needs of an average urban
commuter, offering an estimated
driving range of 123-miles on a
single charge using the US EPA
city cycle test methods (Honda
anticipates a combined
city/highway EV range of 76
miles on the new Fuel Economy
labels) 1. The Fit EV will be
powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion
battery and a 92 kilowatt
coaxial electric motor. The high
density electric motor, derived
from the motor used in the FCX
Clarity fuel cell electric
vehicle, delivers excellent
efficiency and power while
remaining quiet at high speeds.
Driving range of the Fit EV can
be maximised by using several
innovative features, including a
3- mode electric drive system,
adapted from the CR-Z Sport
Hybrid. The system allows the
driver to select between Econ,
Normal and Sport to instantly
and seamlessly change the
driving experience to maximise
efficiency or improve
acceleration. While in Econ
mode, practical driving range
can increase by as much as
17-percent compared to driving
in Normal mode. Acceleration
improves significantly when in
Sport mode, adding to the Fit
EV’s fun to drive nature.
In addition to the 3-mode
driving system, the Fit EV
includes interactive coaching
features designed to assist the
driver in maximising battery
performance and driving range.
The power meter alerts the
driver to optimal driving
conditions. Additional energy-
saving features includes a
highly efficient electric air
conditioning system and new
regenerative braking system.
The 6.6 kW, onboard 32 amp
charger allows for convenient
recharging of the Fit EV. With a
240-volt charger, the Fit EV can
fully recharge in as little as
three hours. At launch timing,
Honda will have a preferred
Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment (EVSE) charging
supplier.
Fit EV Exterior and
Interior Styling
The exterior dimensions of the
Fit EV are identical to the
petrol-powered Fit with the
addition of a higher hip point
to accommodate the under floor
placement of the 20 kWh battery.
When the car launches in the
U.S. in summer 2012, it will be
available in one exclusive
colour, Reflection Blue Pearl.
EV badges on the rear hatch and
decals on the side of the
vehicle distinguish the electric
vehicle from its petrol
counterpart.
The Fit EV carries a familiar
chrome front fascia that is
similar to other Honda
environmentally-responsible
vehicles like the FCX Clarity
fuel cell electric vehicle and
Insight hybrid. The Fit EV is
outfitted with distinct
five-spoke alloy wheels and an
aerodynamic rear spoiler.
In the passenger cabin, the
seating surfaces are covered
with bio-fabric. The Fit EV
features illuminated meters that
alert the driver to key vehicle
functions including state of
charge, battery usage and
driving range. The meters change
colour depending on the driving
mode selected (green, white or
red).
The Fit EV features a spacious
and functional cabin with
comfortable seating for up to
five passengers. For enhanced
versatility, the Fit EV offers
multiple seating and
cargo-carrying configurations.
Fit EV Telematics and
Interactive Remote
To help the driver manage the
electric vehicle ownership
experience, the Fit EV will have
a standard telematics system
that allows the driver to stay
connected through a smartphone,
personal computer or interactive
remote. Through the Fit EV
smartphone and computer
applications, the driver can
remotely view the vehicles state
of charge, initiate charging and
activate the air conditioning
and heater, to pre-condition the
vehicle while connected to the
grid which maximises battery
range on start-up. The mobile
application and website also
offers the ability to set
charging notifications and
alerts to optimize charging
times based on varying utility
rates and provides access to
24-hour roadside assistance. The
Fit EV will come equipped with a
standard Honda Satellite-Linked
Navigation System™ that provides
the ability to locate public
charging stations and frequently
updated traffic information.
The interactive remote allows
the driver to monitor the
vehicles state of charge and
cabin temperature. Additionally,
the driver can initiate and
terminate charging and remotely
turn on the air conditioning
using the interactive remote.
The interactive remote does not
require an internet or mobile
connection to operate however
the driver must be within 100
feet (30 metres) of the vehicle.
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