Honda Fit EV makes global debut in LA

Honda Fit EV makes global debut in LA

The Honda Fit EV has made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the all-electric vehicle, based on the Fit hatchback, offers a 198 km highway driving and a 122 km combined city/highway operating range, based on US EPA city cycle test methods.

The five-seater Fit EV, which will be introduced to US consumers via leasing programs beginning next summer, will be powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kW coaxial high-density electric motor which is derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.

A 6.6 kW, onboard 32 amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the vehicle; with a 240-volt charger, the Fit EV can fully recharge in as little as three hours. It will feature 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 modes.

Honda Fit EV makes global debut in LA

Externally, the Fit EV is identical to the gasoline-powered Fit, though it offers a higher hip point to accommodate the under floor placement of the 20 kWh battery. It will only come in a single, exclusive color, this being Reflection Blue Pearl, and will also have the familiar chrome front fascia similar to other Honda eco-friendly vehicles such as the Insight hybrid

Additionally, the car gets EV badges on the rear hatch and decals on the side of the vehicle to help distinguish it from its gasoline counterpart, and it will wear distinct five-spoke alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler. Inside, the seating surfaces are covered with bio-fabric.

Tech features include a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, PC or interactive remote. Through the Fit EV smartphone and computer applications, the driver can remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air-conditioning or heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid, to maximise battery range on start-up.

Honda Fit EV makes global debut in LA

The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimise charging times based on varying utility rates. The Fit EV will also come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System to locate public charging stations and frequently updated traffic information.

Meanwhile, the interactive remote – operable up to 30 metres from the vehicle – allows the driver to monitor the vehicle’s state of charge and cabin temperature, initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air-conditioning via it.

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 company expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1,100 Fit EV’s over the next three years.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • The old model Jazz was a success… what followed next after was a failure…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Agree with you.

      In fact, 1st generation Jazz remains as one of my favourite second hand cars I am intending to purchase. The draw back is its high price.

      Imagine a 2005 vtec can still command RM65k which is equivalent to a 2004 1.8 altis. So which one should I choose?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • as usual lah on Nov 18, 2011 at 4:06 pm

        the old jazz very slow..untuk autoshow mmg champion…
        old jazz very unique…smp skg pn x nmpak mcm tua..hmm
        better buy ssangyong rexton ;)

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Nov 17, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    this should be a little quick car.

    92kW = 123hp and a lot more torque from 0 rpm.

    Any details what gearbox would come with this?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Carl Wong on Nov 18, 2011 at 2:44 am

      Usually electric cars use a 1 speed or single speed with reverse. The Tesla Roadster can get to 100km/hr in less than 4 seconds.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • peter32 on Nov 17, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    I don’t know, but the design is just so typical and horrible. One of those that does not inspire any spirit at all.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Carl Wong on Nov 17, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Max torque from 0 rpm baby……
    2013??!!! Please come here, no import tax……….!
    I will get one hopefully, perfect city car :).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Rosmah on Nov 17, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    idk why Honda ev and hybrid all got Jamban door handles wan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hunny Bunny on Nov 18, 2011 at 1:36 am

    The answer for expensive price and ugly Honda Jazz is Ford Fiesta.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • as usual lah on Nov 18, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      wrong! proton inspira is better ada boot bsar ;)
      ford fiesta made in siam and sime darby is a joke!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Carl Wong on Nov 18, 2011 at 2:55 am

    The Jazz EV is as fast as a 2.0L in sport mode and more than 2 times more efficient.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required