Honda Fit goes electric in Los Angeles

Honda has revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle that will be part of Honda’s strategy to reduce CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy-management and energy-production technologies.

Honda is planning to introduce the FIT EV all-electric vehicle in 2012 and the Fit EV Concept is an indication of what the model will look like when it reaches the showrooms. The first markets to receive the Fit EV will be the US and Japan.

"Honda's long history with electromotive technologies has enabled us to understand customer requirements," said Takanobu Ito, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO. "In Honda's view, an electric vehicle must offer great utility and be fun to drive. Fit EV's urban commuting capability will be a perfect addition to the full-function mobility of the plug-in hybrid and FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle."

Developed to the answer to the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter the Fit EV features the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. When it goes into production the al-electric vehicle will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

Benefiting from a engine high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Fit EV will deliver efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds, with an expected top speed of 90 mph.

Honda wants its Fit EV to have an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge. The driving range can be maximized with the use of innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid.

In addition to the 3-mode E-Drive system, the Fit EV will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximizing battery range.

Battery recharging will be easy on the Fit EV and it will last less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.

The Fit EV and a new plug-in hybrid sedan will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012, and will be joining Honda's diverse lineup of environmentally-responsible vehicles, which already includes the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Civic GX compressed natural gas-powered sedan (U.S. only) and four distinct gasoline-electric hybrid models: Civic Hybrid; CR-Z sport hybrid; Insight hybrid and Fit Hybrid (Japan and Europe only).