Honda unveils 2013 Fit EV; expects about 1,100 units in US over next 3 years
17 November 2011
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| The 2013 Fit EV. Click to enlarge. |
Honda unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and announced plans to begin leasing the battery electric commuter vehicle in the US in the summer of 2012. 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 Fit EV’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $36,625 with an estimated lease priced of $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.
Customers interested in leasing a Fit EV are encouraged to sign up at www.FitEV.Honda.com where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a future Fit EV customer.
The Fit EV is designed to meet the needs of an average urban commuter, offering an estimated driving range of 123 miles (198 km) on a single charge using the US EPA city cycle test methods. Honda anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles (122 miles) on the new Fuel Economy labels. The Fit EV will be powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery produced by Toshiba, and with maximum battery output of 100 kW. The Fit EV is equipped with a 92 kW coaxial electric motor derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.
Driving range of the Fit EV can be maximized by using several 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 maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17% compared to driving in Normal mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode.
In addition to the 3-mode driving system, the Fit EV includes interactive coaching features designed to assist the driver in maximizing 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.
The exterior dimensions of the Fit EV are identical to the gasoline-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 summer 2012, it will be available in one exclusive color, Reflection Blue Pearl. EV badges on the rear hatch and decals on the side of the vehicle distinguish the electric vehicle from its gasoline counterpart.
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 color depending on the driving mode selected (green, white or red).
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 maximizes 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 meters) of the vehicle.
Honda will test the Fit EV with the City of Torrance, California Google Inc. and Stanford University as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Each program participant will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the Fit EV. Individually, each participant will use the Fit EV to further initiatives such as research into human behavior and various usage like personal, fleet and car-sharing.
Well, that was an anticlimax. The big production Fit EV roll-out turns out to be nothing more than a limited 3-year field trial. So it's back to Nissan/Renault, Tesla, BMW, and Daimler.
Posted by: ChrisL | 17 November 2011 at 07:32 AM
Good specs but the price will have to be reduced by 50% before people buy millions of it. Hope that it can be done in the next 5 years or so.
Posted by: HarveyD | 17 November 2011 at 08:12 AM
Well, the average transaction price for lt duty vehicles in the US is $29.5k
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2011/10/03/transaction-prices-for-new-cars-continue-to-slide/
add the $7500 Fed Tax Credit and that brings it up to $37k.. right in the target area of all these new BEVs. Then take into account the savings in not buying gas, maintenance etc.
Apparently the cost is not too far from normal. Maybe something else is slowing down the adoption rate. Lets flood the market with BEVs and see what happens when the Iran $200 a barrel oilapocaplyse hits.
Posted by: Herm | 17 November 2011 at 10:34 AM
BMW and Daimler - when if ever can we buy these?? Production 2012 Chevy VOLT is now available in 50 States. 230MPGe in EV mode.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 17 November 2011 at 11:15 PM
Just say no to leasing. Honda crushed their last EV lease only vehicle.
Posted by: JRP3 | 18 November 2011 at 06:39 AM
Would rather have a Volt. Fit will have to do better on price to compete.
Posted by: Robert Fanney | 18 November 2011 at 08:20 PM
This is Honda's 'toe dip' into EVs. Give them a little while to sort things out.
With Honda, Toyota, Ford and Nissan all in the EV game we're going to see some good stuff happening. GM will soon join up along with the European manufacturers.
Now, if we could make batteries cheaper faster....
Posted by: Bob Wallace | 21 November 2011 at 11:26 AM
The EVs need affordable batteries.
One has to wonder if the auto makers make little money on these, but want to appear green.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 24 November 2011 at 12:58 PM
I'm sure manufacturers are not making large margins on EVs, but might not the motivation be to gain a portion of the future EV market?
Carlos Ghosn, CEO Nissan, has stated that Nissan is not loosing money on the Leaf. He's also stated that he intends for Nissan to seize a major share of the auto market when the movement to EVs gets underway.
I doubt that greenwashing would help sell gas guzzlers.
Posted by: Bob Wallace | 25 November 2011 at 10:05 AM