World Debut of Honda Fit EV Concept Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrid
Platform at Los Angeles Auto Show

Advanced environmental vehicles key to Honda Electric Mobility Network

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17 /CNW/ - Honda today unveiled the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle and the platform for a midsize plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both vehicles are integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network, the company's comprehensive approach to reducing CO₂ emissions through innovative products, energy management and energy-production technologies.

The Fit EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda's upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda's next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology.

"The initial roll-out of these two vehicles will be in select markets in the U.S. and Japan in 2012," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc.  "We will be evaluating the marketability of these vehicles for Canada.  We currently have no specific timetable for introduction to the Canadian marketplace."

According to Takanobu Ito, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO, "Honda's long history with electromotive technologies has enabled us to understand customer requirements. 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." 

Honda Fit EV

The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of an average metropolitan commuter and utilizes the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds. The Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 160-kilometer (100-mile) driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle, which is 112 kilometers (70 miles) when applying EPA's adjustment factor. Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the all-new 2011 Honda 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 per cent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 per cent compared to driving in Sport mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-litre gasoline engine.

The Fit EV is designed to be easy and convenient to charge. Battery recharging can be accomplished in fewer than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and fewer than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior colour and distinctive five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Fit EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces. 

Honda Plug-in Hybrid

Honda also unveiled a plug-in hybrid platform, which showcases Honda's next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Integrated into a mid-size sedan platform, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 15 to 25 kilometers (10-15 miles) in city driving and a top speed of about 100 km/h (62 mph). Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre, i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor. For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

For further information:

Richard Jacobs [phone]