Honda is getting into the electric-vehicle game with the Fit EV. Shown in concept form at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Fit (our Jazz) EV will go into production in 2012. The Fit EV will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, and a coaxial electric motor also used by the FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle.
With a top speed of 144 km/h. the Fit will have a range of about 160 km/h. The drivetrain will have an economy mode to increase range by up to 17 percent, while a sport mode will provide acceleration reportedly similar to a 2.0-liter gasoline-engine car. Fit EV owners can monitor the car’s state of charge while away from the car via smartphone or with a Honda interactive remote. The remote does not require an internet connection, and can activate the airconditioning while the car is plugged in—this theoretically reduces the battery drain when starting up and driving off. The Fit charges up in less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.
Honda also showed its plug-in hybrid platform. The system uses a lithium-ion battery and 120kW electric motor to improve fuel efficiency. For short trips, the vehicle stays all-electric, and the gasoline-engine can kick in when needed to recharge the batteries, or drive the wheels directly. The system will probably make its way into the next Accord sedan.
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