The all-new 2013 Fit EV, which is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will start to be leased to its U.S. customers in California and Oregon in the summer of 2012. The 2013 Fit EV offers a range of 123 city miles per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway) and is a 1 battery electric commuter vehicle. Based on the Fit hatchback, the Fit EV is a part of the company's diverse lineup of alternative fuel vehicles such as the gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell-electric and natural gas-powered models. This model will start to be leased to six East Coast markets in early 2013.
The Fit EV has a MSRP of $36,625 and its lease price is estimated to be $399 a month. Honda will be tracking how the market accepts its product but it anticipates that this early, production volume will be around 1,100 Fit EV's over the next three years. Customers who want to lease a Fit EV are asked to sign up at http://www.FitEV.Honda.com where they can get more details. This model is aimed at meeting the needs of an average urban commuter. Using the US EPA city cycle test methods, it was determined that it provides an estimated driving range of 123-miles on a single charge. Honda expects a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new Fuel Economy labels.
Powering the Fit EV is a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. Its high density electric motor is derived from the motor that the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle uses. It offers outstanding efficiency and power while staying silent at high speeds. The driving range of the Fit EV could be optimized by using several innovative features, such as a 3- mode electric drive system borrowed from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. This system gives the driver the option to choose between Econ, Normal and Sport to immediately and smoothly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. In Econ mode, practical driving range can rise by up to 17% compared to driving in Normal mode. In Sport mode, its acceleration improves significantly, enhancing its fun to drive nature.
