Honda Fit EV
The all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and strongly suggests the direction and styling of an upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012. The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter. When the Fit EV is introduced, it will feature:
Same 5-passenger packaging found in the popular Fit hatchback.
The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor).
Lithium-ion battery.
High-density coaxial electric motor derived from the FCX Clarity.
3-mode E-Drive system with Econ, Normal and Sport modes to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration.
Battery fully recharged in less than 12 hours with 120-volt outlet and fully recharged in less than 6 hours with 240-volt outlet.
Standard connectivity system provides driver connectivity to the Fit EV from smartphone and personal computer or the Honda-exclusive interactive remote.
Connectivity system allows the driver to: check state of charge, initiate charging and remotely activate the air conditioning.
Mobile application and website offer additional features: set charging schedule to optimize utility rates, send charging alerts and notifications, locate nearest charging station, and provide 24-hour roadside assistance connectivity.
Standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ with charging station locator capability.
Plug-In Hybrid
The Honda plug-in hybrid platform was unveiled for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A plug-in hybrid sedan will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012. 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, fuel-efficient driving capability when needed.
The platform features:
Next-generation two-motor Honda hybrid system.
Three different driving modes to maximize efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and engine direct drive.
For all-electric driving, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW motor.
All-electric range of 10-15 miles with top speed of 62 mph.
Battery fully recharged in 2- 2.5 hours using 120-volt outlet, 1-1.5 hours using 240-volt outlet.
Honda Advanced Technology Demonstration Program
Honda will launch an Advanced Technology Demonstration Program this year to provide real-world testing of its new vehicles. Participants include: Stanford University, City of Torrance, Calif. and Google, Inc.
In addition to real-world testing, the three participants will focus on the following issues:
Stanford University: behavioral and usability research surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles. Additional research will be conducted on transportation systems and battery electric sustainability. Honda will be working with the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS).
City of Torrance: charging infrastructure development, public education and awareness about electric vehicles as well as promoting sustainable community initiatives. Honda will be working with several city departments, including the Community Development department and Public Works office, along with the Economic Development office.
Google, Inc: collaboration through Google’s RechargeIT initiative to evaluate the benefits of plug-in vehicles and accelerate their adoption. The vehicle will be tested through the Gfleet, Google’s employee car-sharing service. The partnership will involve analysis of vehicle usage including CO2 reduction, energy consumption on a miles/kWh basis and overall energy cost.
Honda Electric Mobility Network and Energy Management
Together with the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Fit EV and the future plug-in hybrid vehicle will be a part of the company’s new comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions. Honda’s approach includes the following initiatives:
Honda Electric Mobility Network: Introducing products equipped with the latest in advanced environmental technologies that meet the daily driving needs of customers.
Energy production: Manufacturing thin-film solar panels and developing innovative ways to produce and distribute energy using sustainable methods.
Energy management: Development of home energy management systems that utilize micro-cogeneration technology and solar cell modules.
