Will Honda electric vehicle Fit European market?
It’s called the Fit in the US, but we know it as the Jazz.
HONDA has unveiled an electric commuter vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The 2013 Fit EV (the Fit is known as the Jazz in Europe) is part of the Japanese car maker’s range of alternative fuel vehicles.
In a bid to boost the popularity of electric vehicles Honda plans to lease the car in the American market place from the summer of next year. Beginning in selected Californian and Oregon areas, the lease cost is estimated at $399 (£250) a month in a bid to test the market for the $38,675 (£24,500) car. If initial take-up goes well the lease arrangements will be extended to six other east coast states.
At this point Honda has not made a decision on whether to introduce the vehicle to European markets.
The car is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.
Range is around 76 miles on a charge, which can be maximised by using several innovative features, including a 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid.
In addition to the 3-mode driving system, a prompting system helps the driver maximise battery performance and driving range. The power meter alerts the driver to optimal driving conditions. The car can fully recharge in as little as three hours.
The body is the same as petrol-powered but with a higher hip point to accommodate the battery.
Inside, the seatingis covered with bio-fabric and has seating for up to five passengers with multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations.
To help the driver manage the electric vehicle there is a telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, personal computer or interactive remote. These can remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning and heater, to pre-condition the vehicle. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimise charging times based on varying cost rates and provides access to 24-hour roadside assistance. The interactive remote allows the driver to monitor the vehicle’s 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 metres) of the vehicle.