2013 Honda Fit EV revealed, no electric Jazz for Australia

Honda will initially lease the Fit EV for US$399 ($397) per month to customers in California and Oregon from the middle of next year before rolling it out into six other US regions in early 2013. The Fit EV will also be available to buy, with prices starting at US$36,625 ($36,470).

Honda will produce approximately 1100 of the compact electric cars over the next three years.

The Fit EV has an estimated city cycle driving range of 198km and a combined cycle range (including city and highway driving) of 122km. It can be fully recharged from a household power point in three hours. It’s powered by a 92kW electric motor that is derived from the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

The three-mode electric drive system (adapted from the Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car) allows drivers to select between Econ, Normal and Sport modes to either increase efficiency or improve the vehicle’s acceleration.

The Fit EV features the familiar chrome grille from the FCX Clarity and Insight, a unique set of alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler. Inside, the seats are upholstered in ‘bio-fabric’ to enhance the car’s environmentally friendly credentials, and the standard satellite navigation system provides live information about the availability of public charging stations.

The car’s interactive remote allows the driver to monitor the level of battery charge and change the cabin temperature when they are within 30 metres of the car. Alternatively, drivers can initiate charging and activate the heater or air conditioner from a smartphone or computer application.

The fully electric Fit EV joins a diverse powertrain range offered by Honda in the US that includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and natural gas powered vehicles.

Honda Australia says it has no plans to launch the Fit EV locally because the car is not available to our region.

Honda Australia has embraced hybrid technology, but remains one of the only major manufacturers not to offer a fuel-efficient diesel engine in any model in its range.

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