Hey Fit Freakers,

I am not seeing much discussion here about the new Fit EV. It is supposed to be coming in late 2012, and called a 2013 model..only available in Japan and the U. S.

The concept car is based on the Fit compact car platform, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack combined with a high-density coaxial motor derived from the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Honda claims the Fit EV concept has an all-electric range of 70 to 100 miles (110 to 160 km) and a top speed of 90 miles per hour (140 km/h).[74][80] Honda also said that recharging the Fit EV will take 12 hours from a 120-volt outlet and six hours with a 240-volt supply

The forthcoming electric car, like the Honda CR-Z hybrid, will have three distinct driving modes: econ, normal, and sport. Honda explained that "econ" mode will extend the driving range by 17% compared to the normal mode; in sport mode, the Fit EV imitates the acceleration of a small car with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.[80]

 

what's with the copy&paste straight out of wikipedia?

I don't know about the rest of the folks here... but the #1 drawback for me against EVs... charge time.

Even if I could get around it (ie, only use the EV for deliveries, let it charge every night), I don't like being limited.

Over the past summer, I took a road trip... I put up to 600 miles on my Fit in a single day (total of 11,000+ miles in 5 weeks). Hell, the EV wouldn't even make the round trip to the dealership I bought my Fit from. The dealer is exactly 50 miles from my house, but you can only pull off the 100 miles if you're super economical and even then, you might fall short.

 

Electric vehicles aren't the future of cars.

 

I've read a few articles on the Fit EV and the biggest turn off to me is the price. I also see it's only offered on a lease basis in the US at least.

And as Goobers pointed out I also don't like being limited by their range and the charging issues.

It's interesting to see the EV market grow & develop but I'll remain a spectator for now.

 

They could be doing the lease only option as a way to mass test the car, similar to how they tested the previous version... EV Plus.

The EV-N (concept in 2009) looks kinda nice, includes a "unicycle" in the door and has a solar panel roof. Let me google that for you

 

that's most likely what they're doing.

btw, electric cars aren't marketed as replacing the primary car in a household, it's only meant to be a supplemental car.

 

For the time being, that's all they can be.

Until they obtain a much larger range and even shorter charge time... or some degree of "self" charging (a la solar panel, like on the EV-N) to sustain longer ranges.

 

true. the best EV (not out yet) has 150 mile range and the quickest charge is 6 hours @480v charger.

 

City of Torrence took delivery of the first USDM FitEV on Jan 20th. They said it's got a 123mile range and can be fully charged in 3 hrs on 240v. Not quite as far a range as your "Best EV" Sol, but quite a bit quicker charge on less voltage. EV's will remain as in-town commuter cars for a while... but my town has 3 commercial charging stations as it is and it's not very large.

Honda Worldwide | January 20, 2012 "Honda Begins Deliveries of 2013 Fit EV"

 

I hate to knock the little car because it's cool, but I'd much rather get on a 125cc scooter. =)

 

I sold my Fit yesterday (bought my garage queen, a 2012 STI) and I already miss the car. If they ever release a FIT EV and price it under 22K (commuter car pricing)- i'll be one of the first in line to buy one. Especially with gas prices hitting 6$ per gallon this summer.

I'd be happy if it had a 80 mile range (as most people commute in California is less than that daily) - I'm not planning on using it for a road trip, just as a daily driver / commuter.

 

I'm looking for an EV to replace the MINI E at lease end. Fit has faster charger than LEAF and Mitsu i, Range looks about same as the LEAF and more than the i. Lease only is down side but price is in the ballpark. Good reviews so far. Not sure how strong demand will be for limited production numbers.

First Drive: Honda Fit EV Combines Power and Practicality | PluginCars.com

 

No discussion on this in months? 2013 Honda Fit EV Overview - Official Site

One thing I notice: it has all the cool electronic controls and features/options that are available in Japan on the regular Fits.... which explains some of the increased cost.

 

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Fit EV press event at the Rose Bowl. The Fit EV looks to be the best EV available under $50k. Better range, acceleration, and MPGe than the LEAF or Ford Focus. Down side is only 1,100 units and lease only availability.
Translogic has a good overview of the Fit EV with video here;
http://translogic.aolautos.com/2012/07/09/translogic-106-honda-fit-ev/
Honda has started to pre-qualify perspective lessees that have already completed the EV Readiness Assessment:
http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/ev-readiness-assessment.aspx
No confirmation yet if anyone has been excepted. Fit EV will also be available through ZipCar carshare fleet. Availability not yet announced. M

 

There's a driving review here... slightly more HP, a ton more torque as you'd expect for an electric motor.

First Drive: 2013 Honda Fit EV [Review]

 

Honda has announced product and availability details for the Fit EV when it begins leasing to customers this month. Honda made several of the Fit EV’s available for first drives on two “Autocross” courses, and the surrounding Pasadena neighborhoods that offered a mix of street, highway, and freeway driving.

Several first drive reviews posted below.

MyNissanLeaf.com first drive review thread starts here. Very comprehensive.

InsideEVs - 2013 Honda Fit EV Review

Green Car Reports - 2013 Honda Fit EV: First Drive Of Honda's All-Electric Car

InsideLine - 2013 Honda Fit EV First Drive

Popular Mechanics - 2013 Honda Fit EV Test Drive

Automobile - First Drive: 2013 Honda Fit EV

TRANSLOGIC 106 - Honda Fit EV


And from the earlier Twin Ring Montegi preview in Tokyo;

PlugInCars - First Drive: Honda Fit EV Combines Power and Practicality

PlugInCars - Honda Reinvents Regenerative Braking for Fit EV

And, details regarding the Toshiba Corporation’s SCiB rechargeable Li-ion battery that will power the Fit EV

Honda Fit EV press release
All-Electric 2013 Honda Fit EV Begins Leasing July 20 in California and Oregon
2013 Honda Fit EV: Overview
2013 Honda Fit EV: Powertrain
2013 Honda Fit EV: Body
2013 Honda Fit EV: Interior
2013 Honda Fit EV: Chassis
2013 Honda Fit EV: Safety
2013 Honda Fit EV: Lease & Warranty

Given the donor Fit’s award winning best in class track record, combined with Honda's excellent in-house FCX clarity EV drive system, CRZ selectable drive modes, and Toshiba's SCiB 4000 cycle battery. Add 6.6kW on board charging, the highest MPGe efficiency, plus best in class 82 mile EPA range, and the Honda Fit EV looks irresistible.

 

Can someone share picture/video of its new model?

 

Wish they would make a fit hybrid. Keep the same motor and transmission and put the batts in the back.

 

Does not seem destine for the US. Press release in article with more details.
Honda launches Jazz (Fit) Hybrid in Thailand

 

Wow all really good info, once again glad I jumped and got the 2012 fit