HONDA Fit EV Concept & Plug-in Hybrid Platform
HONDA Fit EV Concept & Plug-in Hybrid Platform｜
Honda Fit EV Concept & Plug-in Hybrid Platform
Fit-Based EV Capable of 100 Miles of Range
Honda unveiled an EV concept based on the Fit and a plug-in hybrid platform for mid-size vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
By Dai Matsuo
The Future of EVs and Plug-in Hybrids
The Fit EV is slated for introduction to the Japanese and U.S. markets in 2012. While details remain scarce, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery driving a coaxial high-density motor, similar to the one found in the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.
According to the manufacturer's announcement, this Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) and a range of 100 miles (160 km) on a full charge, based on the U.S. EPA's LA-4 mode fuel economy test.
Driving modes can be selected from three options—Eco, Normal, and Sport—inherited from the CR-Z. Selecting Eco mode reportedly improves fuel efficiency by 17 percent compared to Normal mode, and by 25 percent compared to Sport mode. In addition to these three modes, the Fit EV is equipped with a coaching system to help drivers maximize battery usage. Full charging takes under 12 hours using a standard 120V power source in the U.S., or under 6 hours with a 240V source.
A Platform to Guide the Drive
Announced concurrently with the Fit EV Concept was a plug-in hybrid platform for mid-size vehicles, likely intended for the next-generation Accord. The presented system combines a highly efficient, low-consumption 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, developed specifically for plug-in hybrids, with two high-output motors. The motors form a two-motor system for driving and regenerative braking, with the drive motor boasting a maximum output of 120 kW.
Driving modes can be selected from three options: EV driving, hybrid driving, and engine driving. The maximum cruising range is over 500 miles in LA-4 mode. Even in EV mode, it offers sufficient performance with a top speed of 62 mph, while the large 6 kWh lithium-ion battery achieves a range of 10–15 miles. Charging time is announced as under 2–2.5 hours with a 110V power source, and under 1–1.5 hours with a 220V source.
Honda plans to commence demonstration tests with vehicles equipped with this plug-in hybrid system within 2010 in Japan and the U.S., aiming for a market launch in 2012.
