That’s right; we’re going 100% electric with this one. With a reaffirmed environmental approach to technology, Honda is coming out recycled guns blazing with its 2013 Fit EV. We know that other electrics got nothing on Fit EV’s MPGe rating, but what else does Honda’s small wonder have to offer? Check it out.
Honda Fit EV Feature Highlights
The Fit EV is an all-electric 4-door subcombact that’s new for 2013. From the outside, Fit EV looks a lot like the gasoline powered Fit, with the exception of a tailpipe. Honda has also fitted Fit with 15” alloy wheels and a rear roofline spoiler. Inside, look for automatic climate control along with standard voice activated navigation and specialized EV gauges- including the 3-Mode Drive system, borrowed from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid, which gives drivers the ability to switch between Sport (power), ECON (fuel efficiency), and Normal (balancing performance & economy) modes depending on need. HondaLink lets you monitor EV’s battery from your phone or computer.
Honda is starting Fit EV at $36,625 flat out; there’s also a lease option for $389 a month. It’s going to be a limited US release out of the gates, with clean conscious markets in California and Oregon receiving the first batch of 1,100 electro-lites very soon. The other coast will see Fit EV in 2013.
Give gas a rest and find some electric love in the right place.
Honda Fit EV Performance
Powering Fit EV is a 92 kilowatt (kW) electric motor capable of 123 horsepower and 188 lb.-ft. of torque- 82 lb.-ft. more than the gasoline Fit. The 92kW is good enough for speedy acceleration off the bat, though top end speed won’t blow you away. EV’s stature makes for good handling, and the 20-kWh lithium-ion battery allows for up to 82 miles worth of doughnuts between charges. Drivers will also appreciate the three driving modes when encountering various road obstacles.
Honda Fit EV Fuel Economy
You may have seen last week’s post on Fit EV’s adjusted fuel rating, and if you didn’t, here’s the summary: they’re good. Since the EPA can’t use traditional gas estimates (thanks for keeping up), it gives Fit EV MPGe ratings of 132/105/118 (city/highway/combined- equivalent to gasoline numbers). The 118 combined MPGe rating makes Fit EV the highest rated vehicle to date. And just as important, the 82 miles between charges tops rivals. Nissan’s LEAF gets 99 MPGe with a 73 mile range and Ford’s Focus Electric rates 105 MPGe and 76 miles.
Honda EV Interior Highlights
The environmental goodness doesn’t stop once you leave the engine compartment. EV’s sweet seats are made from a sugarcane-based material, though the plant-derived fabric probably shouldn’t be licked. The overall layout looks nice and clean, and EV-centric gauges & navigation sit attractively aside one another. Honda promises plenty of space inside the 5-passenger Fit EV, and the rear fold-down seats provide some cargo versatility.
Honda Fit EV Safety
Every Fit EV comes standard with stability control, electronic brake distribution, and six airbags, as well as a rearview camera for ding protection. Gauging crash numbers, the 2012 gasoline Fit received 4/5 stars overall from the NHTSA as well as a Top Safety Pick ranking courtesy of the IIHS.
Honda Fit EV Summary
If you’re lucky enough to be able to get your hands on an early 2013 Fit EV, you can take pride in knowing that you’ve got the recently crowned Most Efficient Car in the US. Is that worth the extra cash this subcompact will attract? Honda is banking on it, and the hype gives no indication that 2013 will be anything but a lucky number for both Honda and its electric fandom. Get Fit with the EV at the only car buying site you need to know.
