Honda scored a major coup in the Electric Vehicle wars today, announcing that the EPA has rated their upcoming 2013 Honda Fit EV with 132 City / 105 Highway MPG (118 MPG total).
In a segment that’s all about efficiency and eco-friendliness, that’s good enough to beat out the Nissan Leaf (99 combined MPG), Ford Focus Electric (105) and Mitsubishi MiEV (112). The EPA also gave the Fit EV class-leading numbers in annual fuel cost and range.
So is the Honda Fit EV the best electric vehicle choice on the market? Customers will soon have the chance to vote with their feet. The electric version of the popular 2012 Fit will be available in California and Oregon this summer for a three-year lease at $389 per month. Its MSRP is listed at $37,415, lined up directly against the Volt, but initially there will be no option to buy, Honda says.
Even if the lease-only decree discourages some interested customers – or makes them think the Fit EV is headed for an EV1-type fate – Honda should have no trouble finding drivers interested in a new, exciting and trendsetting vehicle.
The Fit EV is powered by a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor, equating to about 123 horsepower, equipped with 188 lb.-ft of torque. Its 20kWh lithium-ion battery boasts a range of 82 miles and can charge in just three hours with a 240-volt circuit. Honda also took the three-mode electronic drive system from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid so that drivers can select normal, sporty or eco-friendly driving styles.
When it comes to kilowatt hours per 100 miles, the Fit EV comes out on top again using just 29kWh. The i-MiEV (30), Focus (32) and Leaf (34) are close, but no electric cigar.
Of course, we’re still waiting for figures from the electric Tesla Model S, which has begun limited delivery to owners.
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Even though its release is limited this summer, what effect with the Honda Fit EV have on the electric car market? Let us know in the Comments below.
