Honda launched an Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program with Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. President and CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura. So they are conducting the first public test drive of a Honda Fit electric vehicle EV prototype. That’s as well as an Accord Sedan test vehicle. It’s outfitted with a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system.
Honda Fit Electric Vehicle EV Prototype
The city of Torrance along with Stanford University and Google Inc., received a Fit EV for testing in 2011. In addition, the city of Torrance tested a plug-in hybrid as a part of the program in 2012. Each of the three demonstration program participants will conduct general testing. That’s as well as evaluating specific and also distinct issues related to the introduction of electric vehicles.
Goals of the Program
The goal of this Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program was to more fully understand the challenges and opportunities associated with such a fundamental shift in technology. That was said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda Motor Co, Inc., President and CEO. “The city of Torrance and the other participants will play a key role. That’s especially by providing real-world feedback on their experience. They will also help us tackle the important issues surrounding customer adoption for Honda Fit EV’s related to electric vehicles.
City of Torrance try Honda Fit EV
When the city of Torrance received their Fit EV and plug-in hybrid, they evaluated the technologies with a focus on charging infrastructure development. Also the promotion of sustainable community initiatives and to building public awareness about electric vehicles.
The Fit EV is also powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor. The high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle. For it delivers excellent efficiency and power. All the while it’s remaining quiet at high speeds. The Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph. Recharging the Fit EV can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet. In addition it’s less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.
Fit EV 100 mile range
The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA41 city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport. That’s to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience. All to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration.
Los Angeles Auto Show
Honda also unveiled a plug-in hybrid platform at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Especially which showcased Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. This new hybrid system is designed for mid-size to larger vehicles and will be introduced in a future Honda model in 2012. The plug-in hybrid is intended to be compatible with daily driving habits. So that’s allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode. All the while providing long-distance driving capability when needed. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.
In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 3 to 4 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.
Source: Honda
