2013 Honda Fit EV: Showing Much Promise

Honda did extremely with the 2013 Honda Fit. The latter made a huge splash in the small car category as a world-class hatchback. Thus, the company made a limited edition electric model this year – the 2013 Honda Fit EV. The 2013 Honda Fit EV is very much the same as the Honda Fit, except for its powertrain. Powering the Fit EV is a 92KW coaxial electric motor and a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which generates a total output of 123hp and 189 lbs. of torque. Fully-charged, the Fit EV can go up to 82 miles. It will take you 3 hours to recharge the battery on a 240V outlet. On a 120V outlet, it is longer at 15 hours.

Driving the 2013 Honda Fit EV, critics noticed lesser agility compared to the regular Fit. This is probably due to the battery’s additional weight. The Fit EV has three drive modes – Normal, Econ, and Sport. Sport accelerates the fastest, at the expense of some energy-saving measures like turning off air-conditioning.

Inside, the 2013 Honda Fit EV is also identical with the regular Fit. However, because of the Fit EV’s battery pack, cargo space is lesser. Those into hi-tech lay-outs will like the modern design of the Fit EV’s dashboard. The 6.5” digital display and gauges excellently display remaining battery life, calculated allowable mileage, and also map directions if you get a navigation system.

The 2013 Honda Fit EV comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, full power accessories, heated front seats, cruise control, and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. The dashboard has voice controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 6-speaker sound system w/ CD player, auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB interface.

The 2013 Honda Fit EV is available for lease at $399 per month. It is still at an experimental stage, and only 1,100 cars are slated to be released in selected markets. However, it is pretty clear this electric car shows great potential.