HONDA ADDS ELECTRIC JAZZ TO ITS MUSICAL REPERTOIRE

HOT WIRE (November 2010)—We have been eagerly awaiting news about when Honda would bring a hybrid version of the Jazz –known as the Fit here in the States—to North America, but now it looks like the company is making an even bolder move. An electric Fit will come to the United States in 2012.

The company has been hesitant to participate in the electric car market, although they were one of the first to enter the hybrid market with the original Insight. They see hydrogen-powered cars as having a brighter future than all-electrics. But Honda seems to have finally bowed to market pressure and will start road testing of the electric Fit next year before its launch. They expect the electric car to have a 100-mile range. Honda has not yet announced a price. Ailis Aaron Wolf Hybrid Owners of America

HONDA FIT EV VITAL STATISTICS The all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Honda says it strongly suggests the direction and styling of an upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012: • Same 5-passenger packaging found in the popular Fit hatchback • Achieves an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle • Achieves 70 miles when applying EPA's adjustment factor • Lithium-ion battery • High-density coaxial electric motor derived from the FCX Clarity • 3-mode E-Drive system with Econ, Normal and Sport modes • Battery fully recharged in less than 12 hours with 120-volt outlet • Fully recharged in less than 6 hours with 240-volt outlet. • Driver connectivity from smartphone and personal computer • Driver connectivity from Honda interactive remote. • Connectivity system allows initiating and checking charge, • Connectivity system allows remotely activate the air conditioning • Standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System with charging station locator capability. • Mobile application and website offer additional features: • - set charging schedule to optimize utility rates • - send charging alerts and notifications • - locate nearest charging station • - provide 24-hour roadside assistance connectivity.