Honda 2013 Fit EV hits market next year

Honda’s all-new 2013 Fit EV, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be offered for lease in selected markets in Oregon and California next year, announced the Japanese carmaker. It will then reach six east coast markets in early 2013.

The Fit EV will begin at US$36,625 with a monthly lease price of about $399. While the carmaker will watch market acceptance, it expects that early volume will stand at about 1,100 cars over the following three years.

“The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda’s portfolio approach to alternative-fuelled vehicles,” said John Mendel, executive vice-president of sales at American Honda Motor Company. “There is no other automaker on the planet whose spirit is more deeply invested in the effort to realize a cleaner, more energy-efficient and ultimately more sustainable transportation future than Honda.”

The electric vehicle offers a driving range of around 198 km on one charge. It is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kW coaxial electric motor. Thanks to a three-mode electric drive system derived from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid, motorists can choose from Sport, Normal and Econ.

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