Honda kick starts the Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program

Honda conducted the first test drive of the Honda's battery vehicle and plug-in hybrid at an event for Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program on 21st December, in the presence of Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto and the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. President and CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura, took a test drive of a Fit EV prototype and Toyota Accord the sedan's test car equipped with an all new two-motor plug-in hybrid system.

Torrance with Google Inc and Standford University will be getting Fit EV for the testing which starts in 2011. Other than, that, the city will also test the plug-in hybrid that is a  part of an event in 2012. In these events, the participants will give their evaluation on the electric car.

Testsuo Iwamura, the American Honda Motor Co, Inc., President and CEO, said that, the aim behind the event is to get to know the challenge and opportunities which are associated with the new technology. He added that, the participants will play a vital role in establishing he feedback on the new cars experience. The feedback will be important as it will help to cater the issues related to customers about the electric cars. 

The Fit EV Concept as introduced in the Los Angeles Auto Show on 17th November, 2010, it will be introduced to the buyers in the US auto markets and in the Japanese auto markets by 2012. The Fit EV uses the five passenger car layout affixed in the Fit hatchback.

Fit EV and the plug-in hybrid, when introduced in the city of Torrance the company will be looking forward to the technologies which will focus on the charging development, community initiatives and general awareness about the electric cars. The new car will be utilized by Community Development department and Public Works Office with the Economic Development office.

The new Fit EV is equipped with lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor. The high in density motor is taken from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric cars, which ensures excellent efficiency and affixed with power even in accelerating speed. The charging of Fit EV will be conducted in almost 12 hours when the owner is using 120-volt outlet and an will take around 6 hours if used 240 volt outlet. The new EV can attain a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV can reach out to 100 mile driving inner charge by using the US EPA LA41 City cycle (the mark of 70 miles when applied the EPA's adjustment factor). The driving range be elaborated with the use of 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the Honda CR-Z sport hybrid 2011. In this, the driver will get a chance to switch to Econ, Normal and Sport for changing driving experience for maximum efficiency or better acceleration.

Honda Motors unfolded the plug-in hybrid platform in the Los Angles Auto Show, which exhibited Honda's next generation two-motor hybrid system. In the all electric mode, the car will e 6kWh lithium-ion battery and powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all electric drive is expected to reach to 10-15 miles in the city traffic and speed of 62 mph. The completely charges battery will be taking 3 to 4 hours with 120 volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hour by using 240 volt outlet.

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