While carmakers like Nissan, Tesla and Renault go on the electric car offensive, Honda has been somewhat candid about its electric car plans.
The 2013 Honda Fit EV makes the odd subtle appearance at international auto shows, but the company is certainly less than bullish about its electric vehicle program.
Until now, that is. The company has announced the first deliveries of its Fit EV, to the city of Torrance, California.
The presentation of the first 2013 Honda Fit EV is one of the first steps in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program, a trial to prepare for the eventual retail market launch of the Fit EV in California and Oregon this summer.
As well as the Fit, the city of Torrance will also receive a Honda plug-in hybrid at a later date. Honda will use the trials to gather feedback, improving its future electric car program.
Honda's Fit EV has a claimed 123-mile city range, with an adjusted, combined rating of 76 miles. In place of the regular gasoline drivetrain is a 92 kW (123 horsepower) electric motor, and a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in as little as 3 hours from a 240-volt system.
Externally, the Fit EV differs little from its regular counterpart, save for a grille block at the front and the more obvious EV color-scheme.
Honda and the city of Torrance see the partnership as a way to prepare for a more sustainable future.
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