More than a paradigm shift...another WIN for the Honda Fit

Yet another paradigm shift.  That is, in a world that measures automotive economy in Miles per Gallon.   What will the new measure be for all electric cars?

The EPA’s MPGe rating is determined based on the energy present in a gallon of gasoline and converting it from BTUs to kWh — which comes out to 33.7 kWh of electricity. Otherwise, the simulated highway and city driving dynamometer tests required by the EPA are the same for EVs and cars that run on gasoline or diesel.

Fresh out of EPA testing, the 2013 Honda Fit EV has earned the title of most efficient car sold in the United States.

The electric Honda’s 118 MPGe fuel efficiency equivalency rating is the highest ever awarded by the EPA, beating out the 105 MPGe Ford Focus Electric, 112 MPGe Mitsubishi i-MiEV and 99 MPGe Nissan Leaf. The Fit EV consumes just 29 kWh of electricity per 100 miles driven, which will cost the average driver about $500 per year.

In addition to its miserliness, the Fit EV’s 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack also gives it a decent total range — 82 miles, according to the EPA’s combined city and highway test cycle. That’s nine more miles than the Leaf and a full 20 more miles than the i-MiEV. And six more miles than Honda's earlier estimate.  Last November the word was that the Fit EV would achieve a range of 76 miles in mixed driving when they unveiled the car at the LA Auto Show.

With its 6.6 kW charger instead of the 3.3 kW unit that most EVs use, the Fit EV also promises a full charge in three hours as long as you plug it in to a 240v outlet as soon as the “low charge” indicator comes on. No word on how long it takes to juice up from a totally dead battery.

Honda credits the Fit EV’s range and efficiency to the car’s lightweight design, aerodynamic exterior and “savvy powertrain,” which includes a 92 kW electric motor sourced from the FCX Clarity that generates 189 ft-lb or torque. The car also has a fully independent suspension and an electric drive system that’s been adapted from the Honda CR-Z. That, says Honda’s Environmental Business Development Office VP Steve Center, makes it “an absolute kick to drive.”

 Honda is reportedly releasing the 2013 Fit EV in select markets in California and Oregon this summer, with an East Coast rollout happening early next year. Chances are it will cost you a lot more than a gasoline Fit.  No guarantees but word has it the car’s MSRP will be around $36,625.  I sure hope Honda comes out with an enticing lease on this one.  Stay tuned.