Honda Jazz EV shock debut

By Jack Rix

November 2010

The Jazz is powering up! Honda has pulled a surprise out of the bag in LA, by unveiling an all-electric version of its Jazz compact MPV. Although the car you see here is still officially a concept, it shows precisely how a production version will look when it goes on sale in the US and Japan in 2012, and in the UK soon after.

The electric motor is borrowed from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, and delivers a top speed of 90 mph and an estimated 100-mile range per charge. Topping up the batteries takes three hours from a 240v household socket.

Driving range can be maximized by use of a three-mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17 per cent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 per cent compared to driving in Sport mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol engine.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and distinctive five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Fit EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces. 

Also unveiled was a new plug-in hybrid platform, which showcases Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. The vehicle can also run in a petrol-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre, 4-cyl engine, paired with an electric CVT gearbox.