Honda to showcase EV concept and plug-in hybrid platform at Geneva show
10 February 2011
Honda’s EV Concept electric vehicle and a platform for mid-size plug-in hybrid vehicles will be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show. The concepts were unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November 2010 (earlier post) and will be shown at Geneva as part of Honda’s “Road to Zero Emissions”, illustrating the current technology of hybrids alongside the near-future technology of plug-in vehicles and the ultimate goal of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, such as Honda’s FCX Clarity.
The Honda EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda’s upcoming production battery electric vehicle, the Fit EV, which will be introduced to the US and Japan in 2012. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda’s next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology set to debut in 2012.
The Honda EV Concept will achieve an estimated 100 mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle. Driving range can be maximized by use of a 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sporty hybrid. In addition to this, the Honda EV Concept will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximizing battery range.
Integrated into a mid-size sedan platform, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed.
The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and an engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.
Interesting variance of effective PHEV approach. Wish them well.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 February 2011 at 08:35 AM
Echoing Harvey... Good luck to Honda on this BEV offering. Honda has a lot of catching up to do.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 10 February 2011 at 07:25 PM