Honda's plug-in makes its Euro debut
The theme at Honda's Geneva motor show exhibit was low emission transport, with a new EV concept hinting at what expect from the marque in terms of technology and aestheticsGeneva International Motor Show
Honda has showcased an array of green technology at this year's Geneva international motor show as part of the Japanese company's "Road to Zero Emissions" programme.
The pair of concept vehicles includes the all-new EV Concept and Plug-in Hybrid Platform, a mid-size plug-in hybrid vehicle, which share the stage with a mix of Honda's current eco-focused technology, including the fuel cell-powered (hydrogen) FCX Clarity.
Honda says its aim is to produce a range of vehicles that demonstrates its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions through product innovation, energy-management and energy-production technologies.
The Honda EV Concept also hints strongly at the styling direction for the brand's upcoming battery electric vehicle (or BEV), which will be launched in the US and Japan next year. While the all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda's next-generation dual-motor hybrid technology, also slated for release in 2012.
"Honda's long history with electromotive technologies has enabled us to understand customer requirements," said Honda CEO and president, Takanobu Ito.
"In Honda's view, an electric vehicle must offer great utility and be fun to drive. Honda EV Concept's urban commuting capability will be a perfect addition to the full-function mobility of the plug-in hybrid and FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle."??
The Honda EV Concept is a daily commuter based on the current Fit (or Jazz as it's badged locally), and uses the same five passenger format already found in the popular hatch. The production model will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack driving a coaxial electric motor, the same as that already powering FCX Clarity.
The EV Concept will offer an estimated range of 160km with a top speed of 144km/h. Honda says the driving range can be optimized by its three-mode electric drive system which it has adapted from the current CR-Z sport hybrid car.
In addition to the E-Drive system, Honda's EV Concept will also include several interactive displays to help coach its owner toward more economical driving practices, as well as Smart Phone connectivity to view the car's state of charge, location and even remote start-up. Charging is said to take ‘less than 6 hours' when using 240V domestic supply.
Honda's show car features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior colour and distinctive five-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept also has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Honda EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly grey bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.
?Honda also unveiled a plug-in hybrid platform at Geneva, which showcases the brand's next-generation two-motor hybrid system. 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 maximise driving efficiency: all-electric, petrol-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode.
Like many current hybrid and electric models, the Honda plug-in also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery when braking or coasting. A 6kWh lithium-ion battery that supplies power to a 120kW electric motor powers the vehicle.
Honda says that in all-electric mode the car can achieve a range of up to 24km in city driving with a top speed of 100km/h. Recharging takes 1.5 hours using a 240V domestic supply.
The vehicle can also run in a petrol-electric hybrid mode, and includes a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electronically controlled ontinusously variable transmission dubbed E-CVT. An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.
For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.??
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