Honda CR-Z will run Pikes Peak with full-EV power Honda might be testing the next generation EV drivetrain that the other thread on the discontinuation of the Accord PHV and Civic Hybrid talked about.
Don't know. What were the lease terms upon release? I only remember the generous ones, and not if they were the first. The time of the generous terms were also at the time when nearly everyone was giving deals on their BEV. The Fit ICE is a popular car within its class, and the BEV retained much of its character. It also had a longer EPA range than the Leaf. For someone looking for a plug in, its only cons were that it was lease only, available in less states than the Prius plug in, and supply limited to what was likely the bare minimum Honda needed to 'sell' for the ZEV program.
They were not the first to give incentives, but first to go crazy that Toyota followed later... that no other car companies followed. They started with $399/month + $2000 down on 12k miles/yr, not many takers. Only when Honda went crazy with $259/month includes collision insurance and unlimited miles, when this car flew off the showroom. All 1100 (or the remaining of not sold) where reserved in 2 days. All gone. Only a lucky few were able to find one later because those on waiting list bought something else. Honda is doing another 2 year extension to the lease for $199. Those happy lucky few are even happier with this news since they loved this car. FYI. The EV version got a major suspension upgrade... making it handle even better. Torsion beam gone for mulit-link.
1990's . . . . They've been there, done that. They were great - the "EV Plus" . . . then they crushed 'em. Thank you Honda . . . another company pissing away their knowledge "honda ev plus" - Google Search Besides . . . haven't you heard? Hydrogen is the fuel for the future ... if you believe in suspended animation. .
Doesn't that sorta support my point of the Fit EV being popular? Yes, the lease deal was needed to get them flying off the lots, but that was true of all the compliance BEVs. Fiat's was nearly as good as Honda's in money terms and included free car rentals. So Honda can make a great EV, but Japan is pushing hydrogen. Using their FCV for ZEV credits in California is just a better deal for them.