The United States Environmental Protection Agency has been assigning fuel economy ratings to vehicles for the last 40 years - new Honda models included. In other words, it would be an understatement to say that they've developed an accurate system for gauging the mileage of just about any vehicle on the road. The EPA did, however, hit one road pump upon testing its first electric vehicle... They're not powered by chemical fuel, and therefore cannot have their mileage estimated per gallon of gasoline used.
That said, the Environmental Protection Agency has developed a new system for measuring the efficiency of all-electric vehicles. Rather than assigning a miles per gallon rating to a vehicle, the EPA now assigns a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) as well as a total driving range. These two rating reflect the rate at which the vehicle would travel if it were utilizing conventional gasoline.
So how did the 2013 Honda Fit EV fare under this new system?
We thought you'd never ask! In its introductory model year, the 2013 Honda Fit EV travels at a rate of 132 MPGe city / 105 MPGe highway / 118 MPGe combined, with a total estimated driving range of 82 miles.*
And while the fact that this marks the highest rating that an electric vehicle has ever received from the EPA, it's not the part that Honda is bragging the most about. "Just as important as the industry-leading fuel-efficiency and fast recharging time, as a Honda, the 2013 Fit EV will be an absolute kick to drive,"1 exclaims Steve Center, Vice President of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office.
Ready to take the 2013 Honda Fit EV for a test drive? You may be in for a wait, as Honda plans to test the demand for electric vehicles before releasing the Fit EV on a nationwide scale. That said, Brandfon Honda, located at West Main Street Branford, CT 06405, invites you to stay tuned for more on it, as well as other Honda news.
*132/105/118 city/highway/combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 82 mile combined (city/highway) driving range rating (adjusted). Ratings determined by EPA. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml.
