Honda Promises Production-Ready, Fuel-Cell Vehicle in 2016

The Honda FCV concept made its North American debut on Jan. 12, at the Detroit Auto Show. With its debut came the promise of a new battery-electric vehicle and a new plug-in Honda hybrid by 2018. The production-ready, fuel-cell vehicle will launch in 2016.

The Honda FCV concept utilizes a 33 percent smaller fuel cell that gets 60 percent greater power density. The driving range is “over 300 miles” and it has a “3 to 5 minute refueling time.” The production model will launch following an anticipated March 2016 release in Japan, according to Honda.

Even though Honda is working on a new battery-electric vehicle and a new plug-in hybrid, they already have electric and hybrid vehicles on the market. This includes variations of the Accord, Civic, and Fit as well as the CR-Z and Insight.

Honda Electric Vehicles

Honda’s current selection of electric vehicles includes the Accord Plug-In and the Fit EV.

Accord Plug-In

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In starts at $39,780. It has an in-line, 4-cylinder engine with an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). The car seats five and gets 115 electric-only mpg* of gasoline-equivalent when running on the battery alone. When running on the battery and gasoline, the Accord gets 47 city/ 46 city/ 46 combined mpg. The combined gas-electric driving range rating is 570 miles. Two motors allow the Accord to drive all-electric, as a hybrid, or solely on gasoline. The battery charges in less than three hours from a 120-volt outlet and in less than an hour when charged via a 240-volt circuit. Real-time battery usage is shown on the dash display.

The Accord Plug-In features many of the same safety features of its gasoline counterpart. This includes a forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The Plug-In also features auto-on/off headlights, a battery charging door, and heated side mirrors. The Accord also features heated front and rear seats.

Fit EV

Even though the 2014 Honda Fit EV is no longer available it shows what a fully-electric vehicle can be. Priced at $36,625, the Fit EV got 132 city/ 105 highway/ 118 combined mpg* of gasoline-equivalent. The car is fully charged via a 240-volt circuit in three hours and in more than 15 hours from a 120-volt outlet. The Fit features a three-mode driving system, which includes econ mode, normal, and sport. Econ mode helps maximize the vehicle’s range, while sport mode provides quicker acceleration and throttle response. Normal mode provides standard settings for all systems.

Honda Hybrid Vehicles

There are Honda hybrid versions of their Accord and Civic models. The CR-Z is a sport hybrid and the Insight is a hybrid.

Accord Hybrid

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid has a starting price of $29,305 and is available in three trim levels. The Accord Hybrid features a lithium-ion battery and with the electric continuously variable transmission the car gets 50 city/ 45 highway/ 47 combined mpg*. Much like the all-gasoline Accord, this Honda hybrid has a forward collision warning and a lane departure warning on the EX-L and Touring models. All three models have a rearview camera.

Civic Hybrid

The 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor. The car gets 44 city/ 47 highway/ 45 combined mpg*. The integrated motor assist pairs the 4-cylinder gasoline engine with the electric motor to provide the best blend of power and efficiency. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning come standard on this Honda hybrid. A rearview camera is available. Leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats are standard on the Honda Hybrid with leather trim.

CR-Z

The 2015 Honda CR-Z is a sporty hybrid. With a starting price of $20,145, the CR-Z seats two and is available in two trim levels. It has a lithium-ion battery and is available in a 6-speed manual transmission or with a continuously variable transmission that has paddle shifters. The CVT gets 36 city/ 39 highway/ 37 combined mpg*, while the manual transmission gets 31/38/34 mpg. The CR-Z has three different driving modes. The sport mode provides extra power and enhanced handling. The econ mode “helps optimize throttle response and air conditioning for maximum fuel efficiency,” according to Honda. The plus sport system adds an instant speed boost when pressed. The normal mode is great for everyday driving. The CR-Z is outfitted with aluminum sport pedals and mesh sports seats.

Insight

The 2014 Honda Insight is available in three trim levels and has a starting price of $18,725. The Insight has an in-line, 4-cylinder engine and a nickel metal hydride battery. It has a continuously variable transmission, with the EX trim coming with paddle shifters. It gets 41 city/ 44 highway/ 42 combined mpg*. The econ button helps maximize fuel efficiency. The Insight seats five and the rear seats are 60/40 split fold-down. The car also features power side mirrors and automatic climate control.

Contact Fisher Honda in Boulder, Colo., at 303-245-6417 with your questions about a Honda hybrid and electric vehicles. Check out our inventory of Honda hybrids including the Civic Hybrid, CR-Z, and Insight.

*Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.