Next-gen Honda Jazz (Honda Fit) based EV in the works - Report

In addition to a Honda HR-V-based EV (previewed by Honda Everus EV Concept), the company plans to launch a Honda Jazz (Honda Fit)-based EV.

A new report from Nikkei says that Honda is teaming up with Contemporary Amperex Technology for a project that involves developing batteries and related technologies for an EV based on the Honda Jazz (Honda Fit). The two companies want the EV to have an affordable pricing of a tad above JPY 2 million, which converts to roughly INR 12.5 lakh (INR 12,47,211.07 to be exact).

The third generation Honda Jazz currently on sale was introduced in 2013 and received a mid-cycle refresh last year. It will continue in the market probably for only 2-3 years more. So, it is only logical to assume that Honda will launch the new pure electric car based on the fourth generation Honda Jazz.

The report says that the company plans to launch the Honda Jazz EV in China and other international markets by the first half of 2020. The small, fully battery-powered hatchback will offer a range of 300 km on a full charge. The Japanese automaker aims to sell more than 1,00,000 units of this model a year. The company wants to increase the contribution of EVs and PHEVs in its total sales to about 65% by 2020.

This isn't the first time Honda is planning a Honda Fit-based EV. The company had introduced the Honda Fit EV Concept at the 2010 LA Auto Show. The production Honda Fit EV followed at the 2011 LA Auto Show. It had an electric motor delivering 92 kW (125 PS) and 256 Nm of torque and a Toshiba-sourced 20 kWh Lithium-Ion battery that offered a range (JC08 test cycle) of 225 km on a full charge. It was offered on lease to private customers in the USA and to local governments and businesses in Japan starting in 2012.