The Honda EV Plus was the first production BEV from a major automaker with non lead-acid batteries using instead NiMH. Only 300 or so EV Plus models were produced and released. The EV Plus was taken out of production in 1999 in order for Honda to work on its hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Insight. The EV Plus was made to keep up with GM EV1.
The EV Plus features two different driving modes; regular and economy, in the regular mode the EV had much better performance, acceleration, and all around power. While the economy mode took away a lot of the power, it was used for getting the most mileage out of the EV. The vehicles range was affected by the way is it driven, quick acceleration and fast stops lower the range. Careful driving in economy mode would give it a range of about 80–110 miles (130–180 km). The EV comes with a 12 V battery for running accessories, to help save power from the main drive batteries.
The EV cost $53,000 which was pretty expensive to purchase outright, although leasing the vehicle would net a large discount. Honda used this lease program to attract drivers.
ElectricDrive Specs
Data from http://electricdrive.org
Vehicle Size:
Overall Length (in.): 159.3
Overall Width (in.): 68.9
Overall Height (in.): 64.2
Wheel Base (in.): 99.6
Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,599
Payload (lbs.): 699
Number of Occupants: 4 passengers
Electric Power Plant:
Voltage: 288
Motor Type: High Efficiency Permanent Magnet
Horsepower: 66 hp
Power: 49 kW
Battery Type: Ni-MH
Battery Modules: 24 (12v)
Vehicle Systems:
Recharging Specifications: Conductive Charging
Transmission: 1-speed, direct-drive automatic
Suspension:
Front - Strut
Rear - Beam
Steering: Electric, variable power assist rack-and-pinion
Air Bags: Driver and passenger side
Tires: 205/65R15 - Low-Rolling Resistance
Brake Assist: grade-sensitive
Regenerative Braking: Equipped
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): 4-Wheel Equipped
Air Conditioning/Heater: Equipped
Audio System (AM/FM/CD): AM/FM
Performance:
Range: 60-80 "Real-World" miles/ 84 -125 based on depth of charge
Acceleration: 0 - 60 in 17.7 seconds
Maximum Speed: 80 mph
Recharging Time: 6-8 hours
Contact Information:
Honda
1-888-cc-honda
http://www.honda.com
Availability:
Out of production - Releasing the original 300 vehicles