Honda Fit EV Gen 1

Overview

The 2015 Honda Fit EV Gen 1 was Honda's nifty all-electric take on their popular subcompact hatchback. Originally a lease-only affair in select US states, it's now a bit of a bargain on the used market, often found for around $4,100. While its range might seem modest today, it was a super-efficient city slicker, offering a surprisingly fun-to-drive package. Think of it as Honda dipping its toes into the EV waters, delivering a practical and zippy, albeit limited-run, electric runabout perfect for urban adventures and those seeking a no-frills entry into EV ownership.

What's New for 2015?

For 2015, the Honda Fit EV Gen 1 was essentially a carry-over model, marking the final year of its rather short production run. Honda didn't roll out any major updates or whizz-bang new features for this particular year. So, if you're eyeing a 2015 model, you're getting the same well-engineered electric package that debuted in 2013. Its primary 'new' status for 2015 was its position as the curtain call for this early electric pioneer from Honda, paving the way for future electrified endeavors from the brand. It quietly bowed out, leaving a legacy of efficiency.

Design & Exterior

The 2015 Fit EV Gen 1 keeps the familiar, practical shape of the second-gen Fit but gets some cool EV-specific aero tweaks. You’ll spot a sleeker front fascia, a unique grille, and nifty aerodynamic wheels, all helping it cheat the wind. It often came in a distinctive Reflection Blue Pearl. Dimensionally, it’s a tidy package, stretching 161.6 inches long, standing 60 inches tall, and measuring 66.7 inches wide (excluding mirrors). These compact dimensions make it a proper champion for nipping through city traffic and snagging tight parking spots with ease.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2015 Fit EV feels much like its petrol sibling, but with some eco-conscious touches like bio-fabric seats and EV-specific digital displays. It seats five, offering decent passenger space for a compact hatch. Tech-wise, it came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, though don't expect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from this era. Cargo space is a practical 12 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 49.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its eco-badge fool you; the Fit EV is surprisingly zippy! Its front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a 92 kW (around 123 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, churning out a healthy 189 lb-ft of instant torque. This translates to a respectable 0-60 mph dash in just 8.1 seconds – pretty quick for a city car! It offers three driving modes (Econ, Normal, Sport) to tailor the experience, with Sport mode really waking things up. The ride is generally smooth, and regenerative braking helps recapture energy, making one-pedal driving a breeze in 'B' mode.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2015 Fit EV packs a 19 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of about 78 miles – decent for daily commutes. It’s quite the sipper too, boasting an efficiency of 4.11 mi/kWh. For charging, it features a Type 1 (J1772) port and a punchy 6.6 kW onboard AC charger, meaning a full top-up takes around 3 hours on a 240V Level 2 station. One key thing to note: this little EV doesn't support DC fast charging, so longer road trips require a bit more planning around Level 2 stops.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific NHTSA or IIHS crash test ratings for the Fit EV variant are a bit scarce, the standard gasoline Fit it's based on generally performed well in safety evaluations. For its time, the Fit EV came equipped with essential safety kit, including a suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control, and a handy standard rearview camera. Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist weren't really on the menu for this early-generation electric warrior, keeping things relatively straightforward and focused on core safety.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Honda backed the 2015 Fit EV with a typical 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially, the precious lithium-ion battery pack was covered for a solid 8 years or 100,000 miles. As an EV, maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than its gas-powered cousins – no oil changes here! While complimentary maintenance wasn't a standard fixture, reliability is a Honda hallmark. For used buyers, checking battery health is key, but these are generally robust little machines built for the long haul, albeit with a shorter leash.