The inevitable electrification trend
Honda’s first electric car revisited
Launched well ahead of the Nissan Leaf
The rise of electric vehicles is accelerating worldwide, driven by ambitious policies like those in the European Union. While these efforts have come with challenges, the momentum toward an electrified future shows no signs of slowing. However, China’s industry has surged ahead in the global race for EV dominance, making it increasingly difficult for other markets to catch up. Automakers like Toyota and Honda are now working to establish strong footholds in this competitive landscape.
Amid this shift, it’s worth revisiting one of Honda’s early contributions to the EV story. While the Nissan Leaf is often celebrated as the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, Honda’s EV Plus predates it by 13 years. Introduced in 1997, the EV Plus may seem underpowered by today’s standards, but at the time, it was a groundbreaking achievement and a bold step into uncharted territory for electric mobility.
After a development period of 9 years, it passed all US safety regulations
The Honda EV Plus was developed in response to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) zero-emission vehicle mandate, a groundbreaking program to reduce automotive emissions. Honda began the project in 1988, investing nearly a decade in development before its official launch. The first prototype was unveiled in 1995, evolving from earlier designs like the EVX concept car and the CUV-4 prototype showcased at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show.
When it was launched in 1997, the EV Plus was the first modern EV to hit the US market. Although its body size was only 4,045 mm (159.2 inches) in length, 1,750 mm (68.9 inches) in width, 1,630 mm (64.2 inches) in height, and 2,530 mm (99.6 inches) in wheelbase, it is said to have met all US safety regulations because the platform was developed exclusively for EVs.
Equipped with nickel-hydrogen batteries
220 km range on a single charge
A standout feature of the Honda EV Plus was its battery technology. Unlike General Motors’ EV1, which initially relied on lead-acid batteries, the EV Plus incorporated a more advanced nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This choice improved range and efficiency, showcasing Honda’s forward-thinking approach.
The electric motor was equally innovative, developed entirely in-house by Honda. Featuring a brushless DC design with a water-cooling system, the motor achieved impressive efficiency rates—90% on average and a peak efficiency of 96%.
The maximum output of the electric motor was 65 horsepower, and the maximum torque was 28 kgf.m. Since it was engaged with a first gear, one might wonder if it was insufficient to move the 1.6-ton body. However, it could accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in 4.9 seconds and run at a top speed of 130 km/h (80.8 mph), so there would not be a big problem in everyday driving. It took 6 to 8 hours to charge the battery, and it could run 220 km (137 miles) on a full charge.
Limited Production Run of 300 Units
Only Two Survive Today
Honda produced only 300 units of the EV Plus, primarily leasing them to customers in California and New York, with limited sales in Japan and Switzerland. After five years, all leased vehicles were recalled, with most scrapped. Only two examples remain, preserved at Honda’s headquarters as a nod to the company’s early commitment to electrification.
While the EV Plus may seem modest by today’s standards, its technological innovations and user-friendly features placed it well ahead of its time. Honda’s recent Honda e, often seen as the spiritual successor to the EV Plus, carried forward the brand’s EV heritage until its discontinuation in early 2024. Though Honda has no plans for a direct successor, its pioneering efforts with the EV Plus remind the company of its capability to innovate in electric vehicles.
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