At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, American audiences finally got to see a Japanese vehicle that has yet to come to American soil - the Honda Jazz EV - known in the US and Canada as Honda Fit.

Sure, Schaller Honda in New Britain has plenty of new and pre-owned Honda Fit hatchbacks, but we still do not have the hybrid variant on North American soil, let alone an all electric version. Maybe its unveiling at LAAS is a hint of wonderful things to come?

Rumors at the show suggested that Fit EV, which claims 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway), will be on US dealer lots by mid-2012.

Three modes selectable in the car, Econ, Normal and Sport, which will change the driving experience and maximize efficiency of the car. Its 6.6 kW onboard 32 amp charger can keep the vehicle constantly moving - while a 240-volt charger can fully recharge Fit EV in three hours.

Apparently, Honda will begin leasing Fit EV models to customers in California and Oregon markets next summer. An expansion by early 2013 will bring the vehicle to "six East Coast markets."¹

With only 1100 models being produced over the next 2 - 3 years, interested parties might have to get in line once those markets are announced. Suggest retail price will be $38,675 - with a lease price of $399/mth.

Source: ¹http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Honda_news.html?id=11719