Conference pate::electric_vehicles

67.0. "Honda releases EV in US" by CRUNCI::PIERPONT () Thu Feb 27 1997 12:04

http://www.burrelles.inter.net/B99999CZ/970227/258057.htm

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SOURCE: The Sacramento Bee
SUPPLIER: World Wide Web
DATE: 02-26-97
HEADLINE: Honda's electric car hits highway today

By Mark Glover

Bee Staff Writer

(Published Feb. 26, 1997)

The dawn of what some believe will be an electric motoring age begins today
in Sacramento.

Less than three months after being introduced in Southern California,
electric cars are being unveiled here -- available for public inspection,
test driving and ultimately for lease to a lucky few later this year.

Honda's much-publicized EV PLUS electric vehicle will be officially
introduced during a series of special ceremonies today at Mel Rapton Honda,
2820 Fulton Ave.

The four-seater's arrival locally completes a transition from possibility to
history.

A decade ago, many auto experts thought a practical electric vehicle was an
impossibility. EV PLUS, however, puts the auto industry one step closer to
meeting a state Air Resources Board requirement that 10 percent of the
vehicles offered for sale by 2003 be certified as emitting zero tailpipe
emissions.

"It's great to look at electric vehicles in a magazine or see them at an
auto show, but it's something else to actually see one or maybe even drive
one at a dealership," said Len Brewster, a Detroit-based auto analyst. "Your
great-grandfather might have bragged about seeing one of the first Model T
Fords.

"Who knows? It might be something to brag about seeing one of the first
Honda electric vehicles someday."

Mel Rapton Honda is the only dealership in Northern California with the EV
PLUS. The other three California dealerships with EV PLUS are in Southern
California -- Costa Mesa, Torrance and Van Nuys.

The four outlets are the only Honda dealerships in America displaying the EV
PLUS.

Katina Rapton, general manager of Mel Rapton Honda, said Tuesday the
dealership will provide test drives, information materials and lease
applications for customers who may be considering purchase of an electric
vehicle.

"Sacramento residents will be among the first in the nation to test drive
this advanced technology vehicle, and at the same time bring environmental
benefits to our neighborhood," she said.

Rapton said the EV PLUS -- with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of
$53,999 -- will be available in very limited numbers and only on a lease
basis. Only about 300 will be leased, starting in May, throughout California
in the next few years.

The 36-month lease price of $499 a month includes roadside assistance,
maintenance, an unlimited mileage warranty and comprehensive- and
collision-insurance coverage.

" . . . Not to mention no more gas station visits and no more oil changes,"
Rapton added.

General Motors' two-passenger EV1 electric vehicle has been on the lease
market at select Saturn dealerships in Southern California and Arizona since
Dec. 5.

Analysts have described the EV1 and EV PLUS as pioneers in a still- evolving
technology that could someday become commonplace in California.

The retail value of EV PLUS is about $20,000 more than the GM EV1 two-
seater, with the difference largely due to the high-tech battery built into
Honda's car.

Honda's nickel-metal hydride batteries are considered a significant step up
from the EV1's more-conventional lead-acid batteries.

EV PLUS has been tested at speeds of more than 80 mph, and analysts have
praised its brisk acceleration. Tests have shown EV PLUS to have a
single-charge range of 75 miles, and a range of more than 50 miles even when
driven flat out.

The EV PLUS is equipped with a compact on-board charger, capable of
recharging at either 110 or 220 volts. A permanent home charging unit is
expected to retail for $750 to $1,000.

Recharge time is about six to eight hours. EV PLUS batteries are designed to
last about four years.

Copyright (C) 1997 The Sacramento Bee

Highlights: Honda, car, cars, vehicle, auto, vehicles, America, General
Motors, GM

    Interesting note in the lease pricing of $499, it includes:
    "roadside assistance, maintenance, an unlimited mileage warranty 
    and comprehensive- and collision-insurance coverage."
    
    Now this brings the cost into line with IC vehicles on a 3 year lease,
    if not a little lower. [The insurance must be worth ~$1600 year/$135
    mo]
    
    Howard

    Nah, collision and comp coverage are dirt cheap. It's the liabilty
    insurance that comprises the HUGE portion of your insurance bill. :-(
    
    In the article, they mention that most of the "extra" $20,000 price
    over the GM EV is for the "hi-tech" batteries. But then it says that
    they need to be replaced about every 4 years. That's a SERIOUS hit to
    the ol' bank account and would buy enough gasoline to last most folks
    20 years! I don't think I'll be running right out to buy one.... :-)
    
    Harry