Honda Motor China Investment Company announced today the start of Honda EV or electric vehicle testingĀ in conjunction with the city of Guangzhou and Guangzhou Automobile Group Company.
Guangqi Honda Automobile Company, the government required joint-venture between Honda Motor and Guangzhou Automobile wants to begin local production of EVs in China before the end of 2012. Before then, Honda is importing hybrids and EVs from Japan.
Honda Fit model EVs will be driven in the city of Guangzhou to define technological issues that need to be resolved to achieve the widespread use of EVs in the future, Honda said. In addition, proposals for a recharging infrastructure will be made based on the results of the EV range obtained.
The Honda Fit EV models used for the demonstration program has a lithium ion battery pack, and a claimed range 150 km. Charging is said to be under six hours with a 220V power supply.