Honda EV Plus

Honda EV Plus (ZA1)
Overview
ManufacturerHonda
Production1997–1999
about 300 produced
AssemblyJapan: Mooka, Tochigi
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car
Body style3-door hatchback
RelatedHonda Logo
Powertrain
Electric motorbrushless DC
Battery28.7 kWh, 288 V (12 V×24) NiMH
Range80–105 mi (129–169 km)
Plug-in chargingAvcon (conductive)
Dimensions
Wheelbase99.6 in (2,530 mm)
Length159.3 in (4,050 mm)
Width68.9 in (1,750 mm)
Height64.2 in (1,630 mm)
Curb weight3,590 lb (1,630 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorHonda Insight

The Honda EV Plus was an experimental electric vehicle which was the first battery electric vehicle from a major automaker that did not use lead acid batteries. Roughly 340 EV Plus models were produced and released. Production of the EV Plus was discontinued in 1999 after Honda announced the release of its first hybrid electric vehicle, the Honda Insight.

The EV Plus served to test advanced battery chemistry in an electric car and also met California Air Resources Board requirements for zero-emission vehicles, like the General Motors EV1. It also tested the pancake-style motor, electronic control unit, power control unit and the Nickel–metal hydride battery (NiMH) later used in Honda hybrids and developed further in the first Honda FCX Fuel Cell Vehicles, which were rebuilt from returned (decommissioned) EV Plus chassis.