Seven years after its North American debut and rapid rise to the top of the subcompact class, the Honda Fit has a new title — most fuel efficient vehicle in the United States.
Reclassified in 2011 to the compact classification, the 2013 Fit EV will soon be marketed with its recently announced EPA rating of 118 MPGe. It’s the highest number ever awarded by the EPA. The 2012 gas-powered Fit has mpg averages of 27 in the city and 33 on the highway.
Key Takeaways
- 118 MPGe sets the EPA efficiency record: The Fit EV earned the highest MPGe rating ever awarded by the EPA at its launch, surpassing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112 MPGe), Ford Focus Electric (105), and Nissan Leaf (99).
- 82-mile range leads the early EV segment: The 20 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers nine more miles than the Nissan Leaf and 20 more than the i-MiEV, making it the range leader among affordable EVs of its era.
- Spacious interior retains the Fit’s versatility: Despite the battery pack, the Fit EV maintains the subcompact’s reputation for wagon-like interior space, preserving the practicality that made the gas-powered Fit a class leader.
- $500 annual energy cost: At 29 kWh per 100 miles driven, the Fit EV’s electricity consumption translates to roughly $500 per year in fuel costs, a fraction of what comparable gas-powered vehicles require.
- Part of Honda’s expanding alternative-fuel lineup: The Fit EV joined the FCX Clarity fuel cell, Civic Natural Gas, and Insight hybrid as Honda pursued multiple electrification pathways simultaneously.
The gas powered Fit, promoted as “Small is the New Big,” has received numerous accolades. Some car industry writers described the car’s spacious interior as wagon-like and recommended the car without reservation despite its high price.
The current highest mileage cars include the Mitsubishi i-MEV (1112 MPGe), Ford Focus Electric (105 MPGe) and Nissan Leaf (99 MPGe).
The Fit EV, according to Honda, consumes 29 kWh of electricity per 100 miles driven, which will cost the average driver about $500 per year.
The EPA’s MPGe rating is determined based on the energy present in a gallon of gasoline and converting it from BTUs to kWh — which comes out to 33.7 kWh of electricity. Otherwise, the simulated highway and city driving dynamometer tests required by the EPA are the same for EVs and cars that run on gasoline or diesel.
In addition to its miserliness, the Fit EV’s 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack also gives it a total range of 82 miles, according to the EPA’s combined city and highway test cycle. That’s nine more miles than the Leaf and 20 more miles than the i-MiEV.
Facts & Figures: 2013 Honda Fit EV
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 92 kW DCPM |
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 132 city / 105 hwy / 118 combined mpg |
| Range | 82 miles |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the 2013 Honda Fit EV?
The Fit EV has an EPA-rated range of 82 miles per full charge. Actual range varies based on driving habits, speed, weather, and use of climate control and accessories.
How efficient is the Honda Fit EV compared to other EVs?
The Fit EV achieved 118 MPGe combined (132 city/105 highway), making it the most efficient vehicle ever rated by the EPA at its launch. It surpassed the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Ford Focus Electric, and Nissan Leaf in efficiency.
How much does it cost to charge the Honda Fit EV?
Honda estimates annual electricity costs of approximately $500, based on the Fit EV’s consumption of 29 kWh per 100 miles. Actual costs depend on local electricity rates and driving patterns.
What battery does the 2013 Honda Fit EV use?
The Fit EV uses a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 92 kW permanent magnet electric motor. The battery supports DC fast charging for quicker replenishment.
Is the Honda Fit EV spacious inside?
Despite housing a battery pack, the Fit EV retains much of the gas-powered Fit’s renowned interior versatility. The cabin has been described as wagon-like in its spaciousness, unusual for the subcompact class.
How does the Fit EV compare to the Nissan Leaf?
The Fit EV offers better efficiency (118 vs. 99 MPGe) and more range (82 vs. 73 miles) than the Leaf. The Leaf counters with wider availability and a larger dealer network for service and support.
Article Last Updated: March 29, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.