Honda EV+ Electric Vehicle Drivers (Not connected to Honda Motors)

According to the EPA, the EV+ has a range of 100-125 miles. Honda is very conservative in claiming a range of only 60 to 120 miles. Commuting to Century City, Pomona, Santa Ana and other job sites indicates that it is hard to get less than 80 miles range, no matter how fiercely you drive. Mileage decreases slightly (5%) when you carry four persons and a load of equipment in the cargo space. A trip to Mt. Baldy Ski Area with 3 passengers showed no dramatic difference.

The Honda EV+ has a graphic display to show remaining battery charge and projected "distance to empty", which we have found to be conservative: the range projection is usually low, and the gauge does not show the "reserve". This encourages cautious driving, and the safety factors allow for a fair amount of driver error. Once you get used to the EV+, the large range display and several "low battery" warnings become somewhat distracting. There is a handy "economy mode" switch which reduces the acceleration to increase range.

The actual real-world driving range varies with driving conditions and the driver: best mileage (130+ miles) at slow, steady speeds; moderate stop-and-go driving (115 miles); high-speed freeway driving (95 miles), and very aggressive driving at very high speed (80 miles). The air conditioner and heater reduce the range about 5-15 miles depending on the heat difference. Elevation changes noticeably affect the mileage: every 1,500 feet of climbing takes an additional bar of power. Descending gives back about 80% of the power spent ascending through regenerative braking, which is also a help in freeway driving.

In case the driver miscalculates trip distance, the EV+ reserve will take the car another 10+ miles beyond "empty". When the power is down to 1.5 bars the "charge battery" warning comes on. When the display drops to zero, the range prediction and other lights go out and warning lights flash. When the reserve is mostly gone, the car goes into "reduced power mode". This assists you in limping to your destination, or at least to a charging station..