It’s only available in California and Oregon for now
Honda has started U.S. sales of its 2017 Clarity Electric five-passenger, zero-emissions EV.
Available at select dealerships in California and Oregon for lease only, the electric sedan launches with a lease price of $269 (plus tax) a month. The contract, which reflects a federal tax credit built in, is for 36 months and includes an allowance of 20,000 miles (33,000 km) per year and around-the-clock roadside assistance.
Customers first have to pay a $1,730 down payment plus the first month's lease payment due at signing (excluding tax, registration or official fees). If they qualify, buyers may also get California and Oregon state rebates of $2,500 once they become available.
The 2017 Honda Clarity Electric is powered by an electric motor that produces 161-hp (120-kW) and 221 lb-ft (299 Nm) of torque. The motor draws power from a 25.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for an EPA range rating of 89 miles (143 km) on a full charge. EPA fuel economy ratings are 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined).
The electric sedan's battery pack gets fully charged in just over three hours at 240 volts but, when using DC fast charging with the SAE Combined Charging System, it can achieve an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.
The 2017 Honda Clarity Electric is offered in the premium Touring trim and offers an array of standard features including the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive, as well as an 8-inch Display Audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Styling-wise, the Clarity Electric can be distinguished from other Clarity models thanks to unique design elements including an exclusive Cobalt Blue Pearl exterior color, differentiated front styling, headlights, tail lamps, and dedicated 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Clarity Electric is the second member of the Clarity family of electrified vehicles to go on sale, following the Clarity Fuel Cell launched in December 2016. A third model, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, will go on sale in the United States later this year.
If you find the Clarity Electric's 89-mile driving range too low for your needs, you'll be happy to know the Clarity Fuel Cell can cover 366 miles with a fuel tank of hydrogen.