Honda Clarity Electric Hits Showroom Floors In California & Oregon … But Can’t Be Purchased

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The new 2018 Honda Clarity Electric is finally available in dealerships across California and Oregon, but only as a lease. Honda’s second modern electric vehicle follows the Honda Fit EV, which was also only available as a lease to prospective drivers.

As with the Fit EV, the Clarity Electric is eligible for both federal and state incentives that can bring the lease cost down to an approachable $199 for 36 months after $1,499 down and then also put cash in your pocket. The state rebate comes in the form of a check for $2,500 in both states, offsetting the down payment and then some.

Even at this attractive price point, Honda may need further incentives to lure buyers to the new kid in its plug-in stable, as it’s specs don’t impress — the Clarity Electric’s 25.5 kWh battery only provides for 89 miles of range. Though, it’s full size build is sure to attract some new customers. This is a class underserved in the electric car market and one our own research has found is in fairly strong demand.

Regarding the disappointing range, 89 miles of range was par for the course in 2012 with the Nissan LEAF, but when put up against the current generation of electric vehicles with 150 miles of range on the low end up to 238 miles of range in the Chevrolet Bolt, it is a hard sell at best.

In California, the Clarity Electric and it’s more popular Clarity Plug-in Hybrid version are eligible for the HOV lane, which has proven to be a significant motivator for those looking to cut a few minutes out of their morning commute.

To learn more, head over to Honda’s Clarity Electric page or stay tuned for our full review of the Honda Clarity Electric. (Yes, that is on the way.)

Source: Green Car Reports