Guess What Automaker Hopes You Will Pay $269 A Month For An EV With An 89 Mile Range?

Honda held a test drive event this weekend for the all-electric version of their Clarity vehicle platform, and we learned answers to several of the hanging questions about the vehicle.

The range, which we recently reported would be around 80 miles, will actually be a bit higher-than-expected at 89 miles.  The car also comes with DC charging standard.  This isn’t so bad compared to many other EVs on the market, but in a world where the Bolt EV and Model 3 exist, this range spec is starting to look a little dated.  Even worse, the price is higher than other “near-100-mile” EVs, with a factory lease price of $269/mo, $1,999 down (including first month’s payment), though a very generous 20,000 miles per year.

The Clarity EV will be available in August or September, and only as a compliance vehicle in California and Oregon.  With a price/feature package like this, though, it might be dead on arrival, especially compared to what else is available these days.  Check below the break for why.

TheSteve - 6/12/2017 2:06:40 PM

-1 Boost

Who are they targeting as a prospective market? Folks who want to step up from an electric scooter? By the way, that styling makes a Pontiac Aztec look good by comparison.

Manny99 - 6/12/2017 4:26:12 PM

-1 Boost

Ugliest production car in a long time. The rear end is hideous. Good luck selling them, Honda.

SanJoseDriver - 6/12/2017 7:44:12 PM

-4 Boost

They are smoking crack, expect this to be discounted like crazy months after release.

vdiv - 6/13/2017 10:22:08 AM

0 Boost

Alas there will be Honda fanatics that will go for it. The FitEV was terrible and Honda still managed to lease all of them (and renew the leases). Remember, this is a lease only compliance car destined for the crusher.

vdiv - 6/13/2017 2:04:36 PM

+3 Boost

Let's see, range, performance, refinement, cold-weather issues, lack of DC fast charging, lack of availability in any but three CARB states, unable to purchase-lease only, only available in blue (some do like the blue, but come on!)

runninglogan1 - 6/13/2017 4:07:11 AM

+7 Boost

$269 a month is cheap. This is the biggest electric car next to a Model S.

The interior is quite nice and upscale.

For a family with moderate range needs and a second car, this may make sense.

Certainly not a looker but not as ugly as the Mirai.

llaroo - 6/13/2017 7:56:54 AM

+1 Boost

looks like an Armadillo and a Transformer hooked up for a night and bingo.

vdiv - 6/13/2017 10:18:49 AM

0 Boost

So they couldn't make it at least a 100 mile-EV? Honda needs to let their engineers leave the island a bit more often. Or build and R&D department in the US, it did wonders for Hyundai/Kia.

JRobUSC - 6/13/2017 11:10:40 AM

+3 Boost

"This isn’t so bad compared to many other EVs on the market, but in a world where the Bolt EV and Model 3 exist, this range spec is starting to look a little dated."

The Model 3 exists? Since when? Sorry, I don't know how I missed the giant press conference and subsequent global fellating of Tesla and Elon Musk.

vdiv - 6/13/2017 2:06:12 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah, I don't know either, head in sand? :p

SanJoseDriver - 6/14/2017 9:34:47 PM

+1 Boost

Deliveries start next month on the 3, very low chance of slippage at this point. However, most people can't wait a year for a new car.

vdiv - 6/13/2017 2:09:40 PM

+3 Boost

Is there money to be made in hydrogen FCVs? Because Honda insists on making those instead!