LOS ANGELES – Honda on Nov. 16 unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the battery-electric commuter vehicle to U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. 

American Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013. 

The Fit EV's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $36,625, with an estimated lease price of $399 a month. Honda said it will monitor market acceptance, but expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1,100 Fit EVs over the next three years.

"The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda's portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co. Inc. 

The Fit EV offers an estimated driving range of 123 miles on a single charge using the U.S. EPA city cycle test methods. Honda said it anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new fuel economy labels. 

The Fit EV is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. The high-density electric motor is derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric vehicle.

Drivers can maximize driving range by taking advantage of the three-mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. 

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