Japanese automaker Honda is the first auto brand to lease fuel-cell vehicles to retail customers, and now the company says that advances in hydrogen-vehicle technology aided in the creation of some of the highest efficiency vehicles available in the U.S.

This month, Honda will begin leasing the Honda Fit EV hatchback to drivers in Oregon and California for $389 a month. This EV's MPGe ratings top the Nissan LEAF and the Ford Focus EV, at 118 MPGe*, with a range of 82 miles on a full charge. However, Honda is still working to make the EV even more attractive to many different types of drivers. Robert Bienenfeld, Senior Manager at the automaker's U.S. headquarters in California, explains, "We're trying to come up with a formula for success for EVs. For an older driver, some of the limitations of battery electrics make them unappealing, but for younger customers that may not be the case."¹

Sachito Fujimoto, who oversees several EV projects and is a Senior Chief Engineer for Honda, explains the advantages Honda has in developing more advanced technologies: "Motors, motor controllers, braking, the AC system, these components we tried to make as usable as possible for both. Clarity team members are also involved in our EV development." ²

For more interesting Honda updates, stay tuned here with at Honda of New Rochelle, conveniently located at 25 E. Main St. New Rochelle, NY 10801, and don't forget to check out our great selection of new and used cars.

Source: ^1,2 http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-29/honda-leverages-fuel-cell-savvy-to-extend-fit-evs-range

*Disclaimer: Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.