2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Lease Pricing

Although only available in three parts of California, Honda has released details of its leasing program for the 2017 Clarity.

2017 Honda Clarity

It has an EPA-estimated driving range of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent) giving it what Honda calls "the best range rating of any zero-emission vehicle, which includes fuel cell and all-electric cars, in the United States."

Unfortunately, most buyers won't have a shot at leasing the new Clarity, even if their credit is perfect.

That's due to the fact that the leasing program will only be available to buyers who either live or work near a miniscule network of 12 dealers approved by the automaker in three California markets. The rub, of course, is the lack of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure in most parts of the U.S. Those dealers lucky enough to be near those hydrogen stations are located in Southern California (six), the Bay Area (five) and the state capital of Sacramento (one).

2017 Honda Clarity rear 3/4 view

2017 Honda Clarity lease

The lease deal, itself, is pretty sweet.

A cap cost reduction (sometimes erroneously referred to as a "down payment") of $2,499 plus the first month's payment of $369 (plus any applicable state and local taxes) plus tax registration and official fees gets you a 36-month, 20,000 mile per year lease. Yup, you read that right, 20,000 miles per year.

This means you can drive 60,000 miles in three years without racking up any over-mileage charges. Not only that, the lease includes 24/7 roadside assistance for the entire lease period, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel and 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California.

Not a bad deal.

"Launching the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at an affordable lease price will enable more consumers to enjoy the benefits of this spacious and well-equipped fuel cell vehicle," said Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With an EPA driving range rating of 366 miles, fast refueling and a growing network of hydrogen stations in key California markets, the Clarity Fuel Cell offers an experience on par with traditional gasoline vehicles."