Earlier this week, Honda began retail leasing of the 2017 Honda Clarity, a fuel cell vehicle with an EPA-estimated driving range of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 MPGe.

Taking delivery of their 2017 Clarity vehicles are Jon Spallino, Terry Tamminen, Karen Thorp, Jackie Keller, Jack Cusick and Jim Salomon (left to right)

2017 Honda Clarity

It has an EPA-estimated driving range of 366 miles and an EPA-estimated 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.".

It's also only available for lease, not to buy. But the leasing program for the 2017 Clarity is probably one of the better deals around. Unfortunately, not many buyers will be able to take advantage of the program. That's because it's only available in certain parts of California from a handful of dealers.

Honda employees gather around the first 6 lessees of the 2017 Clarity

Late yesterday, Honda announced that it had marked the first six deliveries of its third-generation fuel cell vehicle at its Torrance, California headquarters campus.

The limited availability previously mentioned is due to the fact that the leasing program will only be offered to buyers who either live or work near a small network of 12 dealers approved by the automaker. The rub, in this instance, is the lack of a nationwide hydrogen refueling infrastructure necessary to support the Clairity's fuel requirements. The dealers chosen for the initial program also happen to be in close proximity to existing hydrogen fueling stations that are located in certain parts of 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 a pretty amazing deal.

Here's how it works:

Once approved, customers need to come up with a cap cost reduction (sometimes erroneously referred to as a "down payment") of $2,499 and the first month's payment of $369 plus any applicable state and local taxes. In addition, they also need to kick in for the registration and documentation fees plus any other official fees (such as a title fee).

That money gets them a 36-month, 20,000 mile per year lease. Yup, you read that correctly, 20,000 miles per year.

2017 Honda Clarity front 3/4 view

But wait, there's more.

In addition to the ability to drive 60,000 miles over the three year lease term without racking up any over-mileage charges, the lease also includes 24/7 roadside assistance for the entire lease period.

Did we mention that Honda is also kicking in up to $15,000 worth of hydrogen fuel and 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California? Yes indeed, it is.

So here's the bottom line: if you're looking for a 5-passenger sedan that gets really great fuel economy, you live in of the three areas outlined in the lease program and you'd really like a vehicle that qualifies for California "White Sticker" single occupant HOV access, what are you waiting for?

2017 Honda Clarity taillamp detail

According to Honda, "Potential lessees interested in a 2017 Clarity can visit this website for further information and sign up for the opportunity to lease one":

http://automobiles.honda.com/clarity

See you in the fast lane.