2013 Honda Fit EV

The brand-new 2012 CR-V may be the talk of the day at Honda's Los Angeles Auto Show booth, but the Japanese carmaker also presented the production version of the Fit EV and announced plans to begin leasing the pure electric subcompact from next year.

Honda said that the Fit EV's MSRP is $36,625 with an estimated lease priced at $399 a month. It will initially be offered for lease to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, followed by six East Coast markets in early 2013.

The Japanese automaker said that it expects to produce around 1,100 Fit EVs over the next three years, though the number may increase if there's sufficient interest in the car.

The Fit EV is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kW (equal to 124HP) coaxial electric motor sourced from the FCX Clarity.

It also features a 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid that allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport to either maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. Honda says that in Econ mode, driving range can increase by as much as 17-percent compared to driving in Normal mode, while Sport mode is claimed to "significantly" improve acceleration.

Other energy-saving features include a highly efficient electric air conditioning system and new regenerative braking system.

According to Honda, with a 240-volt charger, the Fit EV can fully recharge in about three hours, in which case it has a driving range of 123 miles (198 kilometers) in the city and 76 miles (122 kilometers) in combined city and highway driving.

The Fit EV will be available in one bespoke color, Reflection Blue Pearl, while other special exterior features including the EV badges and decals, redesigned front and rear bumpers and a unique chrome front fascia plus distinct five-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, the seating surfaces are covered with bio-fabric while the EV comes with a different instrument panel incorporating a central screen.

All Fit EV's will also come with a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, personal computer or interactive remote, through which he or she can view the vehicle's state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning and heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the electric grid.