This year marks the arrival of the first fully electric vehicle produced by Honda. The Honda 2013 Fit EV should be available in the States in the summer of 2012.

Long the leader of hybrid technology in transport, Honda has already shown its concept EVs but this is the first production EV by Honda.

The Fit will have a range limit of 123 miles thanks to its 92KW electric motor. The motor is the same used in the bigger car, the FCX Clarity, and this translates to powerful acceleration for the Fit EV. In fact the Fit EV has 77 per cent more torque than the gasoline Fit.

While driving the Fit EV, drivers can choose between three different driving modes – Normal, Econ and Sport. In normal mode, the standard settings are used across all systems, in Sport the electric motor is used more aggressively, so it’s good for overtaking. This gives better throttle response and quick acceleration. And if you want to get the maximum range, switch to ECON, which can increase driving range by 17 per cent.

Like the original Fit, the new car offers nippy handling, aided by its low centre of gravity and independent rear suspension.

There’s an on-board charger which can recharge a depleted battery in under three hours on a 240V circuit. Drivers can choose when the charger is in use, via a mobile phone app or the Multi-Information Display on the dash. This allows drivers to make use of electricity company’s off-peak tariffs. The Fit EV can also be charged using public charging stations, and you can top off the battery when you make a stop even if it’s not completely out of charge. The navigation system lists public charging station locations in the States, as does the Fit EV smartphone app.

You can also charge the Fit EV at home, using a home charging station to ensure that you have access to a 240V circuit.

To begin with, Honda is planning to lease just over one thousand of the Fit EVs at $389 per month for a three year period. Roadside assistance and maintenance costs are included in the price.