The Fit EV uses a 123bhp electric motor with 189lb.ft of torque, suppled with electricity from a lithium ion battery pack with a range of 82 miles on a combined cycle. Drivers can select from three modes, similar to the CR-Z hybrid, to gain best performance, highest efficiency or a compromise between the two.

Honda already leases the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in certain North American regions and in Japan, and a natural gas powered Honda Civic in the United States.

Steven Center, vice president of the American Honda environmental business development office, said: ‘No other automaker on the planet is more deeply committed to produce and deliver more energy-efficient and sustainable transportation solutions than Honda. The 2013 Honda Fit EV is the latest example of this commitment.’