The Honda Clarity Electric is sort of the awkward middle child of the largely identical Clarity trio of electrified cars. Nestled between the hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid variants is the automaker's fully electric large sedan. But with just 89 EPA estimated miles of cruising range, it's a bit of a tough sell compared to the rest of the current crop of electric cars, and even relative to its own hydrogen and hybrid siblings.

But the electric Honda isn't without its charms and its existence and scope says a lot about Honda's vision for clean mobility.

Engine room with room to spare

As implied by the name, the Honda Clarity Electric has a torquey electric motor hiding beneath its hood. Specifically, it's powered by a 120-kilowatt -- or about 161-horsepower -- electric motor producing 221 pound-feet of torque. That's technically a little less power than an Accord four-cylinder, but with much more torque. So, it should feel about as responsive off the line and around town the performance was nearly identical to that of the Clarity Fuel Cell.