Honda Clarity Now Available as a Fully Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Model
Up until now, the Honda Clarity has only been available as a fuel cell-powered vehicle, and as such, is only sold in certain markets. It hasn’t been much of a success story, simply because no one buys fuel cell vehicles.
Honda is changing that and will soon offer some more variety with all-electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the Clarity, which debuted at the 2017 New York Auto Show.
The plug-in hybrid, which will launch later this year, should get an all-electric driving range of 42 miles, which Honda says is the “longest of any midsize plug-in hybrid.” Combined with the 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, driving range gets bumped up to 330 miles. That engine can recharge the 17 kWh battery or be used as a direct power source. The battery can be recharged in 2.5 hours at 240 volts.
ALSO SEE: Full Coverage of the 2017 New York Auto Show
The main attraction is the electric motor, which makes 181 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. All in, the Clarity Plug-In should earn 105 MPGe (mpg equivalent).
The Honda Clarity Electric, meanwhile, gets a bigger 25.5 kWh battery and is powered by an electric motor that makes 161 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The car can be recharged in three hours at 240 volts, getting an 80 percent charge in just half an hour. The Clarity EV should earn a 111 MPGe rating.
Combined, Honda hopes to sell 75,000 Clarity models in the U.S. in the first four years. By 2030, Honda says two-thirds of its global sales will come from electrified cars.
Discuss this article on our Honda Clarity Forum
Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
More by Jodi Lai
Comments
Join the conversation
Honda's leasing all the Clarity Fuel Cell cars it can make. They have more than 100 on the road. Your "no one buys fuel cell vehicles" implies Honda has parking lots full of Clarity cars they can't move.