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.
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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.
