Economy for Everyone: 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Sedan
Honda expanded its Clarity alternative fuel franchise for 2018 with the addition of two more vehicles: the Clarity Electric (California only) and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (all 50 states). The all-new Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is anticipated to achieve a 42-mile pure EV driving range with a 330-mile extended range. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will be available in Standard and Touring trim levels. As the next progression of Honda's dynamic styling for electrified products, each Clarity variant has a low, wide aerodynamic body with unique design elements, including its own special hero color, and differentiated front styling, headlights, tail lamps and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Offering Honda's "fun-to-drive" DNA, each Clarity variant provides a smooth, quiet and highly refined driving experience, aided by the smooth and seamless character of electric drive torque and acceleration.
Electricity for the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is generated by its hyper-efficient 1.5L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and under certain conditions, can act as a direct power source. The vehicle's electromotive power comes from an electric motor that draws power from both the gasoline engine and a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack with a recharge time of 2.5 hours at 240 volts.
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid features three selectable modes – Normal, Econ and Sport – allowing drivers to customize their experience, maximizing efficiency or driving performance. A fourth mode – HV mode – is provided to maintain the battery's state of charge and can be selected in conjunction with Normal, Econ and Sport driving modes.
Inside the passenger cabin, the Clarity has a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five adults, outfitted with premium, environmentally responsible materials.
The Clarity series also features advanced technologies, including Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™, and the full suite of HONDA SENSING™ safety and driver-assistive technologies.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 108.3; overall length: 192.7; width: 73.9; height: 58.2
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline – 103 hp at 5500 rpm and 99 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm; AC Permanent Magnet Synchronous electric motor – 181 hp at 5000-6000 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 0-2000 rpm; 17kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Transmission: fixed, single-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 44 city/40 hwy.; 110 MPGe
Cargo capacity: 15.5 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability assist, traction control, multi-angle rear view camera, LED daytime running lights, hill start assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, Honda LaneWatch, security system with remote entry, automatic LED headlights, Smart Entry with walk away auto lock, push button engine start, HomeLink remote system, automatic power door locks, HondaLink, Bluetooth hands free phone system, tire repair kit, and tire pressure monitoring system. Touring adds Honda satellite-linked navigation system.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
High Voltage Battery Capacity: 8-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid sedan starts from $33,400 for the Standard model and $36,600 for the Touring. Destination charges add $895.
