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Honda takes another stab at the plug-in hybrid market with the new Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, an efficient sedan that is meant to compete with other plug-in hybrids in the segment such as the Toyota Prius and the Hyundai Ioniq. The Clarity Electric was also presented at the New York Auto Show this year, although this particular model will only be offered in the U.S, specifically in California and Oregon to start.
Both models will join the Clarity Fuel Cell to grow the Clarity Series, a family of vehicles that is meant to be “the next progression of Honda’s dynamic styling for electrified products”.
Efficiency and range
While the new Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can travel for 68 kilometers in all-electric mode, a 1.5 liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine may take the lead when more range is necessary. This engine may generate electricity and, under certain conditions, act as a direct power source. The electric motor is hooked to a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack. Altogether, this powertrain outputs 181-horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel consumption is evaluated at 2.24 liters to 100 kilometers and when the gas tank is filled to the top, the anticipated overall driving range rating will be a little bit over 530 kilometers. To modulate driving dynamics, Honda outfitted the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid with three selectable drive modes: Normal, Econ and Sport. All three may be used in combination with the HV mode, which is designed to maintain the battery’s state of charge.
Two different trims
The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will be available in two trims, standard and Touring. As of today, we don’t have much information on how these variants will be appointed inside the cabin, but Honda stipulates that both of them will be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto system. Moreover, the Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies will also be part of the equipment list.
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid will be launching in Canada later this year.
