Let’s start with the important stuff: What is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and how does it work? Well, as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Clarity can run on a gasoline internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or both. We can learn a lot about how the system works by understanding the three different modes that the Clarity has available:
ELECTRIC (EV) MODE – At low speeds, or when stopped, the Clarity relies only on the electric motor for power.
HYBRID (HV) – Propulsion comes from the electric motor in this mode. There is also a small gasoline engine and a generator motor that produces electricity. This electricity is either sent directly to the driving electric motor for immediate propulsion or to the battery pack to recharge it, depending on the driving situation.
ENGINE (DIRECT DRIVE) – At higher speeds, but low-load conditions such as cruising down a highway, only the gasoline engine provides the propulsion while the electric motor begins to recharge the battery pack through regenerative braking. This occurs whenever you use the brake pedal. The electric drive motor then acts like a generator and the power generated goes to the battery pack.
RECHARGE – when parked, the plug-in model of Clarity can be recharged at any compatible electric vehicle charging station. When plugged in at 240 volts, the electric motor in the Clarity can be fully recharged in as little as 2.5 hours.
It’s new to many people, but it’s actually very simple. There are fewer moving parts in an electric vehicle than an internal combustion model and all of the above-mentioned modes work invisibly, without any required input from the driver. You just get in and drive like any other car.
New for the 2020 model year is an updated Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) that functions whenever the car is operating at low speeds on electric power only (unless in Park), enhancing awareness for pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users.
The 2020 Clarity has a class-leading, all-electric, zero-emission range (AER) of up to 76 km. For longer trips, the 1.5 litre Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine is designed to work with the electric motor, enabling a combined electric/gasoline driving range of up to 547 km.
The Clarity is a hyper-efficient car rated at an impressive blended electric/gasoline fuel consumption of only 2.1 Le/100 km, putting it at the top of its class. The combined city/highway fuel consumption for the 1 litre Atkinson cycle gasoline engine is rated at an impressive 5.6 L/100 km.
Clarity PHEV comes standard with a Display Audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, pushbutton smart and keyless entry, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. Clarity Touring adds perforated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation with charging infrastructure information, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-position memory, and Ultrasude® interior trim.
And Standard HONDA SENSINGTM Technologies are designed to help make your drive safer. With intuitive technology and design, Honda has created a way forward that everyone can feel good about. Whether you’re driving or sitting in the passenger seat, enjoy the added peace of mind from the latest safety innovations from Honda.
The 2020 Honda Clarity is also eligible for federal rebates of up to $5000. Don’t delay. See what the electric revolution could mean to you and your lifestyle by clicking the TEST DRIVE Button below and scheduling a complete tour and road test.
2019 U.S. Model Featured
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
