Once again Honda tops the growing PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) segment with the completion of the Clarity electric trilogy. This Clarity will surprise you.
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As announced Thursday by American Honda Motors, Clarity PHEV comes to a growing alternative powered car segment with top of class fuel economy, a premium cabin environment, best in class standard connectivity and active safety features. We drive Clarity fuel cell electric in Santa Barbara, California. With a starting MSRP of $33,000 (before tax incentive) not only is Clarity PHEV well priced, but according to Honda, the longest electric-only-range ( *up to 47 miles) PHEV available to the midsize sedan buyer. Dealership debut is on December 1.
2018 Clarity PHEV follows Honda’s trend of exceptional standard feature value
Finally, environmentally conscious consumers find a viable long-range, super low emissions, conventional 4 door sedan, presenting long range gasoline electric hybrid propulsion, with a real world electric-only commuter capability. The implications here is a pure BEV drive range of 40+ miles -- enough range to cover most consumer’s daily work commute -- while never purchasing gasoline, well almost never. Is this is the near future of electric?
As found in the Accord Hybrid, the new Clarity world platform plug-in hybrid utilizes a small displacement Atkinson Cycle 4 cylinder gasoline engine for cogeneration, and combined passing lane torque when called on. Looking to the specifications, 2018 Clarity claims a total system output of 212 horsepower, and 232 lb-ft torque. Honda anticipates a gasoline engine only fuel efficiency of 44/40/42, and an EPA extended drive range of 340 miles.
The auto-magic here is found in a much improve battery module and reduced charging time -- 17 KWh @ 2.5 hours 220 Volt. Astounding! 2018 Clarity’s MPGe rating is a respectable 110 combined, right in line with many BEVs.
Read what Honda has to say about Clarity PHEV
According to Honda: "The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid takes a big step forward in bringing Honda electrified vehicles into the mainstream with no compromise to performance, range or comfort," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Automobile Sales. "The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid leads the pack with the highest all-electric range rating of any plug-in hybrid sedan and the most comprehensive standard equipment, spacious five-passenger cabin and a roomy trunk – all at an affordable price point."
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV impresses
Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Features
Safety & Driver Assist
Exterior
Interior
Smart Start and Entry
TFT Gauge Cluster
8-Speaker Audio
Dual-Zone Auto A/C
8.0" Display Audio
Bluetooth®
USB Audio Interface
Pandora®
SMS texting capability
Sirius XM
HD™ Radio
Heated Front Seats
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
Steering-Wheel Audio Controls
Cruise Control
HomeLink®
Honda Sensing®
Honda LaneWatch™
Vehicle Stability Assist®
Side Curtain Airbags
Driver and front passenger front, side and knee airbags
18" alloy wheels
LED auto on/off headlights
LED daytime running lights
LED taillights
Chrome door handles
Rain-sensing variable Intermittent windshield wipers
Security with Remote Keyless Access
Heated Side Mirrors
60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seat
Electronic Parking Brake with Brake Hold
Rear A/C Vents
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Soft-touch Instrument and door panels
Floor Mats
Sunglasses Holder
All Windows Auto-Up/Down
Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Touring
Navigation with Charging Infrastructure Information
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Driver's Seat with 8-Way Power Adjustment and 2-Position Memory
Front Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment
Perforated Leather- Trimmed Seats
Ultrasuede® Interior
Torque News looks forward to driving 2018 Clarity PHEV in December. How far will Honda go with electrification? Here's one answer.
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