There's no fuel-cell but the plug-in hybrid version of the Clarity is offered in Canada
All-new 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV The all-new 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV adds to a small, but slowly growing list of PHEV passenger vehicles. The Clarity is one of the first steps in Honda’s global electrification plan to have two-thirds of its roster electrified by 2030. By David Miller ▲
Things that set the Clarity apart This gallery showcases what you need to know about the Honda Clarity PHEV and what sets it apart from both electrified and gasoline alternatives in the market. The Clarity doesn’t just slot in between other vehicles in the Honda lineup; rather it is positioned in its own electrified space with more alternative vehicles to come. ▲
Three Clarity vehicles; but just one for Canada In total, there are three versions of the Honda Clarity: plug-in hybrid, pure electric and hydrogen fuel cell. The plug-in is the first one to come to Canada as, according to Honda Canada, it has the greatest potential to meet current consumer needs. The pure electric version is being sold throughout the United States, while the fuel cell model, with 590 kilometres of range, which can be refueled in three-to-five minutes, is only available in the state of California. ▲
Fuel economy gains The primary reason Honda and other automakers create plug-in vehicles is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which translates directly to consumption, so that’s the place to start when looking at the Clarity PHEV. It’s rated at 2.1 Le/100 km combined, from a full electric charge, and 5.6 L/100 km in gasoline/hybrid mode – a rating that compares well with the its competition. ▲
76 kilometres of EV range The Clarity PHEV is said to be capable of up to 76 kilometres on pure electricity. Once that’s depleted, it can go into full gasoline mode avoiding the stress of range anxiety. Among mainstream PHEV vehicles, the Clarity is second only to the Chevrolet Volt in terms of pure electric range, besting the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus, Toyota Prius Prime, as well as the Ford Fusion and C-Max Energi vehicles. ▲
Powertrain configuration The Clarity sends power to it front wheels from a combination of a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and two electric motors (one with high torque and another with high output), the latter supplied by a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery. Total output from the combination is rated at 212 hp (181 hp motor/103 hp engine) and 232 lb-ft of torque (232 lb-ft motor/99 lb-ft engine). ▲
There’s no transmission Like the Prius Prime and the Volt, the Clarity has no conventional transmission as it uses an electric motor in the drivetrain to regulate the overall gear ratio to the driven front wheels. ▲
Underfloor battery pack The battery pack sits beneath the two cabin rows for better weight distribution, as well as freeing up much needed 439 litres of trunk cargo space. The Clarity is said to offer best-in-class cargo space. ▲
There’s no electric or gasoline button Don’t even bother to look for a pure electric or gasoline button, as the Clarity decides for itself based on throttle or brake input. The PCU (Power Control Unit) located under the hood, determines what driving mode you’re in. Push half way down on the accelerator or brakes and you reach that middle ground. Going a little further with a heavy foot on the throttle will trigger hybrid mode. ▲
Manual manipulation button There are, however, three drive mode controls located above the electronic gear shift: Econ, Sport and HV. We all know what the first two do, so what does the latter mean? One press of the HV button holds the Clarity in hybrid mode. Now, if you’re in need of more pure electric juice, simply hold the HV button and it turns into “Charge” mode. In this case, the system will begin to charge more aggressively to regenerate lost electricity. ▲
Deceleration paddle shifters Deceleration paddle shifters with four levels of regeneration are found on the back of the steering wheel. They allow the driver to manually control the degree of regeneration. Unlike some other vehicles, the max regen won’t bring the Clarity to a complete stop, so the brakes still have to be applied. ▲
It wants to be electric as much as possible According to Honda Canada, the Clarity should run on electricity 90% of the time. This, of course, only occurs if the sedan starts off fully charged. It takes 2-to-3 hours to charge at a Level 2 charging station. ▲
Smooth power delivery and seamless transitions The Clarity is a joy to drive when fully charged. It’s quiet and smooth through initial acceleration without any buzzing noises. Power delivery is surprisingly quick as you get up to speed. Sport mode offers a bit more spirit, but it’s not essential to enjoy for a relaxed ride. Unless you look at the HMI screen, it’s hard to tell whether you’re in pure EV or hybrid mode. The transitions are seamless and don’t interrupt the ride. ▲
Push hard to get it into hybrid mode In order to get into hybrid mode, you really have to push hard. To achieve full engine drive mode, you would probably have to go full throttle such as in a highway-passing maneuver. The Clarity is geared for acalm ride, and only after the battery is drained does it lose that composure. ▲
Handles like an Accord The Accord has its own hybrid variant and the Clarity feels very similar in terms of handling. On our first drive program throughout Scottsdale, Arizona, we had plenty of city and highway driving, but there was one windy stretch where we weaved the Clarity with precision through twists and turns. The sedan stayed well balanced with only minor steering inputs needed. ▲
Better aerodynamics Much of the Clarity’s design is based on aerodynamics. In front, it creates an air curtain that directs air away from its front tires and toward the rear where a rear wheel cover finishes the process by forcing the air out its backside. In addition, stylish two-tone,18-inch hybrid aero wheels don a plastic cover to aid in keeping air from going through the wheels. ▲
Same size as Accord Speaking of the Accord, the Clarity is close in size in the mid-side sedan market; an unusual decision for an automaker. Typically, brands try to maintain clear size distinctions between their own models but Honda is banking on Clarity being in a separate electrified space. ▲
Its size might be its standout feature among PHEVs Its size, especially in terms of passenger space, separates the Clarity from its closest rival, the Volt. It has a spacious back seat with plenty of headroom and legroom, to accommodate up to five adults comfortably. It’s built for families without compromising space and function. ▲
Touring trim has refined look Mainstream PHEVs typically feature a lot of interior technology, but rarely a refined look. The Clarity’s Touring trim offers plenty of sophistication with an elevated touch featuring Ultra Suede instrument panel trim. The suede complements faux wood-grain panels, as well as leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. ▲
Plenty of stowage The Clarity’s electric gear shifter allows for additional storage space underneath that can accommodate a tablet. In addition, there’s ample space in the glove compartment and centre console. In the second row, a smart-phone pocket is a smart addition, along with various cupholders both front and back. ▲
USB ports While it is unusual to see smart phone pockets in the back, there are not many USB ports. This is also an issue in the front, as the USB port positioning below the gear shift can be awkward to find forcing one to look down and stretch in unusual ways. ▲
High-definition screens Standard on the Clarity is a high-definition eight-inch LCD screen that’s easy to understand and use. It features Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as navigation in the Touring trim. In front of the driver is an HMI screen that provides a plethora of information including battery and fuel gauges, a power charge meter, and total range readout broken down between electric and gasoline power. ▲
No volume knob Recently, Honda brought the audio volume knob back for its latest new models, but that change didn’t come in time for the Clarity, making it stand out from the pack. The design for the Clarity was already underway, so the mid-size sedan gets a past-generation touch/scroll function for volume. Alternatively, a steering-wheel control can be used to adjust volume. ▲
Honda Sensing A suite of Honda Sensing technology comes as standard equipment in the Clarity. Customers will enjoy Level One safety features such as: Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Watch and Forward Collision Warning. ▲
Reasonable starting price The Clarity has only two trims with a starting price of $39,900 for the base and $43,900 for the more upscale Touring. Both packages come with plenty of equipment with no additional packages beyond Touring. The Chevrolet Volt clocks in at $1,000 cheaper per trim, but doesn’t have as many standard features, not to mention being smaller. ▲
Full incentives in three provinces As with most plug-ins, full EV incentives apply in British Columbia ($5,000), Ontario ($14,000) and Quebec ($8,000). ▲
Available now The 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV is available now in dealerships across Canada. Sales began on December 15, 2017. ▲
Keyword: 25 things you need to know about Honda’s new Clarity PHEV