The Honda clarity isn't just a car, it's a range of cars each electrified for
maximum efficiency, and even though this video is gonna be mostly about
efficiency, I promise by the end of it something exciting will happen.
That's called a tease, and this is called the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
Its 1.5-liter engine electric motor and 17 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery
pack return an impressive 42-combined mpg along with 110 MPGe,
the semi confusing federal figure meant to clarify efficiency for electric
vehicles. As alluded to in the intro, there are other Claritys. A limited
availability, lease-only pure electric model with a disappointing 89-mile range,
and a Clarity fuel cell vehicle available only for lease in California
that turns gaseous hydrogen into, you guessed it, sweet electricity. Filling the
fuel cell version is quick and simple, like adding gasoline to a traditional
car, but finding a hydrogen fueling station outside of California might be
tricky. On the upside, the Clarity lease includes up to $15,000 in hydrogen fuel
over a three-year period. With all that on the table let's direct our attention
to the volume leading Clarity the plug-in hybrid electric.
Unlike its more esoteric counterparts the Clarity Plug-In is widely available
in the United States. Boasting a lengthy 47-mile electric range, the plug-in has a
four-cylinder engine running regular unleaded that kicks in when the battery
is depleted. If charging isn't available, you can drive it like a normal hybrid,
but, assuming you've got access, a normal outlet will top you off in about 12
hours. Use a 240-volt system and the recharge time drops to about two and a
half hours. For daily commuting the plug-in's 47-mile range means trips to the
gas station will be infrequent. Assuming you're going there for gas. Of course, the
Clarity's efficiency depends on how you drive. To help align vehicle behavior
with the driver's mood, there are multiple drive modes. Econ efficiently minimizes
use of the gasoline engine, sport mode does the exact opposite for zippier
acceleration, and HV mode reserves battery charge on long drives for later
use. Perhaps for sneaking up on your friends like a total creep. Visually the
Clarity wears it's alternative propulsion on its sleeve, or its rear
fender, but from the driver's seat its blessedly normal to drive. Acceleration
is totally respectable road manners are agreeable and predictable and the brakes
feel about as normal as you're gonna find in an electric car.
That normalcy is expressed in the transparent conversion of electric and
gasoline propulsion. Okay there is a disconnect between acceleration and the
sound of the engine, but if you ignore your ears the Clarity feels perfectly
normal in the best way possible. Other bits of normalcy can be found through
the cabin. Take note the Clarity has five seats while some of its plug-in
competitors are limited to four, and those seats are comfortable with good
passenger space. We'll take a moment to make my semiannual lack of lumbar
support complaint, but as long as I've got my pathetic inflatable pillow, I'll
be just fine. Depending on your preferences, the Clarity's front seats
might be perfect as is. The Clarity also wins with a nicely sized 15.1-cubic foot
trunk, handy fold down seats, a window that doesn't do much to aid rearward
visibility, but it does let you keep tabs on your groceries, and various cool
touches including stylized wood-like plastic trim, and a plant derived bio
fabric dash treatment. I already got my lumbar complaint, and so,
I'm not gonna complain about the lack of a volume knob. Instead, let's praise the
standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and this lovely 8-inch screen. I will
say that the USB ports positioning is a little bit odd, but I very much like this
area here where I can store my phone or when I'm not using it my inflatable
lumbar pillow, which reminds me.
On the safety front, there's a helpful infusion of technology from Honda Sensing, a
standard bundle of driver assistance features including dynamic cruise
control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
These kinds of safety systems are becoming increasingly common, but in my
experience Honda Sensing is among the most helpful and least intrusive. Look, I
haven't crashed yet, not once.
Starting slightly higher than $34,000 including destination charges,
aerodynamic 18-inch wheels, smart entry for convenient keyless access, seven
airbags including a driver's knee airbag, and a multi-angle backup camera. The
Clarity Plug-In is currently available for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits.
Dropping the asking price to less than $27,000. Toss in potential state
incentives along with Honda's renowned reliability, and the delightfully
agreeable Clarity Plug-In Hybrid stands as a compelling efficient value. Even so,
it doesn't hurt to investigate the plug-in hybrid competition, which
includes the Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius Prime and the Hyundai Ioniq.
Proclaiming a car is normal is not a thrilling way to end a video, but that's
exactly what the Clarity is, normal. Maybe the graphics guy can add some excitement.
That's a start.
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