SOME FUN MOMENTS OF CLARITY
Honda turns out a sparkling hybrid
Driving the 2018 Honda Clarity, powered by its companion electric motor, is an exhilarating experience.
Acceleration is swift and noiseless with a surprising amount of torque. When the plug-in hybrid’s lithium-ion batteries run out of juice after about 47 miles, the Honda’s four-cylinder engine takes over, providing ample power to the spacious sedan.
Low pollution and avoiding the gas pump make up the Clarity’s allure, which is tempered by a $33,400 MSRP (about $10,000 over an entry-level Honda Accord). The Clarity and Accord are similar in appearance, with the Clarity distinguished by aerodynamic enhancements in the form of air curtains built into the front fenders and rear doors to streamline airflow over the wheels. Partial tire covers built into the rear fenders further reduce drag and serve to differentiate the hybrid.
The Clarity’s batteries can be charged in 2 1⁄2 hours with access to a 240-volt charger. Beyond having an upgraded outlet installed at home, highvoltage charging stations are popping up in parking garages and at large retail locations in urban areas. Some of the commercial charging stations are available free of
charge, while others charge monthly subscriptions. Otherwise, charging with a 120volt common household outlet takes 12 hours.
A 181-hp electric motor and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine are located side-by-side under the Clarity’s hood and the combination generates a total output of 212 hp.
The Clarity Plug-in hybrid Touring test model topped out at $37,490 including destination charges, and was trimmed in leather and had a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also had poweradjustable front seats and a sport driving mode with an electronic continuously variable transmission.
I like the fact that Honda’s array of advanced safety technology composed of adaptive cruise control, lanekeep assist, collision and road departure mitigation systems are standard features on both the Touring and base models. Honda also offers the Clarity in an all-electric and fuel cell models.
My Clarity tester was well built and comfortable. The interior was on par with Honda’s standards for quality. The backseats provided plenty of room for three adults. Placing the lithium-ion batteries under passenger compartment floor helped to preserve trunk space and also helped lower the sedan’s center of gravity. An 8-inch multimedia touch screen was intuitive and integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
After the initial 47 miles on the electric motor during my weeklong evaluation, I didn’t have access to a 240-volt charging station to replenish the sedan’s batteries, so I primarily drove the Clarity on the gasoline engine and the sedan averaged 42 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Regenerative braking charges the Clarity’s batteries, allowing the electric motor to occasionally kick in.
Initially I was scratching my head over the Clarity’s fuel economy before I discovered that the Honda only had a seven-gallon fuel tank.
The Clarity plug-in hybrid presents an intriguing alternative to gasoline dependence and while my 100-plus-mile-per-day commute wouldn’t allow me completely to steer clear of the gas pump, the Honda can put a serious dent in fuel costs without sacrificing performance or space.