At one time the Clarity name from Honda was planned to be the way the brand would offer us hydrogen fuel cell models for the drive that we want with an alternative fuel source to give us the drive. Honda has chosen to make this name one that’s used for more models and the 2018 version of the Clarity is offered as a PHEV model that can be perfect for the drive desired. This will allow the Clarity to be the model that moves forward from what the Insight has been in the past.
When you think of the Clarity, you may picture the fuel cell models that were sold in limited numbers from 2008 until 2014, but this version will give you more with the full EV model and the plug-in hybrid variations that will be right for the drive. The PHEV model will make use of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors that make use of a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery. The total output of this system shows up at 212 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque to give you the power you want and the efficiency of 44 city/40 hwy mpg for the drive on the road.
Size Matters
Many times, when you think of a hybrid vehicle, you picture a small hatchback or a car that is compact and built to appear to be one that barely fits anyone inside for the drive. The Clarity isn’t one that fits in this class. This is a deceptively large sedan that comes close to being the same size as the Accord that you see for the typical drive. This makes the Clarity a model that fits in the midsize sedan market and offers you the seating and the comfort you’d find in a car that is a normal commuter size.
The battery of the Clarity PHEV has been placed under the floor to make sure you still have the cargo space you need in the trunk that offers up to 15.5 cubic feet for the spacious area you need to enjoy. The seating and leg room inside this car is impressive and can be perfect for you to be the one who drives the carpool on a regular basis so that everyone can get to work and you can enjoy the benefit of excellent fuel mileage.
Driving Balance
Instead of being a boring old hybrid that only has a focus on fuel mileage, the Clarity gives you two driving modes with Eco and Sport for the driving personality you want to enjoy on your way to wherever you’re going. You can set this car in the EV model and allow the batteries to power the ride and as long as you keep the pedal off the floor it will remain in EV mode until the battery runs out, which will happen after about 47 miles if you start with a full charge. This makes it easy to have the drive you want with the efficiency that allows you to avoid the gas pump.
Because the range and the regenerative braking system can help you have a drive for several miles without using a drop of gas, Honda has fit the Clarity with a small seven-gallon gas tank that allows this car to offer you as much as 340 miles of overall range for the drive. This allows you to have an EV driving experience most of the time but when you want to drive this car for a longer road trip, you can certainly do so.
The PHEV You’re Looking For
If you do want to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid model but don’t want to be saddled with the tiny hatchback models that we see with some cars, the Honda Clarity PHEV could be the perfect choice for you. This midsize sedan offers you a large cabin, impressive qualities that feel great on the road, and the fuel mileage you need for your drive. This is a car that qualifies for some impressive rebates to ensure you pay an affordable price to drive a car that is ready to give you excellent range with the EV system and the ability to continue the drive wherever you want to go.
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