CARS.COM — Honda unveiled two plug-in Clarity models — a plug-in hybrid and battery electric — that extend the Clarity Fuel Cell car into a line of alternative-fuel Clarity cars at the 2017 New York International Auto Show. These Clarity models are important for Honda as it works toward its goal of having two-thirds of its sales from electrified vehicles by 2030. The fuel-cell 2017 Clarity is already being leased in California, the only state with metro areas with public hydrogen fuel networks.
The two plug-ins are the essentially same car with different powertrains, which means they share the fuel-cell car’s visual eccentricities. They are not bad, just different, and the Toyota Prius proved that looking different can be a plus in selling greener vehicles.
Inside, all are practical five-seat sedans that aim for a premium feel, though they would get closer to that if it weren’t for some “eco-friendly” materials that feel coarse, but seem to be required these days in cars with green aspirations.
The 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid looks like a winner on capability, with an estimated 42-mile range on a full charge (2.5 hours to charge on 240 volts) — enough for EV commuting — and, Honda said today, an expected 40-plus mpg rating running as a hybrid for as far as you want to go. Coupled with a price Honda said will be “mid-30s” and this car should find a market.
2017 Honda Clarity Electric | Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
The 2017 Clarity Electric, however, seems too limited, with just an 80-mile expected range, at a time when 100 or so miles seem to be the minimum ante. Range is always a compromise of size, weight and cost, and this is a mid-size sedan that aims, Honda said, to be “affordable,” though a price was not announced. While this Clarity Electric might work as a commuter car, it seems like a lot of car for just commuting, but not enough range to do much else.
Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief
Fred Meier
Former D.C. Bureau Chief Fred Meier, who lives every day with Washington gridlock, has an un-American love of small wagons and hatchbacks.