Honda Clarity | Carreview #1

Honda began sales of the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, a new model joining the Clarity Electric and Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle. These models all use the same body and platform, but have different advanced drivetrains.

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As a plug-in hybrid, the Clarity uses a 1.5-liter engine, electric motor and 17 kilowatt-hour battery pack to drive the front wheels. Owners can charge the battery then drive the Clarity as an electric vehicle, and when the battery runs down, it will switch to hybrid mode automatically.

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With a fully charged battery, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can operate as an electric vehicle for 47 miles, while its hybrid mode includes enough gasoline for another 340 miles.

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Plug-in hybrid mileage varies considerably depending on how often you charge their batteries. Operating just as a hybrid vehicle, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid gets 42 mpg. For a 100-mile trip that began with a fully charged battery, the Clarity showed 83 mpg.

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The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is classified as a midsize sedan, and its roomy cabin carries five passengers.

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LED headlights come standard on the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid.

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The total system output from engine and electric motor comes to 212 horsepower, more than most four-cylinder, midsize sedans.

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The front lighting gives the Clarity a distinct look at night.

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Despite the complexity of the drive system, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid makes it easy to just get in and go.

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The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid goes for a base price of $33,400, but a $7,500 federal tax credit will drop that price to the mid-20s.

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