Honda has taken the wraps off two additional variants of its Clarity, a zero emissions four-door saloon that’s driven by a unique hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, to now include a fully electric battery powered and plug-in hybrid version.
Previously, the Clarity was known as Honda’s fuel cell vehicle in much the same way Toyota does with the Mirai. But now they are broadening that brand to be associated with a variety of zero emissions or environmentally conscious vehicles, hence the inclusion of these two new variants to better fit the needs of a specific customer who, say, may not live in southern California where there is an increasing number of hydrogen filling stations.
Let’s start with the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, which will be arriving at American dealerships later in 2017, is expected to earn a rating of around 67km of electric range (using only its 17kWh battery) and a combined range of 530km. Total output, Honda says, stands at a respectable 135kW and 315Nm, achieved with the electric motor being fed by both the battery and an efficient 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Even better, with the ability to charge the battery from a standard wall outlet, a week’s worth of short commutes to work may not even require a single drop of petrol to be used. In fact, the 67km claimed electric-only range is purported to be the longest of any midsize plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The Clarity Electric, by contrast, ditches the petrol engine entirely and use the spare space to house a larger battery. It’s not that much larger, however, as it’s rated at 25.5kWh, enough to propel the Honda for…..well, they haven’t specified that, so use your imagination.
An SAE Combined DC fast charger can fill the battery to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes, however, which is very convenient in a pinch, provided you're near enough to a compatible station. A full charge, though, takes roughly 3 hours. As there are fewer components, the EV version will be on sale sooner than the plug-in hybrid, an availability that will kick off with a leasing programme applicable to residents in the state of Oregon and California.
The plug-in hybrid Honda Clarity will be built in the United States, most likely at their Marysville, Ohio plant. Sure, an argument can be made against offering the current Clarity (hydrogen fuel cell) as well as the previous FCX Clarity in limited markets where hydrogen stations can be found.
Now, though, with the addition of these more conventional versions that use more mainstream methods of electrification, there’s a case for the Clarity name to be more widespread.
"The Honda Clarity is aimed at accelerating the deployment of advanced electrified powertrain technology and bringing electrified vehicles further into the mainstream," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., at the company's auto show press conference. "The Clarity series also heralds the advancement of our Honda Electrification Initiative, representing our investment in the full spectrum of electric-vehicle technologies."
"Electrification is the future of mobility and the future of Honda, and it all starts now with this new Clarity series," added Steve Center, vice president of the Connected and Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.
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