Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid News
First Drive of Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid: Spacious Interior But Awkward Design
Honda last week gave journalists a first chance to drive the plug-in hybrid version of the Honda Clarity. The reviews were mostly positive, with praise given to the plug-in hybrid’s spacious interior, decent road manners, and quiet powertrain—but a less than enthusiastic response to the Clarity’s aesthetics.
Honda Clarity Electric Goes On Sale in California and Oregon
The all-electric version of the 2017 Honda Clarity started arriving in dealerships in the past few weeks. The full-size sedan, which is only available in California and Oregon, leases for $269 a month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing. The all-electric Clarity can travel 89 miles on a single charge. That puts Honda in the unfortunate position of introducing an EV with a driving range significantly lower than the new generation of electric cars.
Seven New Plug-in Hybrids Arriving This Year, 100 Models by 2021
The market for plug-in hybrid vehicles is set for transformational growth, according to a report released last week by Frost and Sullivan. “The plug-in hybrid market is set for high demand and growth,” said Pooja Bethi, an analyst at Frost & Sullivan. The firm forecasts that 100 new plug-in hybrid models would be launched by 2021. About seven models are coming this year, from BMW, Cadillac, Honda, Hyundai and Volvo.
The Popular Version of the New Honda Clarity Will Be the Plug-in
“Honda’s goal for the Clarity is to make electrified vehicles a true volume pillar,” said James Burrell, vice-present of environmental business development. The Fuel Cell version, which is available for lease now, will only be offered in California and in low volume. But here’s the exciting development for plug-in drivers: The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will offer 40 miles of all-electric range.
Honda Cancels Plug-in Accord, But Plans New EV
Honda announced on Monday that it would no longer offer the plug-in version of its Accord mid-size sedan. The plug-in model was never a big-seller, averaging about 40 units per month for 2013 and 2014—before sales plummeted to five sales per month since March. Yet, company executives promised a new purpose-built plug-in hybrid and EV model.
A Few More Details about Honda’s Upcoming Plug-in Hybrid
Honda announced at last year’s L.A. auto show that it make and sell an all-electric Honda Fit, as well as a full-size sedan using plug-in hybrid technology. The Fit should make a fantastic platform for a pure EV, but we haven’t had many details about what the plug-in hybrid will look like, or its features. This week’s Automotive News fills in a few of those blanks, while leaving lots of questions unanswered.
Honda Emerges as Major Proponent of Plug-in Cars
Taking a trip back to the future, Honda announced at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show that it plans to produce an all-electric version of the Honda Fit by 2012. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Honda announcement is the emphatic manner in which executives stated support for plug-in vehicles—after nearly complete silence on electric cars and plug-in hybrid for the past several years. Elmer Hardy, Honda manager of alternative vehicles, told me that Honda's biggest challenge with the Fit EV will be keeping up with demand.