How the Honda Clarity Models Will Change

The Clarity is Honda’s brand-new entry into the hydrogen cell vehicle market. The idea of using hydrogen as a fuel has been around for decades, but recently several car companies have found a way to do so safely, at a reasonable cost, and in a way that can be mass-produced. For Honda, that’s the Clarity.

However, that’s not all Honda has planned for the nameplate. During the recent New York Auto Show, Honda unveiled two new Clarity models that promise to add to the company’s environmental vehicle list.

The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid

The Clarity isn’t going to have a regular hybrid version and instead skips straight to the plug-in hybrid design. Plug-in hybrids are different, and not just because you can charge the battery separately. It’s also because plug-in hybrids rely more on battery power, so the gasoline engine is more for charging it up than for making the car go. That’s why Honda is saying the new Clarity plug-in hybrid has a pure electric range of over 40 miles. It’ll be the most widely produced Clarity model since it doesn’t need any alternate infrastructure.

The Clarity Electric

Up to now, most EVs (electric vehicles) have been compact or subcompacts. That’s not because manufacturers want EVs to be economy vehicles, but because you need more energy to move more weight and EV batteries have only recently started to come with ranges of 100 miles or more. The only exceptions are luxury vehicles, but the Clarity Electric promises to change that.

The Clarity Interior

The fact that the Clarity is an affordable, green midsize sedan sets it apart from almost all the competition. As a midsize vehicle, it comes with a roomy interior that won’t go away no matter which version you pick, and both the seating and interior trim materials are top-notch.  The Clarity is a midsize sedan that holds five people.  High-tech features are also standard equipment, including the electronic gear selector, the auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Honda Sensing, a full suite of driver assistance features like Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation.

A lot of details are still up in the air, including the eventual price for the Clarity Electric. Time will tell, but it’s clear enough that the new models will be joining the Clarity Fuel Cell for the 2018 model year. As it is, if you live in an area that sells fuel cell vehicles, you can enjoy a Clarity Fuel Cell now and get benefits like up to $15,000 in free hydrogen for a three-year lease.