By most standards, the Honda Clarity is among the most effective electric vehicles on the market. It has a range of more than 80 km, a wonderful driving experience, incredible comfort, and unmatched build quality.
But in the end, none of those attributes were able to preserve it. Honda has said that it would stop making the Clarity later this year. The news was initially reported by the Japanese publication Nikkei, and Honda’s American branch then released an official statement.
Honda has set a goal to sell only battery- or fuel-cell-powered vehicles by 2040 as part of their commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. In order to prepare for the release of our first mass-market BEV models in 2024, we are modifying our strategy with an emphasis on expanding the application of our two-motor hybrid technology to core models. Honda will stop making the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell in August 2021 in line with this policy.
In This Article...
Will Honda reintroduce the Clarity?
- Initially, an electric version of the Clarity was also offered, but that model was discontinued a year ago.
- In August 2021, Honda will stop making the Clarity fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid cars.
- According to Honda, the Clarity will continue to be leased through 2022.
Production of the Honda Clarity, which was initially offered as an EV, a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, and a plug-in hybrid, will come to an end in August 2021. Nikkei was the first to report the announcement, and Honda confirmed it to C/D. The hydrogen and PHEV variants will shortly be discontinued, after the removal of the EV version from the portfolio last year.
Why is Honda ceasing production of the Clarity?
Although the Honda Clarity Electric’s all-electric model showed promise, it was abandoned in 2020. It might be because the lease option was restricted to California and Oregon only. Its comparatively short range of distance on the battery might be another factor. The Clarity Electric, created by Honda, has a limited driving range of 89 miles.
According to Car and Driver, the Clarity Electric doesn’t even come close to competing when it comes to vehicles with 238 to 240 miles of range, such as the Chevy Bolt or the Tesla Model 3. Many more of these EVs with respectable ranges are now on the automotive market. If the Clarity Electric was still in existence, it would need to have made significant advancements to remain competitive.
Honda decided to stop producing the Clarity’s electric variant because it wants to concentrate more on the proposed electric vehicles it is currently developing. In the upcoming several years, it intends to introduce more EV vehicles.
Will the Honda Clarity debut in 2021?
Models of Honda Clarity The Plug-In Hybrid and Fuel Cell versions of the Honda Clarity are the two main configurations offered. A 17-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque power the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
The Honda Clarity’s lifespan
What is the battery life? The battery is supported by an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty and is built to last for many years of dependable operation.
Why did Honda discontinue producing hybrid vehicles?
However, Honda Motor Co. stated on Tuesday that it will stop producing the hybrid version of its Accord sedan due to weak sales. You would assume that any automobile marked as a hybrid would sell quickly, given the record-high prices of gas and the rising public interest in ecologically friendly technologies.
The Honda Clarity is manufactured where?
Honda also has closure plans for the Sayama, Japan, factory where the Clarity is made. The factory also produces the Honda Odyssey for international markets and the Honda Legend, which was previously sold in Canada as the now-discontinued Acura RLX.
A Honda Clarity may be purchased.
In fact, the Honda Clarity is a great vehicle. It has a luxurious, roomy interior and a large number of driver-assistance features. It is offered as a plug-in hybrid across the nation, and Californians have the choice of leasing a hydrogen-powered fuel cell version.
How far can a plug-in hybrid Honda Clarity travel?
The 47-mile electric driving range of the 2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is available. A 340 mile driving range is possible if you fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline. The gear combinations for this midsize Honda sedan are managed by the e-CVT system.
Is there a spare tire for the Honda Clarity?
You are already aware that your Honda Clarity is without a spare tire. Honda, like other automakers, hardly ever offers this crucial lifeline. We strive to produce the best complete spare tire kits. We’ve taken a multifaceted approach to creating our Modern Spare designs.
How far can the Honda Clarity EV travel?
The Honda Clarity series, which comprises the Clarity Fuel Cell and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, has officially reached the end of the road, according to Honda.
The Honda Clarity series, which debuted in 2017, served as a proof of concept for the company, demonstrating three alternative ways to give most commuters daily zero-emissions driving.
Thanks to more creative packaging of the cylindrical hydrogen tanks, the Clarity Fuel Cell delivered a significantly greater range than its FCX Clarity predecessor as well as significantly better passenger space.
The 2014–2015 Accord Plug-In Hybrid was Honda’s first plug-in hybrid, but the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid was the first to easily cover the typical American automobile commute (about 32 miles) on electricity alone.
Dealerships in recent years have only kept the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid in stock in California, but it is still available to order in all 50 states. Its EPA ratings as a hybrid are 42 mpg and an all-electric range of 48 miles.
The Clarity Electric turned out to be the odd one out in the family. With a 25.5-kwh battery pack and a range of only 89 miles, it will be available from 2017 to 2019. Honda claimed this was plenty for former Fit EV drivers in California, which was an interesting example of tunnel vision.
Honda stated earlier this year that it aimed to sell 100% of battery or fuel-cell electric vehicles by the year 2040. It intends to provide more vehicles equipped with the two-motor hybrid system that is already present in the Insight, Accord Hybrid, and CR-V Hybrid on the way there. There hasn’t been any suggestion of including another plug-in hybrid in the current strategy.
Up until the release of its first volume battery electric models—one for Honda and the other for Acura—in 2024, Honda will benefit from the Clarity’s longer end by warming up certain compliance vehicle seats. Both will be built in collaboration with GM and utilize the Ultium propulsion technology.
Why can I only lease a Clarity Fuel Cell?
Our cooperative manufacturing and development agreements, which are being promoted through FCEVs, are a vital component of our zero emissions goal, according to Honda.
We are still making large investments in battery and fuel-cell infrastructure.
To that aim, it is anticipated that Honda’s collaboration with General Motors on the development of EVs and fuel-cell vehicles will continue. All three Honda models—the Clarity, Legend, and Odyssey—were produced at the Sayama facility, which will shut down in March 2022.
The Clarity Fuel Cell was a lease-only vehicle, and it has been said that the model’s weak demand was hampered by a lackluster hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. According to Honda’s US website, the least priced lease included a 36-month term, a $2,878 down payment, and a $379 monthly payment.
What do you think will happen to hydrogen technology? Join the discussion and add your voice.
Usman Raynal
Wes Raynal, who was born and reared in Detroit, has been a lifelong auto enthusiast.
Where can I buy a Honda Clarity?
Due to its higher battery size compared to certain other PHEVs, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model was introduced to the U.S. market on December 1, 2017, with a starting MSRP of $34,290. It is also qualified for other plug-in incentives in select states.
[30] The Clarity PHEV offers a combined gas and electric range of 340 miles, with an EPA-rated all-electric range of 47 miles (76 km) (550 km). [31]
It is the only Clarity model offered in all 50 states of the United States as well as Canada, where it was introduced on December 14, 2017, with an MSRP of C$39,990 before any government incentives up to C$13,000 were offered.
[32]
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid has a J1772 charge connector for up to 6.6kW of AC charging for the North American market. At the maximum 6.6kW speed (240V 27.5A), a full charge takes roughly 2.5 hours, or 13 hours from a typical 120V US wall outlet.
The Forest Blue Pearl exterior color was exclusive to the Clarity PHEV model. In addition, the plug-in version is the only one with a chrome bar above the front grille, a chrome garnish on the rear deck lid, and different wheels. [33]
An all-electric range of 114.6 km (71.2 mi) on the JC08 driving cycle or 101 km (63 mi) on the WLTP driving cycle was advertised for the Clarity PHEV when it was later delivered in Japan on July 20, 2018, with an MSRP of 5,880,600 including 8% consumption tax. The Japanese model has an extra CHAdeMO DC fast charging connector compared to the North American variant, enabling an 80% battery charge in 30 minutes. [34]
The Clarity’s new Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, which makes an audible noise when the vehicle is operating in pure electric mode at low speeds, was added for the 2020 model year.
[35]
Honda restricted the availability of the Clarity PHEV in the United States in August 2019 to only Californian dealerships, however it was still possible to order one nationwide.
[36] The Clarity PHEV and the Fuel Cell versions were retired in 2021. [17]
How much does it cost to fill a fuel cell in a Honda Clarity?
The cost of refueling a hydrogen fuel cell can reach $100, but Honda will pay for up to $15,000 of fuel throughout the lease.