Two battery systems power the Honda Clarity lineup: a single high-voltage traction battery and a separate 12-volt auxiliary battery. This arrangement holds across the three Clarity variants, though the capacity of the traction battery varies by model year and drivetrain (Plug-in Hybrid, all-electric, or fuel-cell).
Battery architecture across the Clarity family
The Clarity family uses one main high-voltage battery pack for propulsion and a separate 12-volt battery to run lights, infotainment, and other electronics. The exact capacity of the traction battery differs by model and year, with plug-in hybrid, all-electric, and fuel-cell versions optimized for their respective powertrains.
- Main high-voltage traction battery: a single pack used by the vehicle for propulsion and energy storage.
- 12-volt auxiliary battery: powers accessories and startup systems, separate from the traction pack.
In all Clarity variants, there are two distinct battery systems, with the high-voltage pack handling propulsion and large-scale energy storage while the 12-volt battery supports auxiliary systems and startup needs. The exact kilowatt-hour rating of the traction battery varies by variant and model year, influencing range and charging characteristics.
Variants and how the battery differs by model
Each Clarity variant positions the high-voltage pack to fit its drivetrain, while keeping a standard 12-volt system for convenience. The main difference lies in the size of the high-voltage battery and how it’s used to drive the wheels, with plug-in hybrids offering a smaller pack for blended operation, all-electric models designed for full battery-electric range, and fuel-cell versions relying on hydrogen energy with a supporting battery for peak load and systems management.
- Clarity Plug-in Hybrid: features a high-voltage traction battery that enables limited electric-only driving alongside a gasoline engine for extended range. A separate 12V battery handles auxiliary systems.
- Clarity Electric: all-electric variant with a larger high-voltage battery pack to provide prolonged electric driving range, plus a 12V battery for accessories.
- Clarity Fuel Cell: uses a hydrogen fuel cell stack with a high-voltage battery pack that supplies power during demand and storage, plus a 12V auxiliary battery for electronics and controls.
Regardless of the variant, Honda keeps the two-battery concept consistent: a single, large high-voltage pack for propulsion and a conventional 12V battery for vehicle systems. The exact capacity of the traction battery varies by model year and configuration, affecting range and charging specifics.
Bottom line
In short, the Honda Clarity has two battery systems: one primary high-voltage traction battery and one 12-volt auxiliary battery. The size and role of the traction battery differ across the Plug-in Hybrid, Electric, and Fuel Cell versions, but the two-battery architecture remains a common feature. This arrangement supports the car’s varied powertrains and energy-management strategy, from plug-in charging to hydrogen fuel-cell operation.
Summary
The Honda Clarity uses two batteries in total: one high-voltage traction pack and one 12-volt auxiliary battery, with variation in the high-voltage pack size depending on the model (PHEV, EV, or Fuel Cell).