The Honda Clarity lineup uses three distinct powertrains, depending on the variant: a plug-in hybrid that combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with electric motors, a hydrogen fuel-cell variant that powers an electric motor, and an all-electric variant driven solely by a battery-powered electric motor. All versions are front-wheel drive, but they differ in how energy is generated and delivered to the wheels.
Powertrain options
The Clarity lineup is built around three distinct propulsion systems. Here’s a concise rundown of what each variant uses.
- Clarity Plug-In Hybrid: 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 gasoline engine combined with electric motors and a plug-in battery; front-wheel drive.
- Clarity Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel-cell stack powers an electric motor; no internal combustion engine; front-wheel drive.
- Clarity Electric: Battery-powered electric vehicle with a dedicated electric motor; no gasoline engine or fuel cell; front-wheel drive.
These variants share the same basic platform, but their powertrains and energy sources differ significantly by year and market.
Details by variant
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
The engine is a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 that works in concert with electric motors and a rechargeable battery. This setup allows for an electric driving mode and a gasoline range-extending function, with front-wheel drive as the standard layout.
Clarity Fuel Cell
Powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell stack that generates electricity for an electric motor. There is no gasoline engine in this variant; energy comes from hydrogen stored in onboard tanks, with front-wheel drive as the drive configuration.
Clarity Electric
Fully electric, relying on a traction electric motor fed by a high-voltage battery pack. No internal combustion engine or fuel cell is present, and it is front-wheel drive.
Note: The Clarity family has been phased out in many markets, with limited ongoing sales in some regions for specific variants. For current availability, check with local Honda dealers or official Honda announcements.
Summary
The Honda Clarity spans three powertrains: a plug-in hybrid that combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric propulsion; a hydrogen fuel-cell variant that powers an electric motor; and a fully electric version powered by a battery-driven motor. All models share a front-wheel-drive setup, but the energy source and drivetrain differ, reflecting Honda’s exploration of alternative-fuel solutions. Availability has varied by year and market.
What engine does Honda Clarity have?
1.5-liter four-cylinder
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Clarity plug-in hybrid is motivated by a 181-hp electric motor fed by a 17.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car's gas engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, serves mainly as a generator for the battery and rarely drives the front wheels directly.
How reliable is the Honda Clarity overall?
The 2018 Clarity has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.
At what mileage do Hondas break down?
about 200,000 miles
How long do Honda cars typically last? This question is common among car shoppers, as they want to understand a car's resale value and the average yearly repair costs. Honda cars are one of the most reliable car brands on the market. The typical lifespan of a Honda car is about 200,000 miles.
Why did the Honda Clarity get discontinued?
According to Honda's official statement on why the Clarity FCV was being pulled from its line-up, it cited a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, a lackluster market reception, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.