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Hybrid Hesitations Demistified
One advantage of not being an auto “expert” is that I tend to look at the unveiling of a new car in the same way an average consumer would. When I hear hybrid vehicle, I assume it’s powered by both electric and gas but the thought of getting lost somewhere between charging stations gets me a little freaked. I can switch over to gas power if needed but do I have to slow down, pull over, or memorize a complicated technique in order to make that happen? Is the amount of gas just a fail safe that will only give me a few extra miles and then I’m out of luck? What if that happens when I’m in between Barstow and Bakersfield mid summer…and it’s hot? Really hot.
The truth behind the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
Forget about range anxiety. For most of us our daily driving or work commute can be handled with the all-electric daily driver. With the class-leading 47-mile all-electric range rating, many of those daily trips can be made on battery power alone. When the battery runs out, the gas-powered engine takes over to provide additional range, yielding the 340-mile combined gas and electric range rating. With the same amount of planning that any road trip inevitably takes, the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid gives you flexibility and a long list of benefits.
THE CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID SAVES TIME AND MONEY
For most people on most days, you can drive on electric power alone, only needing to fill up the gas tank for longer drives and you can charge at home! Plug in to any standard 120-volt outlet or charge even more quickly with a 240-volt charger. Of course, you can also use one of the thousands of charging stations across the country with more charging stations being built nationwide every day.
THE CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID HAS A ROOMY INTERIOR
I currently drive a 2006 Honda Accord. I know the interior space of my car pretty well. I’ve still got 2 teens at home and I typically pack around a lot of gear for the work that I do. I have high expectations for both a spacious interior as well as trunk space. The Clarity Plug-In delivers! The interior easily accommodates five adults and the available storage in the trunk is surprising. Honda successfully created a hybrid that has all the eco-conscious benefits without compromising interior space.
WHO THIS CAR IS FOR
- Anyone looking for a hybrid with a bold, aerodynamic, sleek and sexy design.
- Commuters, road trippers, and small or transitioning families
- People looking for a multi-generational car backed by the reliability of a Honda
- Drivers who want to save money in their personal budget with the fuel economy of a hybrid
- Anyone who wants the peace of mind that comes with an environmentally responsible vehicle
- Drivers who don’t want to compromise the appeal of a responsive Sport Mode feature while still experiencing the many benefits of a hybrid
- People who want a car that’s fun to drive!
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Photos used by permission from Honda. May not be reproduced without express written consent.
WHAT IT COSTS
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes in two Trim models, the Plug-In Hybrid and the Touring. Each model comes with an in-line 4-cylinder engine, 103 @ 5500 rpm horsepower with 16-Valve DOHC VTEC.
- Plug-In Hybrid starts at $33,400
- Touring starts at $36,600
PLUG-IN HYBRID KEY FEATURES
- Honda Sensing
- Deceleration Paddle Selectors
- 8-inch Display Audio Touch Screen
- LEF Headlights w/Auto High Beam
TOURING KEY FEATURES
Includes all Plug-In Hybrid features, plus the following:
- Remote Climate Pre-Conditioning
- Leather-Trimmed Seating
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation
THE HONDA CLARITY LOOKS AND FEELS GOOD
Why not experience the comforts of a fine automobile every day? The interior design features an advanced modern lounge combining technology with a spacious and comfortable interior. The Honda Clarity was easy to get in and out of which is important for someone like me who’s constantly making quick trips to the grocery store, picking up kids and running errands.
POWERTRAIN
- PCU (Power Control Unit): High output power VCU
- 1.5L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC © engine: Worldwide top level 40% thermal efficiency
- Two motors (driving/electricity generation): High torque & high output
- IP (Intelligent Power Unit): High-capacity and high power battery
DRIVING IS POWERFUL AND QUIET
Driving an electric vehicle means no engine noise. It’s a unique experience driving a car when you’ve learned to expect the sounds and vibrations of an engine and suddenly they’re not there. When there’s no engine noise competing with road noise it becomes more important to have a vehicle with a robust build out to control interior noise pollution. Honda did an excellent job in creating a quiet cabin. Features include:
- Dashboard insulators
- Hood insulator
- Motor undercover insulator
- Glass with sound insulation function
- Rear wheelhouse and fender insulation
- Floor under-cover and carpet insulation
SAFE DRIVING
Every Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes equipped with Honda Sensing, an intelligent suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. I was able to test each of these functions while driving the Clarity. Key features include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
AWARDS
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid received the 2018 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award and the 2018 KBB.com Best Buy: Electric/Hybrid Car.
A FEW EXTRA THINGS I NOTICED BOTH GOOD AND BAD (JUST MY OPINIONS)
- The door panels had a plant-derived Ultrasuede ® pad. I question how this would wear over time or stand up to spills, stains, rain (I live in Portland), and dirty hands. It is soft but “soft” tends to be porous which could get dingy over time. After you’ve driven it for five years you’ll have to let me know!
- I really like the look of the faux wood paneling used in places surrounding the console and driver controls. A complaint in the past has been sun glare off of these surfaces. Honda used a non-reflective material so there’s zero sun glare.
- The built-in navigation on the 8-inch wide display is nice but I noticed that when I wanted to change my route while driving, I wasn’t allowed due to built-in safety controls. I don’t like being governed. There may be a way to shut off that feature but I didn’t have time to investigate it.
- Having buttons rather than a stick for shifting between drive-park-reverse takes some getting used to. Certain situations require you to move between those gears quickly so it will take just a little bit of retraining for the button use to become reflex. Ultimately the buttons probably allow for a quicker and smoother transition between gears.
- I love the stow compartment under the driver gear console. I’m always looking for a place to put my purse and phone when I have a passenger and can’t use the front seat as an easy access place for setting my things. This new stow compartment is perfect placement with just enough room to slide in those essentials. My stuff is safer than it is in the front seat because it’s tucked away but still easy to get in and out.
