Test Drive Results Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Electric Car at Austin City Limits 2019

Firstly, the new Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is one of Honda’s plug-in hybrid series. One that offers customers an array of electrified powertrain choices. Consequently in one advanced, spacious and comprehensively equipped 5-passenger sedan.

A No-Compromise Electric Vehicle

The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid sedan also delivers a highly refined and also an advanced-technology driving experience. All with no compromise to driving range, performance or comfort. This therefore is making it well suited for a range of consumers and driving needs.

Consequently, my test at Austin City Limits this past weekend has a 52 mile all-electric EPA range rating in our tests shows as few things. Yes folks, in Austin, Texas.

More on the experience in another post!

First off, most people don’t yet clearly know how to Efficiency test plugins. I’ll give you a heads up. Charge the battery pack every night and drain the battery. Do that more than once. Watch what happens when you start waking up in the morning.

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid enables comparatively inexpensive zero-emissions all-electric driving for most daily driving situations. Yet the Plug-In Hybrid gets a 340-mile joined gas-electric EPA range rating1. Consequently, this flexibility to drive wherever and when a customer wants frees them of the “range anxiety” or recharging concerns. Like the Chevrolet Bolt it can go with even long-range electric-only vehicles.

Elegantly Efficient Powertrain

Furthermore, the Clarity Plug-In So the Hybrid Clarity plugin hybrid uses Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid technology.

Consequently which consists of:

(1) an ultra-efficient 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC® Atkinson-cycle in-line 4-cylinder engine coupled to a starter/generator motor

(2) an ultra-quiet 181-horsepower AC synchronous traction motor; and (3) a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh), 168-cell lithium-ion battery pack.

Again, so let’s be clear here! Honda’s Clarity Plug-In operates in three different driving modes. That’s depending on the driving situation. Also it is able to shift instantly, automatically and seamlessly. So can you say “From one mode to another” for optimized overall efficiency.

EV Drive

In EV Drive mode, the Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid operates like an all-electric vehicle. Therefore the engine is off and decoupling from the drivetrain to cut friction.

Hybrid Drive

In Hybrid Drive mode, the Clarity functions as a series hybrid. So like an EV Drive mode, power comes from the electric traction motor.

To charge the car while driving, pop the car into sport and stay in eco range on the Tacometer. To ensure you’re charging tap the link PHEV or battery view while driving. You’ll Find the sweet spot.

Furthermore, Clarity also features three driver-selectable operating modes. They are Normal, Econ and Sport and fourth mode – HV mode That is provided to keep the battery’s state of charge and can be selected with Normal, Econ and Sport driving modes (see POWERTRAIN for more detail).

Distinctive Design
Finally, the unique exterior design elements set the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid apart from other Clarity models include a model-exclusive Forest Blue Pearl exterior color. All in a distinctive chrome bar above the front grille. In addition, a chrome deck lid garnish and a unique color-coordinated 18-inch alloy wheel design.

a) Full charge in just 2.5 hours at 240 volts

b) Roomy 5-passenger cabin

c) 8-inch Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration

d) Highly efficient aerodynamics

e) Standard Honda Sensing®

POWERTRAIN

So therefore the Clarity uses a second generation of Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). In other words, a two-motor hybrid system. This highly efficient powertrain selects the ideal drive operation under a range of driving conditions to combine fun-to-drive performance with outstanding efficiency.

In conclusion the Emission warranty: Eight-year/100,000-mile or ten-year/125,000-mile Li-Ion battery limited warranty, depending on the state of purchase

Powertrain Layout

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s key powertrain components for most packaging efficiency. That’s with the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid roomy, 5-passenger interior. The lithium-Ion batteries beneath the passenger compartment to keep the center of gravity low for best handling without intruding on passenger or cargo space.

Since the gasoline engine can be decoupled from the rest of the Honda Clarity plugin hybrid powertrain, it only operates as needed. That’s based on the battery’s state of charge and other parameters. So the engine will automatically shut off during deceleration. As well as when the vehicle is at a stop. When needed, the gasoline engine restarts automatically, without action from the driver.

However, when the driver desires extra power in situations have no fears.  Consequently, the  EV helps with the engine to more more than fast enough!

Intelligent Power Unit (IPU)

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid adopts a water-cooled IPU (Honda/Acura-first). Water cooling offers significant improvement over air cooling in overall cooling performance. This in turn allows for much higher battery performance. Even most noteworthy under heavy-load/high temperatures.

Power Control Unit (PCU)/ Voltage Control Unit (VCU)

The Voltage Control Unit (VCU) built into the Power Control Unit (PCU) adopts an interleaved circuit configuration for high performance while a two-phase coupled inductor contributes to high density.

Regenerative Brake System

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s regenerative braking system intelligently apportions braking power. That’s between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor to optimize efficiency and braking performance.

Driver-Selectable Regenerative Braking

Steering wheel-mounted Deceleration Selectors, similar to transmission shift paddles, allow the driver to select between four levels of regenerative braking performance. Its similar to the Cadillac ELR paddle tech. This is beneficial during downhill driving. It further reduces stress on the brake system. All the while simultaneously increasing battery charging via regeneration.

When the drive mode setting to Sport, You can recharge the battery pack.

INTERIOR

Key Interior Convenience and Connectivity Features

A) 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen

B) Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration

C) Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

D) 7-inch TFT intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) within the instrument cluster

E) 180-watt 8-speaker audio system

F) HD Radio™ and SiriusXM® Radio

G) Pandora® interface

H) SMS Text Message function

I) 2 USB audio interface ports

J) Push button start/stop

K) Smart Entry

L) Auto-dimming rearview mirror

M) Dual-zone climate control

N) Rear heat/air conditioning vents

O) Walk Away Door Lock system

O) Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold

Q) 60/40 Split Fold Down Rear Seat

R) Standard HondaLink®

S) Available HondaLink Assist (when paired with compatible phone)

T) Siri Eyes Free (when paired with compatible phone)

U) Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic

Environmentally Responsible Materials

Like other Clarity models, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid interior was developed to reduce carbon emissions by adopting plant-derived green materials and recycled materials. All plant-based materials are made of oils extracted from non-edible parts of plants, so as not to affect the food supply.

Trunk

The Clarity has a trunk capacity of 15.5 cubic feet, among the largest in the competitive class and made possible by locating the IPU (with battery pack), under the floor.

BODY & EXTERIOR

Futuristic and functional, distinctive and efficient, the new 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is dimensionally similar to the all-new 2018 Accord sedan. Exterior features include advanced aerodynamic treatments, full LED lighting, high-efficiency Smart Clear Wipers (windshield wipers), and six available exterior colors including the new and exclusive Moonlit Forest Pearl.

Expressive, aerodynamic and advanced, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid exterior design establishes a new standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Key Exterior and Body Features

1. LED headlights (hi-lo beam and DRL) and tail lamps

2. Smart Clear Wipers (windshield wipers)

3. Approximately 40 percent ultra-high-strength (980-1500 MPa) steel body structure

4. Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) rear bumper beam

5. Aluminum hood, front fenders, doors trunk lid, and rear parcel shelf

6. Composite plastic steel and aluminum front bulkhead

7. Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body with crash stroke design

8. Acoustic glass, flush-mounted windshield

9. Acoustic front door glass

10. Triple door sealing

Dimensions

Measuring 192.7 inches long, 73.9 inches wide and 58.2 inches high, and riding on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is within an inch of the 2018 Honda Accord sedan in key dimensions. This generous sizing gives the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid a significant advantage in its segment compared to other comparably priced plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Suspension

Let’s not forget the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s high-rigidity body structure. It provides a robust foundation for the suspension. All which comprises lightweight front and rear subframes, a MacPherson front strut suspension and a five-link rear suspension. Special Frequency Response Dampers automatically tailor the damping force required to achieve smooth and nimble handling.

Low NVH

Complementing the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s sophisticated hybrid powertrain, the chassis is designed to provide a quiet and refined driving experience. Finally, the suspension and bushings deliver low harshness and a high level of smoothness compared to competitors. All with the front suspension lower arms particularly engineered for high longitudinal and lateral rigidity. All the while with liquid-filled bushings in the rear suspension providing a high degree of longitudinal compliance. As well as help block high-frequency noise, vibration and harshness.

Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering

Dual-pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides quick, agile and smooth cornering response. Excellent steering linearity makes it easy for drivers to trace precise lines through corners. Also the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s low center of gravity and suspension geometry are at one. One to finally help keep body roll to a minimum.

Wheels and Tires

In conclusion, Honda places special outer aerodynamic covers that reduce drag and improve brake cooling for 18 inch wheels. Finally, the lightweight wheels are painted silver. As well as the aero covers are painted metallic gray for a dynamic and technologically advanced appearance. Specially designed 235/45R18 Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires provide an ideal combination of traction, low rolling resistance, and quiet and smooth driving characteristics.