The famous Japanese manufacturer prepared some big novelties for the 2018 Honda Clarity. This model is commonly known as an excellent fuel-cell vehicle. The original model came in 2008 and it was in production for about six years, until 2014. After few years, the company released the second generation. The new model comes with improvements in all aspects. It features better economy, better range, better performances etc. It also comes with a completely new look and interior full of latest technologies. For the next year, we are about to see some serious novelties. The company will add two new versions to the Clarity’s lineup. Besides fuel cell version, 2018 Clarity will also come in all-electric and plug-in hybrid variants. This will significantly expand the car’s offer and we expect to see a big improvement in terms of sale numbers. Its arrival is in next few months.
2018 Honda Clarity redesign and features
In terms of base design characteristics, 2018 Honda Clarity will remain pretty much the same. This model came last year and there is really no need for some bigger modifications in terms of styling, interior design, equipment etc. We will see the same styling, which follows the brand’s new design language and has much in common with conventional models. The same thing is inside, where we have a stylish cabin full of latest technologies. The list of standard features should also remain pretty much the same. There are things like 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, Honda Sensing safety tech that includes lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, collision alerts, and smartphone integration. All three versions will come with the pretty much same list of standard features.
2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
As we already mentioned, this mid-size electrified car will come in three powertrain options. A fuel cell version will continue in the same way. The 2018 Honda Clarity will feature the same system that has a max power of 174 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This amount of power provides pretty decent performance. From 0 to 60, this car needs around 8.1 seconds, while the top speed is around 105 miles per hour. On the other side, fuel economy and range are pretty amazing. In our testing, this car averaged around 69 mpg in a combined drive. When it comes to the max range, it easily goes over 360 miles.
2018 Honda Clarity electric
One of two new models will be an electric version of the 2018 Honda Clarity. This model will feature some similarities with the fuel cell version in terms of powertrain. However, it will use the power from the electric motor that features the similar amount of power. It has a max output 161 horses and 221 pound-feet of torque. So, expect similar performances as well. This electric motor comes with a 25.5-kWh lithium-ion battery that has enough capacity to provide some decent range. According to some reports, the new model will have a max range around 90 miles. On the other side, fuel economy will be amazing, equivalent to 111 miles per gallon.
2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
Finally, there is a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. This version will come in a classic hybrid combination of one electric and one gasoline engine. It will be a familiar 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit. We didn’t get exact numbers for each unit, but the total output will be 181 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It will come with a smaller battery compared to the electric model, with the capacity of 17 kWh. The total range will be around 330 miles, while the all-electric range should be around 42 miles. Fuel economy will be also on a high level, around 105 mpg in a combined ride.
2018 Honda Clarity release date and price
The 2018 Honda Clarity will come in next few months. A fuel cell version will keep the same price of 60.000 dollars, while new versions should start around 30.000-35.000 dollars. Just like the fuel-cell version, the electric model will also be available just in California and Oregon, while the plug-in hybrid will be in the offer for all 50 states.
