The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (212 horsepower, 232 lb-ft) with an electric-motor hybrid system and a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery. On a full charge, the battery provides up to 47 electric-only miles of range.

Conceptually the Clarity plug-in's powertrain is closest to that in the Chevrolet Volt. It's a serial hybrid in which the internal-combustion engine is used to turn a generator that produces current to charge batteries for an electric motor that primarily drives the vehicle.

48 miles The 2018 Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid is a comfy sedan that can go 48 miles solely on electric power - which is plenty for most weekday commutes - and then operates as a gasoline-electric hybrid for another 293 miles before you fill up the tank again.

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid offers the benefits of an electric car, with the freedom of a hybrid. It uses a high-capacity battery for longer all-electric driving and, like a traditional hybrid, uses a gas-powered engine as back up for when electricity runs low: All-electric daily driver.

With a plug-in hybrid, you might be able to commute and run your daily errands without ever using the gas motor, and because of the backup gas-powered engine, you won't have to worry about getting stranded without a charge on long trips.

110 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) electric rating; 44 city/40 highway/42 combined MPG gasoline-only rating. 47-mile maximum EV mode driving-range rating. 340-mile combined gas-electric driving-range rating. Based on 2021 EPA ratings.

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In batteries frequently last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on weather conditions, the type of battery, driving habits, and more.

17.0 kWh The lithium-ion battery pack has a 17.0 kWh capacity, helping the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid to receive an EPA-rated electric-only driving range rating of 47 miles. The generator doubles as a motor to start the gasoline engine when required.

Advantages of plug-in hybrid cars The primary advantage of a PHEV is that it offers the low running costs, low emissions, and possible tax incentives of an electric vehicle without the range anxiety.

PHEVs have a larger battery than regular hybrids have, so they can be driven farther and more often on electric power.

If you're leaning toward a hybrid vehicle, you'll also have to compare traditional hybrids vs. plug-in hybrids in order to find the perfect fit. The main difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles is that plug-in hybrid vehicles can be driven using nothing but electric power - at least for short distances.

Benefits and Challenges Plug-in hybrids use roughly 30% to 60% less petroleum than conventional vehicles. Since electricity is produced mostly from domestic resources, plug-in hybrids reduce oil dependence. Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Plug-in hybrids typically emit less greenhouse gas than conventional vehicles.