2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid: Review - Cars.com
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are a strange phenomenon. Theoretically, they’re a good idea; the problem is that so many models have such a short electric range. That’s why, when an automaker seems to have gotten it right, we take notice. And that’s the case with the new Honda Clarity.
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Owned for 3 years. Would buy it again but fortunately it's a Honda so that won't be neccessary another 15 years or so.
The only issue I could mention is that they don't give you gas engine operating time / miles. So it's difficult to tell when oil should actually need to be changed.
Running mostly on electric, the engine doesn't get much use. Definitely use the 240 VAC charging system so it's ready to go between trips.
So @ 75,000 miles finally changed oil for second time. First time was done by dealer @ 5000 miles & THAT was clean oil.
Other than that, it's a very good car, highly recommended, IF you can find one.
Is it like prius prime. Where when the battery is drained it functions like a normal hybrid??
Really surprised they didn’t talk about Honda Sensing, or did I just miss it?
Regarding Honda's regenerative charge selection... It is better to think about the system (in my opinion) as being similar to modulating the brake pedal in a conventional car. Being a long time hybrid owner (original Honda Insight) and hypermiler, I would suggests that late braking is one of the very worst behaviors when it comes to fuel economy. The goal is to anticipate the need to decelerate, but when braking is necessary, it should be applied as early an as gently as possible. The Honda system I think is very conducive to high efficiency driving because it lets me modulate the regen so that I can often make my stops without having to touch the accelerator or brake pedal until just before the car has to come to a full stop. With experience, the use of the paddles to select the best regen to get the vehicle to the right speed in the allowed distance becomes almost automatic and the operator of the Clairty can greatly increase electric range. I know that it can seem un-intuitive to many, but as someone that strives to drive in the most efficient manner possible, it is actually a pretty well thought out system.
Now to be fair, most people don't really care about driving efficiently as possible so those drivers will simply drive the clarity inefficiently like they do every other car, so the Regen paddle will never be used. The Clarity, when driven in EV mode, requires no special effort. It drives like any other car if the driver simply wants to get from one point to another.
I use my paddle regen on the Accord Hybrid so much so when I drove my friends Camry hybrid I caught myself looking for the paddle when slowing down lol
Agree with AnalogueKid2112 about 120 vs. 240 volts. And not just for a 30 mile driver. With an ownership history including 2 Volts and multiple Teslas, I've not ever even had a 240 volt charger. And on a hybrid like the one in this video or the Volt (yes, also a hybrid), you absolutely don't NEED 240 volt charging. I drove 1200 miles in a Tesla last week, and 1500 a week before. So with 120 volt when sleeping and Suoercharger on the road, I hardly even am aware of the 240 volt option.
If you use the supplied 120 charger but with 220 adapter it charges 16 amps which gives a charging time of 5 hours. That is alittle gentler And yes I said that right the honda charger with a 220 adapter works well. I was a little worried the first time but been doing it for months
This will probably be what I replace my Ford C-Max Energi with. I have Level 2 charging already and feel I’ll be able to do 80-90% of my driving on electric with this.
When was the car you used tested? I say this since Honda made a warranty replacement 18-091 PHEV Range Display Incorrect PUD and to many, this has made electric range changes that are a sub negative to the car. If you could find out what is going on, you'd be a rockstar.
When running on gas will th EV battery recharge if yes how many miles u need to run for full Ev battery charge
RE: the shift paddle comments. I really like the system. It makes sense once you've driven the car for a while. In Sport mode, it stays on the level set.
I have a Honda Clarity PHEV and a Chevy Volt. My Clarity uses a 120 volt OEM charger and i get about 60 miles on a single charge in crowded Los Angeles freeways. You don't need a 240 volt charger. I have a 3.8 amp 240 charger, but i like to use the 120 volt charger because it creates less heat and slow charging charges the battery more fully. Heat is the enemy of battery life and less powerful chargers produce less heat. The Clarity is better than my 2014 Volt, but it is less sporty. The Volt is better in that it can be full electric even when I floor it.
VoltecRules Interesting. Not knowing your comment was here, I posted above wondering if consistently charging at 2.5 hrs vs. 12 hrs would negatively affect the battery.
2 thumbs up for you, Voltec. Longtime fan of slow charging here. And fan of GM's superbly conceived and engineered Volt, with the huge safety margins of Li-ion capacity at the top we can't charge and bottom that we can't deplete.
Same tank of gas from the day I drove off the lot and over 3500 miles. Big enough for the family too. You lose some range in the cold but still good enough for most days. Plus I get 4hrs of level 2 free charge at work.
I'm impressed with mine. Had it since March of this year and rolled 14 000km already. 85-90% electric. Just did the first oil change because the maintenance minder came on but it was hardly necessary. I made a video about if you're interested. You should try it if you don't already do them yourself! Good luck!
Brad On Cars - I would like to see the new video. I am debating if changing oil every 3k is necessary because it’s on electric most of the time.
@@HenryLei If the motor isn't used then there is no need to change the oil that frequently. It doesn't "go bad" if it isn't circulated.
Here's the link to my video: ruclips.net/video/Uh725zri56M/видео.html
I would still do it every year or so just to be safe. Also it states in the user manual how to reset the service reminder so you can kill that. I did mine at 14000km, but only about 2000km were on gas. I felt I was way early.
This car was and still is ahead of it's time. The 2024 Prius Prime still does not have more range than the Clarity.
What's that big box on the wall for? Why can't you plug the cable from the car straight into a 24o-volt outlet? Maybe surge protection?
While there is very little in the box some stations provide WiFi connected control and monitoring. I can see the state of charge and estimated EV Range from the app on my phone.
@@johndonaldson5126 HondaLink app provides the same information.
Isn't fast-charging (240 volts) always harder (heat) on any battery than slow-charging (120-volts)? 2.5 hours vs. 12 hours is a major difference in time. If you need 2.5 hours sometimes, fine, but why not use 120-volts more often than not?
Anthony C I totally agree. If I need a fast charge I do it. It costs me more money to slow charge for electricity, since I’m on the SCE EV electric rate plan, but it’s worth it to me.
There is a Leaf study about fast charging vs slow charging. It showed fast charging reduced the range of the battery over time.
It would be your choice. Having and using 240V doesn't preclude the use of 120V.
@@voltecrules624 That's mainly for the Leaf because it doesn't actively cool their batteries. (I don't think the Clarity does either, but the Leaf isn't a PHEV.)
mscolli3 check into the use of Tesla’s Superchargers and how they shorten battery life. It’s not recommended to use them too much because of the high heat created damages the batteries over time and reduces range. Heat is the number one battery killer, and charging an already hot depleted battery with a high amp charger will only lead to battery damage.
Anthony C, this is a relatively minor difference. The car is built to take the 240V. It just isn't that significant a difference in the way the electricity is being delivered. Don't confuse this car and similar plug-in hybrids with Tesla's cars and charging system, which works in an entirely different way.
GM (Saturn) EV1 granted it's fully electric but it can provide 50-75 mile range and that was in the 90s. I don't get it. I'm not a conspiracy guy, just saying.
Level 1 charge overnight is easier on the battery
Yeah 12hrs for 45mi is perfectly fine
The music that cars.com uses for their videos is the soundtrack from horror movies and nightmares. Silence might be better
This and the Volt are the only plug-ins with all-electric range worth a dam. I give the Pacifica a pass because while I'd like to see its electric range approach 50 miles, it is a minivan after all.
Finally Honda is trying to compete in California.
I have a different opinion about the regen paddles. I use them as a breaking method while knowing that the regen paddles will never activate the physical brakes. This pushes power back into the battery, and conserves the physical brakes so they last longer. (Our 2008 Prius is just about to turn 200,000 miles and it will finally need a brake job).
When, for example, I exit a freeway I'll apply the first level of regen and as I get closer to the end of the exit ramp I'll apply more and more regen to slow the car. Only at the last moment will I touch the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. Basically it is using my hands to brake instead of my feet.
If you like the other type of regen control switch to Sport mode. In sport mode you can use the paddles once to set a level of regen you like, and the car will maintain that level of regen. In Sport mode when you let off the accelerator pedal your selected level of regen is applied. Many drivers wish the car could come to a complete stop in this mode. For some readon Honda did not provide this feature.
Yes, I think people that come from hybrids like the Prius (I have owned Prius and original Insight) generally develop much more efficient driving habits and the way Honda implemented the Regen is in my own opinion, a design that is very conducive to high efficiency driving. I can understand why many don't like it and would prefer that it is full regen or nothing, but for my own driving style, it is about right to me. Even better would be to have one paddle that moved through a small range so that I could simply vary the regen by more or less depression and modulate it in exactly the same way as I do a brake pedal. That would be perfect. The way it is is pretty good, just different, but unless the driver is really into high efficiency may find it to be less than well designed.
John Donaldson, I have a Volt with a regen paddle too. By simple physics it can't bring the car to full stop. It is merely slowing the car. You have to use the brakes to come to a complete the judge b.
i have a Honda clarity and I never get more than 36 miles on the battery.
A whole lot depends on the outside temperature when it comes to any hybrid car. There is a sweet spot that seems to be between 45 and 70 degrees where you should see the best possible "mileage" from the electric system. I have seen over 50 miles in those temperatures as long as I don't need to use the heater or air conditioner. Once you switch on the heat or AC your mileage will drop fairly quickly. If you modulate the heating and AC by turning it off once the vehicle seems comfortable you can increase your range. I know it may be a bit of a pain to do it that way I find it as part of the adventure to see how many miles I can get and how few gallons of gas I need to use.
How many miles in total now and how many on Battery only
My dream!
I really like the hybrid concept, but can’t get past the milk toast soccer dad mode it puts you in while driving. Even soccer dads want a lil sex appeal.
Strongly disagree with your opinion that you NEED a 240 volt level 2 charger for this car. If you drive less than 30 miles/50 km per day as the average person does, level 1 will work fine. I get that the climate conditioning is less effective, but if you’re not using the whole battery on an average day, that’s irrelevant. L2 chargers can cost $2000 all in if you need to upgrade your house wiring, which might needlessly scare people off getting a PHEV or full EV. People need to evaluate what’s best for them, blanket statements aren’t helpful.
I agree, i plug mine in at work for free! and I've only used 3 gallons of gas in the last 2,000 miles.
AnalogueKid2112 Sorry but the cost you claim is exaggerated. Clipper Creek sells a $595 L2 unit and installation ranges from $300 to $700. Mine was $300. Thanks.
I bought a level 2 charger for my garage (already wired for 240 luckily, but that isn't too expensive to do). I paid about $200 or so. Totally worth it for me (I commute AND have three kids to get to activities!) but level 1 is good.
This is similar to what I bought should you decide you want one! www.amazon.com/Duosida-Portable-Electric-Vehicle-Charger/dp/B018A6QK7C
I've been using L1 only for ~30mi commute in Vegas without any issue. It does take up to 12 hours if fully depleted, but I'm generally coming home with 40% battery remaining. Don't just run out and buy an L2 charger.
Scot Hastings Very smart if you. Analysis of personal needs is extremely important as well as if resources available. Many 2018 Nissan Leaf and Tesla 3 owners just need a NUMA 14-50 plug since the factory provided unit is dual capable and saves $$ as to buying a separate L2 unit. Thanks
Very disappointed. Was going to get this car but will wait. Thanks for the honest review.
I purchased this vehicle 7 months ago. Very happy with it. I have a solar roof and home charging - my fuel costs are virtually non existent. Car handles well.
Disagree with your complaint about not being able to set the deceleration paddles to a constant deceleration. I drive in the mountains a lot and titrate how much deceleration to add based on the steepness of the hill I'm going down so that I don't overheat the brakes. Additionally, driving down from a pass on a snowy icy road, it is INFINITELY better to be able to control how much deceleration is added or taken away in small steps. This car actually handles BETTER on ice and snow than my AWD Toyota Highlander!!
why u forget about 2 other versions u mention shortly at 0:35 ???
hydrogen fuel cells are future of the car industry.. so it deserves more attention.
I have issues with hydrogen fuel cell cars. 1) The tanks take up valuable cargo space. 2) I can't refuel at home the way I can with a PHEV or BEV. This is huge when you get used to it. We pull into the garage and it takes less than 5 seconds to plug in. Eat lunch and the car is fully charged for afternoon trips. No stopping at "fueling" stations.
@@johndonaldson5126 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electrics (FCEVs) have a lot of advantages, however: With a BEV (save a few models) you have a very limited range, and once out of juice, you have to wait quite a bit to refuel. Imagine having to do a 300-plus-mile trip on a typical EV. You'd be spending more time charging than driving. Even with a Tesla, you'd still need to do at least one fast charge, which will definitely take more than 5 minutes. By comparison, an FCEV can do the trip on one fill, and when you need to refuel, it only takes about 5 minutes, just like an ICE car, and then you can go another 300+ miles. Another disadvantage of BEVs and PHEVs is that the battery deteriorates over time, or when you fast charge it, and it doesn't hold its capacity in cold weather. Not so with an FCEV. The range is the same, regardless of weather, and regardless how many refills you have done. The main challenge with FCEVs (in US) is that there are a limited number of Hydrogen-dispensing stations at the moment, so the areas where you can drive them are limited. The majority of the stations are in California, and while you can cover a large part of California, from San Diego to San Francisco and Tahoe, you cannot, for example, drive cross-country, currently. But as more stations pop up and expand over to other states, that disadvantage will cease to exist, and FCEV will really be the technology to contend with.
Chevy volt is a better buy
I have a Chevy Volt gen2 in China. The car in China can use 3.5kw(220V 16A) to charge, but the 1.7kw(220V 8A) charger is enough for me.
So, is same with Honda, 120Volt charger is enough. One night, full charge.
80's and 90's in November??? Aren't you guys special.
It was recorded in the summer.
i like everything about this car except for one thing: *"Reliability"* therefore i went for a prius
I really hate the parking / neutral / drive controls..... really stupid! Kids love to push buttons and that is almost a deal breaker for me.
@joek they can reach it from the back seat dude....
Is there a way to stop them from making so UGLY hybrid cars! Just...ugly! It is not just Honda, Toyota does the same. Is it intentional?
They thought so, for aerodynamic drag. Tesla has shown them to be wrong.
I dunno...I think it looks kinda cool. Kill your ego.
This car sexy asf what you mean
@@kaisersickle154 We have a different definition of “sexy”.
Oh yes. Honda did it right. That's why the Clarity is Consumer Reports least reliable car of 2018. Why can't Honda seem to make a single reliable car anymore?
lessdeth69 Can’t agree with you more! I mean I only put 110,000 on my Civic with basic maintenance, oil changes etc before trading it for an Odyssey. My dad has 180,000 on his Accord, basic maintenance and oil changes. Both cars run/ran like day one. Aside from those two cars and well countless others that just seem to go on and on racking up miles “Honda can’t seem to build a reliable car”... 🤔 Hate to disappoint you but Consumer Reports isn’t the ‘end all, say all’ of what defines a good car.
@@JJ-cg3rn I'm talking about current models. I loved Honda and have owned many. My first car was an '87 Acura Integra that I drove for 180k miles. I've owned Accords, Civics, an Odyssey, and an RSX. All great cars. Current problems with oil dilution and automatic transmissions and their refusal to make EVs took Honda off my radar. My sister bought a brand new 2018 Honda Odyssey last year. After struggling with automatic transmission problems that the dealer could not diagnose or fix, she traded it in for a Model X. She couldn't be happier with that decision.
@@SWTrailsAndWheels Part of the benefit of the Clarity is that it doesn't have a CVT.
The best plug in hybrid car it's the Chevy volt
So great they cancelled it ... 🙄