Building on nearly three decades of Honda electric vehicle engineering, the 2017 Clarity Electric is designed to meet the needs of a typical urban commuter with a combination of responsive power and exceptional efficiency. Smooth, quiet and refined, the Clarity Electric is powered by a 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt) electric motor producing 221 lb.-ft. of torque drawing energy from a 25.5-kWh battery pack. The vehicle can be fully charged in just over three hours at 240 volts, and when using DC fast charging with the SAE Combined Charging System, it can reach an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.
Since the electric motor develops maximum torque from zero rpm, no clutch, torque converter or transmission is required to transfer power to the front wheels, reducing complexity, weight and power losses. As a result, the Clarity Electric earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) , with an EPA driving range rating of 89 miles on a full charge.1
Coaxial Electric Motor/Gearbox
- High output electric motor
- 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt)
- 221 lb.-ft. of torque
- 0-12,600 rpm motor operating range
- Powertrain Control Unit (PCU) integrated into the motor assembly
- Quiet 4-segment rotor design
- Direct single-ratio front-wheel drive
- Three Drive Modes: Normal, Econ and Sport
Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries
- Batteries positioned beneath passenger compartment and cargo area
- Energy capacity: 25.5-kWh
- Superior performance envelope including long life expectancy, packaging for superior safety performance, and high energy recovery capability
Charging
- Full charge in just over three hours at 240 volts
- 80 percent charge in 30 minutes with SAE Combined Charging System
Emissions/Fuel Economy/Range Ratings
- 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) fuel economy ratings1
- EPA range rating of 89 miles on a full charge1
- Zero-emissions vehicle
Powertrain Layout
The Clarity Electric’s key powertrain components are arranged for maximum packaging efficiency, allowing the Clarity Electric to offer a roomy and accommodating 5-passenger interior. The lithium-Ion batteries are divided into two separate packs, one positioned beneath the passenger compartment and a second smaller pack located under the forward section of the cargo area. This positioning keeps the center of gravity low for optimum handling. The Power Control Unit (PCU) is exceptionally compact, and mounts directly on top of the motor case.
Electric Drive Motor
A Honda-designed AC synchronous electric motor is similar to the unit that drives the Clarity Fuel Cell. The drive motor configuration was developed to deliver powerful acceleration and high rpm capability, along with very quiet operation. The motor has a maximum output of 161-horsepower (120-kilowatts) and 221 lb.-ft. of torque.
Coaxial Gearbox
As in the Clarity Fuel Cell, the Clarity Electric motor rotor shaft features a hollow construction, with the driveshaft passing through the center in a coaxial configuration. This arrangement allows the motor and final reduction gears to be combined into a single compact unit, while providing efficient transmission of the motor’s high-output, high-rpm power to the driveshaft.
Power Control Unit
The Power Control Unit (PCU) is located in the front of the vehicle, just above the electric motor. The Honda-designed PCU controls the total operation of the Clarity Electric’s powertrain, including regenerative braking and recharging functions.
Lithium-ion Battery
A 25.5-kWh lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery array in the Clarity Electric offers a long life expectancy, high energy recovery capability and is engineered for superior safety performance. The batteries are in two modules, a large module under the passenger compartment floor and a smaller module under the floor of the cargo compartment.
Powertrain Drive Modes
The Clarity Electric allows the driver to select between Sport, Normal and Econ driving modes to instantly change the driving experience. In Sport mode, more responsive acceleration feel adds to the Clarity Electric’s fun-to-drive nature. While in Econ mode the practical driving range can increase compared to driving in Normal mode.
Regenerative Brake System
Kinetic energy is turned into electrical energy via a regenerative braking system, and this captured energy is then stored in the rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. The electric motor acts as a generator that can recharge the batteries during braking, gentle deceleration or coasting. The Clarity Electric’s regenerative braking system intelligently apportions braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor to extract electricity from the vehicle’s kinetic energy.
Paddle-Controlled Regenerative Braking
Drivers can select the level of regenerative braking level to suit conditions or personal preference. With the powertrain drive mode set to either Normal or Econ, a pull of the steering wheel-mounted deceleration selector (paddle) steps through four possible levels of regenerative braking. After a short time, the powertrain will automatically revert to the standard amount of regenerative braking. This can be beneficial during downhill driving by reducing stress on the brake system while simultaneously increasing battery charging via regeneration.
When the drive mode is set to Sport, the paddles operate the same way, but the system will maintain the selected level of regeneration until the drive mode is changed or the START/STOP switch is cycled.
1 Based on 2017 model-year EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, lithium-ion battery pack age/condition and other factors.