[eric_n_dfw]

http://insideevs.com/honda-clarity-phev-42-mile-range/

 

[scottf200]

I just got an email about the electric and hybrid that pointed me here:

Electric -- http://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/clarity-electric
Tech Rich. Travel Ready.
• DC fast charging makes it possible to achieve an 80% charge in just 30 minutes and a full charge in just over 3 hours, so you can get back on the road faster
• 221 lb-ft of Torque* is instantly available via the electric motor, giving you powerful acceleration for a more enjoyable driving experience
• An estimated 102 MPGe (Combined)* gives you excellent fuel and energy efficiency to enjoy longer drives

A Sophisticated Space
• Spacious Seating for 5 Passengers, allows all passengers to enjoy the refinement and quality of the car’s interior
• An 8-Way Power Driver Seat with 2 Memory Settings makes it easy for you and another driver to find and save your perfect driving positions
• Leather-Trimmed Interior with Accent Stitching adds a subtle sophistication and premium quality that is as pleasant to the touch as it is to the eyes

Electrifying Design
• The Clear LED Taillights are designed to make the Clarity Electric immediately recognizable
• Unique Full LED Headlights provide exceptional visibility and an unforgettable light signature that is unlike anything else on the road, whether it’s day or night
• 18-Inch Alloy Wheels feature an aerodynamic design for performance and brake cooling, and specially designed tires provide optimal performance and efficiency

PHEV -- http://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/clarity-plug-in-hybrid
Get Plugged In
• An estimated 42-Mile All Electric Range* lets you go further while running your errands with zero emissions
• The Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is designed to alert you to things you might miss while driving

Inner Clarity
• Environmentally Conscious Interior Materials were made in an earth-friendly way without compromising premium feel and craftsmanship
• An 8-Way Power Driver Seat with 2 Memory Settings makes it easy for you and another driver to find and save your perfect driving positions
• The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ features 3D graphics, lane guidance and more to clearly help you reach your destination

Clearly Better
• Unique Full LED Headlights provide exceptional visibility and an unforgettable light signature that is unlike anything else on the road
• 18-Inch Alloy Wheels feature an aerodynamic design for performance and brake cooling, and specially designed tires provide optimal performance and efficiency
• Full LED Taillights offer bright illumination with a distinct appearance that results in a wide stance on the road that also gives a nod to Honda performance

 

[Henry_FL]

So 6 years later Honda has a Gen 1 Volt?

 

[scottf200]

So 6 years later Honda has a Gen 1 Volt?

Gen 3 -- "An 8-Way Power Driver Seat with 2 Memory Settings"

 

[ampera_jed]

Why did they employ a blind stylist?

 

[kns]

So 6 years later Honda has a Gen 1 Volt?

If they market them they will sell a bunch. Especially after GM runs out of tax credits.

KNS

 

[Raymondjram]

Gen 3 -- "An 8-Way Power Driver Seat with 2 Memory Settings"

My Dad's 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme had electric power and passenger seats. And my wife's 1995 Volvo had power seats and two memory settings. Honda is way behind!

 

[Raymondjram]

http://insideevs.com/honda-clarity-phev-42-mile-range/

Except for the nose, it looks like the 2014 Ford Fusion SE Energi that you are leasing. Honda is copying again. BTW, some Energi owners are getting over 30 miles of EV range. Visit their forum and read more: http://www.fordfusionenergiforum.com/

 

[viking79]

Nice, I would consider that over a Volt if it is roomier. Good power and large battery like the Volt. Nice change from Prius Prime.

 

[firehawk72]

I really like the seats, front and rear. BUT wow, is that thing ugly.

 

[viking79]

Looking at it again, they took the good parts of the Volt (power and battery size) and good parts of Fusion Energi (larger size) and combined them into the Volt many of us have wanted. They also gave it a faster charger. However, the looks, not sure if I could grow to like it. Maybe.

 

[Dakster]

Does it have homelink too?

Just a few things that were missing that I thought we odd on a $45k MSRP car (2013 Gen 1 Volt, loaded).

 

[PrivatePilot]

I wonder if it will suffer from the same absolutely dismal battery reliability of many of the Honda Hybrid options were notorious for. Considering the size of the battery pack and the range however, it seems like they're probably taking a note out of the GM playbook when it comes to discharge percentages in an effort to maintain longevity.

But the looks...not lovin' it - it seems like they're aiming for the funky "look at me, this is something special" appearance, which yes, the gen1 Volt also did, but much more tastefully IMHO. The second gen Volt is much less "edgy" and more mainstream.

Yes, this does seem like Honda's version of a Gen1 Volt indeed. Minus the looks.

 

[Foxtrot]

You guys are hilarious.

The PHEV version has roughly the same EV range as the Gen 1, larger size with a more comfortable, nicer interior, and the electric memory driver's seat that two driver families crave. Depending on the details I would have bought this instead of my Gen II Volt. And as far as looks my authority on the styling of the cars that we buy, my wife, thinks the GenI is marginal, the Gen II is acceptable, the Tesla model 3 is wonderful, she wouldn't be caught dead in a Bolt, and declares this Honda is acceptable but not exciting.

Being late to the game doesn't mean that you can't win with a good product.

 

[eric_n_dfw]

It seems to fit their current Accord and Civic styling, doesn't look bad to be. In fact, the gen 2 Volt looks just like the prior gen Civic which looks like a Hyundai and just about every other generic, compact sedan out there. The new Prius is still the owner of the ugly award for this gen, IMO.

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Except for the nose, it looks like the 2014 Ford Fusion SE Energi that you are leasing. Honda is copying again. BTW, some Energi owners are getting over 30 miles of EV range. Visit their forum and read more: http://www.fordfusionenergiforum.com/

I'm not willing to employ hyper-miling (sp?) tactics to try to squeeze more than 20-22 miles out of it's battery.

As for this looking like the Fusion: from the side, the Fusion is pretty generic looking - it's the Aston Martin looking nose that people seem to like about the Fusion. (although new model years have departed a bit and have a more angular grill)

 

[eric_n_dfw]

You guys are hilarious.

The PHEV version has roughly the same EV range as the Gen 1, larger size with a more comfortable, nicer interior, and the electric memory driver's seat that two driver families crave. Depending on the details I would have bought this instead of my Gen II Volt. And as far as looks my authority on the styling of the cars that we buy, my wife, thinks the GenI is marginal, the Gen II is acceptable, the Tesla model 3 is wonderful, she wouldn't be caught dead in a Bolt, and declares this Honda is acceptable but not exciting.

Being late to the game doesn't mean that you can't win with a good product.

I tend to agree with everything Foxtrot (and their spouse) said with the exception of the Tesla Model 3 - I hate the grill-less, pointy nose on that thing.

The news of these coming out has pretty much solidified my plans for when my Fusion lease ends in August: I'm most likely going to buy a used 1st gen Volt wait a couple years to see how this and any other competitors perform. If this car's EV-only acceleration matches the Volt it will probably be the next thing I buy. (and even then, I'll probably wait for a used one)

 

[eric_n_dfw]

So 6 years later Honda has a Gen 1 Volt?

Not a bad platform to pattern off of.

 

[Mister Dave]

I really like the seats, front and rear. BUT wow, is that thing ugly.

Honda is kind of mid-stream on looks. Some of their stuff looks good, some not. I'm having a bit of trouble putting this on the plus side of looks. I'm hoping Volvo can do better in 2 years (as promised), but they don't even have a concept drawing yet. I've got plenty of time......

If this were a Toyota it would be one of their better looking models.

 

[viking79]

Look at that back seat. I can't get over it. I might actually be able to sit back there. So basically a car with as much EV power as the Volt (actually it has more), but with space inside. The only reason I bought the Volt over other EVs and plug-ins was that it had real power and EV only operation. If this were out at the same time or if the Fusion Energi had more EV power and larger battery I would have bought one of them instead. The new Prius Prime is really competition for the Fusion Energi and still not really an EV in my mind.

People are comparing this to a Gen 1 Volt, but this has about 7 miles more EV range than my 2012 and is significantly more powerful. The difference in range between this an a Gen 2 Volt probably won't make a difference to most buyers. I am glad there is finally a plug in hybrid competitor to the Volt. I hate to say it, if this price falls in the same range as the Volt, I would probably pick the Honda due to the extra back seat room. I still don't understand GMs decision to go with the small car for the Volt instead of the Malibu sized car.