The Japanese automaker decided to terminate the production of its Clarity Electric model. Still, the Clarity hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid version will remain in the lineup. Well, ever since the release, Clarity Electric was a bit of an awkward model.
For one, the small 25.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers an inferior driving range – just 89 miles (143 km). The EV market and its customers demand a much higher driving range. For example, we can see that Tesla and Lucid are developing electric vehicles with more than 400 (643 km) of the driving range. Well, you can guess the main reason for the discontinuation of the Clarity Electric version.
Furthermore, this model wasn’t sold directly to private buyers. Instead, it was available to lease in the states of Oregon and California. So, with the discontinuation of the model, Honda no longer has an electric vehicle on the North American market.
Reasons Behind The Discontinuation of Honda Clarity Electric
According to Autoblog reports, in the last year, the Japanese company sold slightly over 11,600 units of Clarity. However, those reports don’t show with precision how many of the sold vehicles were Hydrogen, Plug-In Hybrid, and Electric versions.
Well, since the Clarity hydrogen is available only in California and Oregon, let’s assume that the hybrid models are the vast majority of the whole number. We mentioned above that one of the main reasons to ceased production is the driving range. Furthermore, Honda’s spokesperson stated that the company would abort the production of the Clarity Electric, but that new EVs are going to be developed.
Honda will extend the portfolio in the coming years. Right now, the focus is more on the next generation of electric models. Therefore, we will see new, very attractive all-electric vehicles, made exclusively for the North American market.
2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Offers More Features
2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is available through selected dealerships in California. The new model offers a good amount of updates, a couple of new features, and a brand-new color. Unlike the canceled Electric this model provides an outstanding driving range and a decent amount of power.
The 2020MY is available from $379 per month for 36 months, and $2,878 due at signing. Also, there’s $5,000 of the rebate for California customers. The Clarity Fuell Cell model includes a brand-new heated side mirrors and reminded Audible Vehicle Alert System.
Moreover, the cold-weather startup is improved, as well as the black mirror caps. On top of that, there’s new paint: a Crimson Pearl. As for the inside of the vehicle, you’ll find the brown-hued interior, finished in Platinum White. Of course, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Honda Sensing safety suite are part of the standard equipment.
Furthermore, you’ll find the latest tech updates and premium materials as well. The Clarity Fuel Cell provides one of the longest zero-emission light-duty vehicles in the States. According to EPA, this model comes with a driving range of 360 miles (579 km). Under the hood will be a powertrain that produces 174 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque.