Can the Honda Clarity run on gas only?
Not in the way you might expect from a traditional gasoline car. There is no gasoline-only driving mode across the Honda Clarity lineup.
The Honda Clarity family comprises three powertrains—Plug-in Hybrid, Electric, and Fuel Cell—each with a different fueling approach. In the plug-in hybrid, a gasoline engine can operate to extend range or charge the battery, but the wheels are driven primarily by electric motors, and there is no mode that relies exclusively on gasoline. The electric and fuel-cell variants run on electricity or hydrogen-derived electricity and do not use gasoline at all.
Clarity variants and how they power the drive
The following overview explains, at a glance, how each Clarity variant obtains motive power and what fuels it uses.
- Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Combines a gasoline engine with electric motors. The vehicle can drive on electricity from its plug-in battery, and the gasoline engine can operate to extend range or recharge the battery. There is no mode that makes the car run solely on gasoline to drive the wheels.
- Clarity Electric (BEV): Purely battery-electric, powered entirely by its rechargeable battery with no internal combustion engine involved.
- Clarity Fuel Cell (FCEV): Uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity for the electric motor; there is no gasoline engine involved in propulsion.
In practice, this means if you want a gasoline-powered drive, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will still rely on electric motors for propulsion and will only use the gasoline engine to supplement or recharge; it cannot operate on gasoline alone. The BEV and FCEV versions remain gas-free in daily operation.
Availability and current status
As of the early 2020s, Honda ended U.S. sales of the Clarity lineup after the 2021 model year, with only limited remaining inventory in some markets and ongoing interest from fleets in hydrogen and plug-in configurations. Globally, availability varied by region, fuel infrastructure, and regulatory support for electrified or hydrogen vehicles. If you’re shopping today, you’re most likely looking at used examples or fleets rather than new models.
Practical driving implications
For everyday use, the key takeaway is that none of the Clarity variants offer a gasoline-only driving mode. The Plug-in Hybrid uses the gasoline engine to support or recharge the electric system, but propulsion is still electric-powered. The Electric and Fuel Cell variants are entirely dependent on electricity or hydrogen-derived electricity, respectively.
Summary
The Honda Clarity lineup does not provide a gasoline-only operation. Only the Plug-in Hybrid incorporates a gasoline engine as part of a hybrid system, and even then the wheels are driven by electric power rather than by the gasoline engine alone. The Electric and Fuel Cell variants run exclusively on electricity or hydrogen-derived electricity. Since Honda discontinued Clarity sales in the U.S. after 2021, prospective buyers today are more likely to encounter used models or fleets, and should consider available alternatives that match their fueling infrastructure and driving needs.
What is the range of the Honda Clarity gas only?
The Clarity only has a seven-gallon fuel tank, but boats impressive gas-only mileage ratings of 44/40/42 mpg. It has an almost 300-mile range with a dead battery. The 17 kWh isn't fooling around either, with an electric-only range of 47 miles.
Is Honda Clarity gas or electric?
The 2021 Clarity lets you have it all. As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Clarity enjoys both the efficiencies of an electric motor and the flexibility of a gas motor, so you can rely on gas to kick in when you need it.
Can I drive a hybrid on gas only?
Yes, a hybrid car can run on gas only, but it will primarily run like a gas-only car and you will lose the electric-only and hybrid efficiency benefits. The gas engine is designed to be the main power source for most driving, with the electric motor and battery assisting to improve fuel economy, especially in city driving or during acceleration.
This video explains how hybrid electric cars work: 1mHistory of Simple ThingsYouTube · Feb 17, 2025
- How it works: The hybrid system automatically switches between the gas engine, electric motor, or both depending on driving conditions. You can't force it to run purely on gas, but it's the default mode when the battery is low or when you accelerate at higher speeds.
- Benefits of the gas-only mode: While running on gas only, you will still benefit from the car's regenerative braking system, which helps charge the battery for later use.
- Potential drawbacks: You will not achieve the full fuel efficiency benefits of a hybrid if you don't allow it to use its electric motor, especially at lower speeds or during stop-and-go traffic.
- Plug-in hybrids: These cars behave differently. If you don't charge the plug-in hybrid, it will operate in a hybrid mode, similar to a standard hybrid, and rely on gas as the main power source until the battery is charged to a certain point.
This video explains the different types of hybrid cars: 1mSDA Dan CarsYouTube · Aug 21, 2024
Do you have to plug in a Honda Clarity?
Honda Clarity Charging System
A key feature of the Clarity is its ability to partially recharge the battery while driving, thanks to regenerative braking and its hybrid system. However, plug-in charging is still required for a complete recharge.
