Does Honda Clarity take gas?
Answer in brief: not all Clarity models use gasoline. The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid can run on gasoline, while the Clarity Fuel Cell uses hydrogen and the Clarity Electric runs on electricity only. Availability varies by market, and Honda has largely phased out the Clarity lineup in the United States in recent years.
The Honda Clarity line has explored multiple alternative powertrains to address different fueling and charging ecosystems. To understand whether the Clarity “takes gas,” it helps to distinguish each variant and how it refuels or recharges, as well as the current market status for these models.
Variants and fueling details
Below is a quick guide to how each Clarity version is powered and how it refuels or recharges.
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): Combines a gasoline internal combustion engine with an electric motor. It can drive on electricity for a limited range, and when the battery is depleted or additional power is needed, the gasoline engine can operate to power the car or recharge the battery. Recharging is done by plugging in.
Clarity Fuel Cell (hydrogen): Uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity on board. It does not use gasoline. Refueling is done with hydrogen at specialized stations, which are limited in availability.
Clarity Electric (BEV): Fully battery-electric; does not use gasoline. It is charged by plugging in and runs solely on electricity.
In short, only the Plug-In Hybrid variant has gasoline as part of its propulsion system. The Fuel Cell and Electric versions do not rely on gasoline.
Current status and availability
As of 2024, Honda has largely phased out the Clarity lineup in the United States and has not introduced direct replacements in the same family. New Clarity sales ended in the US around 2021–2022, and production has since wound down. The hydrogen-fuel-cell variant remains limited to select markets and programs, while the plug-in hybrid and electric variants are no longer offered new in many markets. Availability can vary by region due to infrastructure and regulatory factors.
What this means for shoppers and owners
For buyers, the takeaway is that gasoline use depends on the variant. If you’re considering a Clarity today, you’re most likely looking at a used plug-in hybrid or perhaps a hydrogen model in a market where such leases or demonstrations continue. Be mindful of fuel availability (gasoline for the PHEV, hydrogen refueling for the FCV) and the status of new-vehicle availability in your region.
Summary
The Honda Clarity family comprises three powertrains: a Plug-In Hybrid that can use gasoline, a Hydrogen Fuel Cell that runs on hydrogen, and a Battery-Electric version that uses electricity only. Gasoline use applies only to the Plug-In Hybrid variant. The Clarity lineup has largely exited the U.S. market in recent years, with limited ongoing availability in certain areas for the hydrogen version and no broad new-car sales for the lineup.
Does the Honda Clarity take gas?
Driving Honda Clarity in Electric Mode
However, this switch means the vehicle isn't suitable for long-distance gas-free driving. For the Clarity Fuel Cell, the vehicle only requires hydrogen, not gasoline. It uses hydrogen to generate electricity as needed, making it a completely gasoline-free vehicle.
Is the Honda Clarity an electric car?
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.
Does a Honda hybrid take regular gas?
The 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid has a fuel tank capacity of 12.81 gallons, including for EX-L Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and Touring Hybrid trims, and required fuel is regular unleaded.
What kind of gas does a 2018 Honda Clarity take?
What kind of fuel should I use in my Honda engine? Honda engines are certified and designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
