Does Honda have a plug in electric car?
Yes. Honda does offer plug-in electric vehicles in several markets, including the all-electric Honda e in Europe and Japan, and the upcoming Prologue BEV for the United States and Canada. The American Clarity family (PHEV and EV) was sold in the past but has been largely retired in North America.
Honda’s approach to electrification has varied by region and model. While North America has not carried a current, on-sale Clarity model, Honda has pushed forward with a dedicated BEV in the US/Canada—the Prologue—alongside established electric offerings in other markets. The company’s strategy also includes a broader push toward battery-electric vehicles in the coming years, leveraging partnerships and platform-sharing to expand its lineup.
Current and historical plug-in models
This section highlights Honda’s plug-in options, including BEVs and PHEVs, and notes which markets have seen them on sale.
- Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) — A rechargeable hybrid offered in limited markets, available in the United States and select regions before the lineup was retired in North America around 2021.
- Clarity Electric (EV) — An all-electric version of the Clarity family sold in limited markets, largely in California and some other regions, now discontinued in North America.
- Honda e — An all-electric compact car sold in Europe and Japan since around 2020; not sold in the United States.
- Prologue — An all-electric SUV announced for the United States and Canada, built on GM’s Ultium platform; slated for sale in the 2024–25 model years as Honda’s primary BEV offering in North America.
These entries show how Honda has offered plug-in options across different regions, with the United States shifting toward a dedicated BEV (the Prologue) while Europe and Japan have access to the Honda e and previously offered Clarity models in various forms.
Geographic availability
Market-by-market availability summarizes where you can currently buy or could have bought Honda plug-ins, and how that has evolved.
- — No Clarity PHEV/EV on sale today; the Prologue BEV is Honda’s forthcoming (as of 2024–25) main on-sale electric option for the US market.
- — Honda e is available as a consumer BEV; Clarity models were not broadly marketed in Europe.
- — Honda e is sold in Japan; other Clarity variants were not widely offered there in recent years.
In short, the US has been targeting the Prologue as its front-line BEV, while Europe and Japan have historically offered the Honda e, with Clarity variants largely retired in North America.
The road ahead
Honda has signaled a broad electrification push for the coming years, expanding BEV offerings and leveraging collaborations to accelerate rollout.
- Prologue (BEV) for US/Canada, expanding Honda’s North American BEV footprint.
- Additional BEV models across key markets as part of a multi-year electrification plan.
- Continued use of hybrid and plug-in options in select regions while transitioning to a BEV-first lineup.
The overarching goal is to increase BEV availability across regions, with periodic updates as new models and platforms come online.
Summary
Honda does have plug-in electric cars, but availability is region-specific and has evolved over time. The Honda e provides a current BEV option in Europe and Japan, while the Prologue is set to be Honda’s main BEV offering in the United States and Canada. The Clarity PHEV and Clarity EV were previously sold in North America but have largely been retired there. Looking ahead, Honda plans to broaden its BEV lineup in coming years as part of a broader electrification strategy.
Is there a Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid?
No, the standard Honda CR-V Hybrid is not a plug-in hybrid; it is a self-charging hybrid that recharges its battery automatically through the gas engine and regenerative braking as you drive. However, Honda does offer plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) versions of the CR-V in other markets, and it is possible they will be offered in more regions in the future.
- Standard Hybrid: This version has a gasoline engine and an electric motor that work together. The battery is recharged while you drive through the engine and regenerative braking, so you never have to plug it in.
- Plug-in Hybrid (e:PHEV): This version requires plugging in to charge a larger battery for a significant all-electric range before the gasoline engine turns on. This model is available in some international markets, and while the standard CR-V Hybrid is not a plug-in, the e:PHEV powertrain is part of the overall CR-V lineup.
What is the downside of a plug-in hybrid?
Disadvantages of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars include their higher upfront cost, the potential for lower fuel economy on long trips once the battery is depleted, and the need for charging. They also have higher maintenance and potential battery replacement costs due to their complex dual-engine system.
Cost and efficiency
- Higher upfront price: PHEVs are more expensive to purchase than conventional or standard hybrid cars due to the added complexity of the electric motor, battery, and charging components.
- Poor fuel economy when not charged: The large battery adds significant weight. If the battery runs out of charge on a long journey, the car can become less fuel-efficient than a non-hybrid car because it is constantly carrying the extra weight.
- Limited electric range: The all-electric range is limited (typically 15-40 miles), which may not be sufficient for drivers with long commutes who want to rely solely on electric power.
Maintenance and charging
- More expensive maintenance: Having both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor means more complex maintenance and potentially higher costs for servicing both systems.
- Costly battery replacement: While batteries are covered by warranties, a replacement outside the warranty period can be very expensive.
- Charging requirements: To get the most benefit, drivers must regularly charge the battery, which requires access to a charging station at home or a public one.
Other disadvantages
- More complex technology: The combined systems make the technology more complex, which can lead to higher repair costs.
- Reduced power/performance: Some PHEVs are built to prioritize efficiency, which can result in less power compared to conventional cars.
- Heavy: The large battery adds weight, which can negatively affect handling and performance.
Does Honda make a plug-in electric car?
The new CR-V e:FCEV will mark North America's first production vehicle to combine plug-in capability with FCEV technology in one model. This offers the capability to charge the battery to deliver EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips.
How much does a Honda PHEV cost?
How much does 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid cost? The 2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has a starting price of $33,400* beginning with the base Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The base-level Clarity comes with a host of standard features including an 8-inch audio touchscreen control to make your ride as comfortable as possible.
