How many amps is a Honda Clarity Level 2 charger?
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s Level 2 charging maxes out at about 27.5 amps at 240 volts, corresponding to a 6.6 kilowatt (kW) onboard charger. In practice, the actual current drawn depends on the charging station and the car’s battery conditions.
What Level 2 charging means for the Clarity
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt supply and can deliver a range of power levels depending on the vehicle’s onboard charger and the charging station. For the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, the car is equipped to accept up to 6.6 kW of AC charging power, which translates to roughly 27.5 amps at 240 volts. This means that even if your charging station can push more current, the car’s onboard charger will limit the draw to its maximum capability.
Onboard charger specs and practical implications
Key technical points help translate electrical specs into real-world charging behavior:
- Max onboard AC charging power: 6.6 kW
- Nominal input voltage for Level 2: 240 V
- Max current the Clarity’s charger draws: about 27.5 A (6.6 kW ÷ 240 V)
- Typical Level 2 circuits used for charging: common 30A or 32A circuits in homes, with the car drawing up to its 27.5 A limit
- Connector standard: J1772 (Level 2) inlet on the Clarity
In practice, if you have a 30A circuit and a compatible Level 2 charger, the vehicle will generally pull around 27–28A to reach the 6.6 kW rate. If the station is set to a lower current, the car will adjust accordingly.
Real-world charging scenarios
Understanding how the amperage plays out in daily use helps buyers plan home setups and charging schedules:
- With a dedicated 30A circuit and a compatible Level 2 EVSE, you’re likely to see up to about 6.6 kW of charging power, i.e., around 27.5 A from the car.
- If your EVSE or circuit limits to 16–20A (common on some cheaper or older setups), the Clarity will charge more slowly, delivering between roughly 3.8 kW and 4.8 kW.
- Temperature and battery SoC (state of charge) can influence charging efficiency and how quickly the car can absorb power near the end of a session.
- Always use a properly rated, dedicated circuit for Level 2 charging to maintain safety and consistent performance.
These factors mean that while the Clarity supports up to a 6.6 kW Level 2 charge, the daily charging speed you experience depends on your installed hardware and current car conditions.
Choosing the right home charging setup
Selecting a charging setup involves balancing cost, convenience, and future needs. Here are common options and their implications:
- 240V Level 2 EVSE rated at 16A or 20A: provides slower charging (roughly 3.8–4.8 kW), suitable for overnight charging with modest daily usage.
- 240V Level 2 EVSE rated at 30A or higher: enables the maximum 6.6 kW (and up to 27.5 A draw by the Clarity), ideal for maximize charging speed on longer daily drives.
- Always pair the EVSE with a dedicated circuit and appropriate breaker size (e.g., 30A) and use proper gauge wiring (often 10 AWG for 30A) per local electrical code.
In practice, many Clarity owners opt for a 30A circuit with a capable Level 2 charger to achieve the fastest reliable charging without tripping breakers, while still maintaining safety and flexibility for other household loads.
Summary
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid charges at up to 6.6 kW on Level 2, which equates to about 27.5 amps at 240 volts. The exact current drawn depends on the charging station capabilities, circuit rating, and battery state of charge. For the fastest Level 2 charging, a dedicated 30A circuit with a compatible 6.6 kW-capable charger is typically recommended.
