How many kWh is in a Honda Clarity?
The short answer varies by which Clarity you’re talking about. The all-electric Clarity Electric uses a 25.5 kWh battery, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid uses a 17 kWh battery, and the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell does not publish a conventional kWh battery rating because its energy is stored in hydrogen tanks rather than a traditional battery.
Variant energy storage by model
The following overview summarizes the battery capacity or energy-storage approach for each Clarity variant.
- Clarity Electric (BEV): 25.5 kWh battery.
- Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): 17 kWh battery.
- Clarity Fuel Cell (FCEV): energy stored via hydrogen tanks; no fixed kWh battery rating published.
In short, the usable kilowatt-hour figure depends on which Clarity variant you choose. Electric and plug-in hybrid versions use defined battery packs, while the fuel-cell version relies on hydrogen energy rather than a traditional battery capacity.
Deeper context
Electric Clarity (BEV)
The Clarity Electric is powered by a lithium-ion battery rated at 25.5 kWh, feeding the electric motor for propulsion. This format is typical of a dedicated battery-electric vehicle, with energy stored onboard for driving until depleted and replenished via charging.
Plug-In Hybrid Clarity (PHEV)
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid combines a smaller 17 kWh battery with an internal combustion engine. This setup allows for a guaranteed electric-only range for short trips, with the gasoline engine providing extended range when needed.
Fuel Cell Clarity (FCEV)
The Clarity Fuel Cell uses hydrogen stored in onboard tanks to generate electricity in a fuel-cell stack. Because its energy is carried as hydrogen rather than in a conventional battery, it does not have a published kWh rating like BEVs or PHEVs.
What this means for owners and shoppers
When evaluating a Honda Clarity, consider which powertrain best fits your driving needs. If you want a measurable onboard energy capacity in kilowatt-hours, the BEV (25.5 kWh) and PHEV (17 kWh) versions are the ones with explicit numbers. If you’re curious about the fuel-cell variant, expect energy delivery from hydrogen rather than a standard battery rating.
Summary
The Honda Clarity lineup features three distinct energy-storage approaches. The electric variant carries a 25.5 kWh battery, the plug-in hybrid carries a 17 kWh battery, and the hydrogen fuel-cell variant operates on hydrogen energy rather than a conventional kWh battery rating. This means the exact “kWh in a Honda Clarity” is model-specific, with BEV and PHEV providing clear battery capacities and FCEV relying on hydrogen storage instead.
How many kWh is a Honda Clarity battery?
The Honda Clarity comes with different battery sizes depending on the model: the Plug-In Hybrid has a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery, while the all-electric Clarity Electric uses a 25.5 kWh battery. The 17 kWh battery in the plug-in hybrid provides an estimated electric-only range of about 47 miles, while the 25.5 kWh battery in the all-electric model offers a longer electric range.
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
- Battery size: 171717 kWh lithium-ion
- Electric-only range: Approximately 47 miles on a full charge
- Function: The engine kicks in seamlessly when the battery's electric charge is depleted, extending the vehicle's overall range
Honda Clarity Electric
- Battery size: 25.525.525.5 kWh lithium-ion (with 24.224.224.2 kWh usable)
- Electric-only range: An EPA-rated range of approximately 85 miles per charge
- Function: This model is fully electric, relying solely on the battery for power
Can Honda Clarity use a Tesla charger?
Yes, the Honda Clarity can use Tesla chargers, but it requires an adapter, and the method depends on the specific model. The Honda Clarity EV can use a Tesla Supercharger via an official Honda-approved NACS-CCS adapter, available starting in June 2025. For Tesla Destination Chargers and slower AC charging at a Tesla-style charger, you would need a third-party adapter, like a NEMA 14-50 adapter, to connect the Tesla's charger to the Clarity's J1772 port.
For DC fast charging
You can watch this video to learn how to use a NACS-CCS adapter: 54sTechnical EvolutionYouTube · Aug 20, 2025
- For models starting in 2025: Honda vehicles will adopt the NACS standard and gain access to Tesla Superchargers using the new Honda-approved NACS-CCS adapter, reports North Shore Honda and Honda Newsroom.
- For models before 2025: You will need the Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter, which can be purchased at Honda dealerships or the Honda DreamShop website for approximately $225.
- For Tesla Superchargers with a Magic Dock: Some Tesla Superchargers are starting to have a built-in "Magic Dock" which includes both a Tesla connector and a CCS connector, allowing a non-Tesla vehicle to charge directly from the station.
For AC charging (e.g., a Tesla Destination Charger)
- For Tesla Destination Chargers (Tesla's AC charging stations): You will need a third-party adapter, such as a third-party NEMA 14-50 adapter, to convert the Tesla's plug to a J1772 plug.
- For other adapters: There are also third-party adapters available for Tesla AC chargers that can be used with a J1772 port.
How long does a Honda Clarity 12V battery last?
3 to 5 years
How often should you replace your 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested regularly for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a dependable level. Vehicle batteries ordinarily bear 12 to 13 volts unless you have a high-performance battery.
