What are the driving modes for Honda Clarity?
The Honda Clarity lineup uses a mix of Eco, Normal, and Sport modes across its variants, with the Plug-in Hybrid adding EV Drive, Hybrid, and Charge modes to manage energy and charging. These options let drivers tailor performance and efficiency to their route and preferences.
The Clarity was offered in three powertrains—Fuel Cell (FCEV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Battery Electric (BEV)—each with its own set of drive modes. This article outlines how those modes work, what they do, and how they affect range and performance for each variant.
Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) drive modes
Drive modes overview
The Plug-in Hybrid version provides three primary drive modes to balance electric driving, efficiency, and charging needs. Use these to tailor power delivery to your trip and charging strategy.
- EV Drive Mode: The vehicle runs primarily on the high-voltage battery and electric motor at lower speeds until the battery is depleted or conditions require the gasoline engine.
- Hybrid Drive Mode: The system blends the gasoline engine with the electric motor to maximize efficiency and seamless acceleration when the battery state of charge is moderate or high demand is needed.
- Charge Drive Mode: The gasoline engine runs to charge the battery while driving, which is used to restore battery capacity when you anticipate needing more electric range later in the trip.
In practice, EV Drive Mode keeps you in electric-only driving at suitable speeds, Hybrid Drive Mode optimizes efficiency with a smart engine/motor blend, and Charge Drive Mode prioritizes replenishing the battery during travel when you expect to need extra electric range later in the trip.
Clarity Electric (BEV) drive modes
Drive modes overview
The Battery Electric Clarity uses three modes to balance range and response, letting you tailor performance and efficiency to your route and driving style.
- Eco Mode: Calms throttle response and reduces energy use to maximize range, often slowing climate-control and acceleration.
- Normal Mode: A balanced setting that offers standard acceleration and efficiency for everyday driving.
- Sport Mode: Increases throttle response and enhances performance at the expense of some range, suitable for quicker starts and more spirited driving.
Eco mode prioritizes efficiency for longer trips, Normal mode provides a typical daily-driving experience, and Sport mode offers more immediate power when you want quicker acceleration or highway merging.
Clarity Fuel Cell (FCEV) drive modes
Drive modes overview
The Hydrogen fuel-cell variant provides a straightforward set of modes to balance efficiency and performance, similar to other Honda electrified vehicles.
- Eco Mode: Focuses on maximizing efficiency by smoothing throttle and climate control impact.
- Normal Mode: Standard power delivery and comfort-oriented settings.
- Sport Mode: Enhances throttle response for more dynamic acceleration.
Eco, Normal, and Sport on the FCEV behave similarly to other electrified Hondas, with Eco reducing energy use, Normal offering a balanced feel, and Sport sharpening throttle response where permitted by the drivetrain.
Notes: Availability and naming can vary by model year and market. Some earlier Clarity PHEV models may use EV/Hybrid/Charge terminology rather than separate Eco/Normal/Sport names, and some trims or regions may differ in exact mode tuning. Always check the vehicle’s user manual or on-screen display for the most current options on your specific car.
Summary
Across Honda Clarity’s variants, you’ll generally find Eco, Normal, and Sport modes to adjust throttle response and efficiency on BEV and FCEV versions, while the Plug-in Hybrid adds EV Drive, Hybrid, and Charge modes to manage electric driving and battery charging. These modes give drivers flexibility to optimize for range, performance, or a mix depending on the trip. Note that availability can vary by model year and market as Honda phased the Clarity lineup.
Is it better to drive in Sport mode or eco mode?
There's no difference really. In Eco the computer cuts your throttle response to save fuel and make the vehicle feel smoother. While in Sport it sharpens the throttle response making it feel peppier.
What are the drive modes for Honda Hybrid?
This system gives drivers a Normal mode for relaxed street driving, a Sport mode for indulging the desire for driving fun, an ECON mode to optimize their fuel efficiency, and a Snow mode for enhanced performance when the going gets slippery.
What are the drive modes for Honda Clarity?
There are three drive modes: ECON, NORMAL, and SPORT.
If you select Econ mode, it remains in effect forever, or until you change it. Otherwise, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid starts in Normal mode.
