What battery does Honda Clarity PHEV use?
The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid uses a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
This article breaks down the battery type, capacity, charging options, and how the pack fits into the Clarity PHEV’s overall propulsion system. It reflects the model’s published specifications and how the battery supports electric-only driving alongside hybrid operation.
Battery type and capacity
What the battery does in propulsion
The Clarity PHEV employs a lithium-ion (Li‑ion) battery pack as its energy storage core. The pack’s total capacity is 17 kWh, which powers the electric motor and aids the gasoline engine during hybrid operation. The battery is designed to deliver an electric boost for daily driving while integrating with the hybrid system for longer trips.
In practice, the 17 kWh pack enables a meaningful electric-only range and supports a blended powertrain experience, with the vehicle switching between electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline mode as conditions demand.
- Battery type: Lithium-ion (Li‑ion) pack
- Total capacity: 17 kWh
- System integration: Works with the electric motor and the gasoline engine through the vehicle’s Hybrid Control Unit
The battery’s role is central to the Clarity PHEV’s design, aligning with Honda’s approach to plug-in hybrids that prioritize EV readiness for commutes and short trips while preserving gasoline range for longer travel.
Charging options and range considerations
How the car charges and what to expect
The Clarity PHEV supports standard EV charging configurations, allowing energy replenishment via common household or public charging infrastructure. The vehicle can be plugged in to level 1 (120V) or level 2 (240V) outlets, enabling at-home overnight charging and quicker top-ups at dedicated charging stations. It does not offer DC fast charging.
The battery’s electrical energy is replenished both from external charging and through regenerative braking during driving. The combination helps maximize electric-only operation for daily use, with the hybrid system seamlessly taking over when needed for longer trips or when the battery is depleted.
- Charging levels: Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging supported
- DC fast charging: Not available on the Clarity PHEV
With regular Level 2 charging, owners can recharge the 17 kWh pack efficiently between commutes, preserving electric driving for typical daily use while retaining gasoline-assisted range for longer journeys.
Battery placement and drivetrain integration
Where the battery sits and how it powers the car
The Clarity PHEV’s battery is designed to sit in a floor-mounted enclosure, helping preserve interior space and maintain a low center of gravity. This placement allows the electric motor to deliver torque smoothly without compromising cabin room or trunk practicality. The battery management system coordinates energy flow between the battery, electric motor, and gasoline engine to optimize efficiency and performance.
Overall, the battery’s layout supports everyday usability, pairing with Honda’s hybrid strategy to offer substantial electric-only capability for city driving while enabling gasoline-assisted range for longer trips.
Summary
The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid uses a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the electric motor and works in concert with the gasoline engine for hybrid operation. It supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging, but not DC fast charging, and is positioned in the vehicle to maximize interior space and driving dynamics. This battery configuration underpins the Clarity PHEV’s emphasis on meaningful electric driving combined with flexible hybrid performance.
