What does the Honda Clarity run on?
In brief, the Honda Clarity family includes three powertrains: a hydrogen fuel-cell version, a plug-in hybrid, and an all-electric variant. The hydrogen model runs on compressed hydrogen, the plug-in hybrid uses electricity plus gasoline, and the electric model runs solely on battery power. Honda has since discontinued the Clarity lineup in the United States, with no direct successor on offer.
Variants and energy sources
Here's how each Clarity version gets its energy:
- Clarity Fuel Cell — uses a hydrogen fuel-cell stack to generate electricity for the vehicle's electric motors; it runs on compressed hydrogen stored in high‑pressure tanks. Emissions are water vapor only.
- Clarity Plug-in Hybrid — combines a battery-electric drivetrain with a gasoline engine; it can drive on electricity alone for short trips and switch to gasoline when the battery needs charging or more range is required.
- Clarity Electric — a battery-electric vehicle that runs exclusively on energy stored in its large battery and must be charged from an external power source.
In short, the Clarity lineup offered three energy approaches: hydrogen fuel, plug-in hybrid electric/gasoline, and battery electric power. Availability has been limited and the model line has largely exited the U.S. market.
Current status and availability
As of 2025, Honda has discontinued the Clarity family in the United States and Canada. The hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell has had limited availability, largely confined to California due to the hydrogen refueling network. The plug-in hybrid and electric variants were also sold in limited markets before production ended. If you’re shopping today, a used Clarity is about the only route to own one, and even that will depend on regional availability and the vehicle's age and condition.
What has replaced it in Honda's electrified lineup
Honda has instead focused on newer electrified models and upcoming all-electric vehicles, including hybrids across its lineup and the expansion of battery-electric offerings such as the Prologue SUV and additional future BEVs. For buyers seeking Honda electrification now, the brand’s current products emphasize hybrids and full-EV options rather than a Clarity successor.
Summary
The Honda Clarity was offered in three energy formats—hydrogen fuel cell, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric—covering hydrogen, combined gas-and-electric, and pure electricity powertrains. The lineup has been retired in North America, with limited availability for the hydrogen variant and the rest of the family now replaced by Honda's broader electrified lineup.
How does the Honda Clarity engine work?
When driving in electric-only mode, the vehicle runs solely on the electric motor, which is powered by the onboard battery. Once the battery charge drops to a certain level or if more power is required for acceleration, the gasoline engine automatically kicks in.
What Honda car is hydrogen powered?
Honda's hydrogen car is the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV, a plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle that uses hydrogen gas to generate electricity, emits only water, and has a total range of 270 miles. It combines a fuel cell system with a plug-in charging capability, allowing for around-town electric driving and quick hydrogen refueling for longer trips, which takes under five minutes. The vehicle is initially available for lease in select California markets.
How it works
- The fuel cell system uses hydrogen gas and air to produce electricity, with water vapor as the only emission.
- The electricity generated powers the vehicle's electric motor and can also charge a high-voltage battery.
- The total EPA-estimated range from a full hydrogen tank and the battery is 270 miles.
- The vehicle can be charged by plugging it in, just like a standard electric vehicle, and can also be refueled with hydrogen in under five minutes.
Key features
- Driving range: 270 miles (combined hydrogen and battery).
- Refueling time: Under 5 minutes for a full hydrogen tank.
- Availability: Initially available for lease in select U.S. markets, specifically in California.
- Lease options: Includes lease plans with significant hydrogen fuel credits.
- Technology: This is the first U.S.-available plug-in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
- Interior: Expected to have features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Historical context
- Honda has a long history with hydrogen fuel cell technology, dating back to the Honda FCX in the 1990s.
- The FCX Clarity, introduced in 2008, was a significant step and the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle available to retail customers.
- The new CR-V e:FCEV is the latest evolution, building on over two decades of Honda's research and development.
What kind of engine is in the Honda Clarity?
Plug-in hybrid
| Clarity Plug-in Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Sayama, Japan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 77 kW (103 hp) 1.5 L Honda LEB-series i-VTEC I4 |
| Electric motor | 135 kW (181 hp) AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor |
How does the Clarity compare to Prius Prime?
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid features a 1.5L In-Line 4-Cylinder engine that boasts 103 horsepower, while the Prius Prime has a 1.8L In-Line 4-Cylinder engine that generates 95 horsepower. Both engines work with their respective electric motors to boast more horsepower and torque while improving fuel efficiency.
