What engine is in the Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid?
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is driven by a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 gasoline engine paired with electric motors as part of Honda’s hybrid system, delivering a combined output of about 212 horsepower and an estimated electric range of roughly 47–48 miles on a full charge.
Powertrain overview
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid combines a traditional gasoline engine with electric propulsion to optimize efficiency and provide electric driving for short trips. The gas engine works alongside two electric motors through a single drivetrain, allowing seamless transitions between electric-only and hybrid operation depending on driving conditions and battery state of charge.
Engine specification
The vehicle uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine configured for Atkinson-cycle operation. This design prioritizes efficiency over peak power, enabling better fuel economy when combined with the electric propulsion in everyday driving.
Hybrid drivetrain
Honda’s hybrid system integrates the gasoline engine with electric motors and a compact transmission setup. The gas engine can restart to supply power and/or recharge the battery during higher-demand driving, while the electric motors provide immediate torque for smooth acceleration and electric driving capability.
Battery and electric range
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, enabling an estimated 47–48 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge under typical conditions. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine continues to run to extend overall range.
Performance and practicality
With the gas engine and electric motors working in concert, the Clarity PHEV offers a balanced mix of efficiency and capability, delivering usable power for highway climbs and city commutes while maximizing electric range for short trips.
Summary
The engine at the heart of the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 paired with Honda’s hybrid electric drivetrain, achieving a combined output in the neighborhood of 212 horsepower and about 47–48 miles of electric range per charge. This setup aims to provide efficient daily driving with the flexibility of plug-in electric power for shorter trips.
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 much does it cost to replace the battery in a Honda Clarity PHEV?
A Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid battery replacement can cost anywhere from approximately $8,500 to over $12,000 at a dealership, depending on the service center and whether it's a full or remanufactured unit. Some independent shops may offer lower prices, sometimes as low as $8,500, though they might not use official OEM parts. Costs can also be lower if purchasing a used battery from a third-party source, but this is not a recommended option unless you have experience with this type of repair and are prepared for potential future issues.
This video explains how much it costs to replace a hybrid battery and how to extend the battery's life: 49sGreentec EV and Hybrid BatteriesYouTube · Jun 11, 2025
Cost breakdown
- Dealership: $8,500 - $12,000+
- Independent shops: Can be lower, but depends on parts and labor
- Used parts: Potentially cheaper, but often without a warranty and with high risk
Factors that affect cost
- Part type: OEM vs. aftermarket vs. used
- Installation location: Dealership vs. independent shop
- Part quality: New vs. refurbished vs. remanufactured
- Labor costs: Can vary significantly depending on your location
- Drivetrain: All-electric versions might have slightly different replacement costs
How to get an accurate estimate
- Contact a dealership: Get a quote from a Honda dealership in your area for an OEM battery replacement.
- Contact independent hybrid/EV specialists: Get a quote from a reputable independent shop that specializes in hybrids and EVs. These shops may have different options for parts and labor that can lower costs.
- Check online parts suppliers: Look up prices for replacement batteries from online retailers, but remember that this will not include installation costs.
Why did Honda discontinue the Clarity PHEV?
Honda stopped making the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid due to low sales demand, which was influenced by factors like the car's high price point, poor market reception, and Honda's shift in strategy towards a new generation of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Production officially ended in August 2021 as part of Honda's larger plan to transition its portfolio to focus on future BEVs and hybrid models, such as the Insight and CR-V Hybrid.
- Low demand: Sales for all Clarity models had been declining, with only a small number of units sold in the years leading up to the discontinuation.
- Strategic shift: Honda decided to end production to focus resources on its upcoming, next-generation line of electrified vehicles, including those developed in partnership with General Motors.
- Focus on BEVs: The discontinuation was part of a long-term goal to have 100% of its sales be either battery-electric or fuel-cell electric vehicles by 2040.
- Market reception: The Clarity's high price point and polarizing exterior design contributed to its poor market acceptance compared to other electrified options.
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.
