What gas does Honda Clarity take?
The Honda Clarity lineup uses three different fuels depending on the variant: the Plug-In Hybrid uses gasoline (along with electricity), the Fuel Cell model uses hydrogen, and the Electric version runs on electricity only. Availability varies by market and, in many regions, the lineup is no longer widely sold.
Variants and their fueling options
To make the differences clear, here are the three Clarity models and the fuels they rely on.
- Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): Uses regular unleaded gasoline as its primary liquid fuel, with an onboard battery that can be charged from the grid for electric driving.
- Clarity Electric (BEV): Fully electric; does not use gasoline. It relies on charging from an external power source to drive on electric energy.
- Clarity Fuel Cell (FCEV): Uses hydrogen in a fuel-cell stack to generate electricity; no gasoline is required.
Across these variants, the Clarity family covers three distinct approaches to propulsion: a gasoline-hybrid blend, a full electric option, and a hydrogen-fueled option. Market availability and fueling infrastructure can affect how and where each version can be operated.
Details by variant
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
The Plug-In Hybrid combines a gasoline engine with an electric drivetrain. It operates on regular gasoline and can be recharged via plug-in charging to extend electric driving, offering flexibility where charging infrastructure exists but hydrogen fueling is not readily available.
Clarity Electric
The Electric version runs entirely on electricity. It does not use gasoline and must be charged from an external electrical source. Its practicality depends on access to reliable charging options and its driving range per charge.
Clarity Fuel Cell
The Fuel Cell variant uses hydrogen to power a fuel-cell stack that generates electricity onboard. It eliminates gasoline use but requires access to hydrogen fueling stations, which are concentrated in a limited number of regions.
Availability and notes
In recent years, Honda has scaled back Clarity availability in many markets. In the United States, the lineup has been largely phased out, with only limited hydrogen fuel-cell leases remaining in select areas. For current options, check with a local Honda dealership to confirm which Clarity variants (if any) are available and where fueling infrastructure exists in your region.
Summary
The Clarity family accommodates three fueling paths: Plug-In Hybrid uses gasoline (plus electricity), Electric uses no gasoline, and Fuel Cell uses hydrogen. Given changing market focus and infrastructure, availability varies by region, so verify which variant is offered near you and what fueling options exist.
