What Hondas are plug-in hybrid?
Honda currently does not offer plug‑in hybrid models in the U.S. market. The only Honda plug‑in hybrid sold in recent years was the Clarity Plug‑In Hybrid, which was produced from 2018 to 2021 and has since been discontinued.
As part of a broader shift toward electrification, Honda has emphasized hybrids that cannot be plugged in (HEVs) and battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) rather than plug‑in hybrids. This article explains the history of Honda's plug‑in hybrids and what the brand offers today in terms of electrified propulsion.
Historical plug‑in hybrids
Honda's plug‑in hybrid program has been brief and centered on a single model family in the U.S.
Clarity Plug‑In Hybrid (2018–2021)
The Clarity Plug‑In Hybrid combined electric propulsion with a gasoline engine and could be charged via an external outlet. It was part of the Clarity family, which also included a fuel‑cell variant and a BEV in some markets. Honda discontinued the Clarity lineup after the 2021 model year as it redirected resources toward hybrids and BEVs rather than plug‑in hybrids.
- Clarity Plug‑In Hybrid (2018–2021): Honda's sole plug‑in hybrid in the U.S., produced for a limited time and later discontinued.
The Clarity PHEV is no longer offered, and, as of 2025, Honda does not have a plug‑in hybrid in its U.S. portfolio.
Current electrification status
Today, Honda's electrified strategy in the United States focuses on non‑plug‑in hybrids (HEVs) such as the Civic Hybrid and CR‑V Hybrid, as well as growing BEV options planned for the coming years. Plug‑in hybrids are not part of the current U.S. market lineup. Globally, Honda continues to pursue a mix of HEVs and BEVs, with a clear emphasis on battery‑electric propulsion for future models, including the Prologue BEV slated for rollout in the coming years.
The Prologue BEV represents Honda's pivot toward BEVs as a core component of its early‑2020s electrification strategy, signaling a shift away from plug‑in hybrids toward full electric offerings in many markets.
What to watch next
Expect Honda’s near‑term electrified lineup to feature more hybrids (HEVs) and BEVs rather than new plug‑in hybrids. The Prologue BEV is a key milestone in Honda’s strategy, followed by additional BEV and HEV introductions as the company expands its global electrified portfolio.
Summary
In summary, Honda does not currently offer plug‑in hybrids. The only recent PHEV—the Clarity Plug‑In Hybrid—has been discontinued. Going forward, Honda is prioritizing hybrids and BEVs, with BEV models like the Prologue shaping its electrified lineup in the coming years.
Does Honda have any plug-in hybrid vehicles?
Yes, Honda has plug-in hybrid vehicles, with its most recent model being the 2025 CR-V Plug-in Hybrid. Previously, Honda also offered the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid sedan. These vehicles combine a gasoline engine and an electric motor, allowing for a certain amount of all-electric driving before the gas engine takes over for longer distances.
- 2025 Honda CR-V Plug-in Hybrid: This is Honda's latest plug-in hybrid offering in the US, featuring a 17.7 kWh battery that provides around 37.6 miles of pure electric driving. It can be charged externally, with a full charge taking about 2.5 hours using a 7 kW charger.
- Previous models: The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid was another plug-in hybrid offered by Honda. It had an all-electric range of up to 47 miles and a combined gas-electric range of about 340 miles.
- How it works: Plug-in hybrids can be driven on electric power alone for shorter trips, and the gasoline engine acts as a backup for longer journeys when the battery is depleted. This means you can charge the vehicle at home or at charging stations for electric-only driving and still have the flexibility of gasoline power for extended travel.
What is the downside of a plug-in hybrid?
Disadvantages of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars include their higher upfront cost, the potential for lower fuel economy on long trips once the battery is depleted, and the need for charging. They also have higher maintenance and potential battery replacement costs due to their complex dual-engine system.
Cost and efficiency
- Higher upfront price: PHEVs are more expensive to purchase than conventional or standard hybrid cars due to the added complexity of the electric motor, battery, and charging components.
- Poor fuel economy when not charged: The large battery adds significant weight. If the battery runs out of charge on a long journey, the car can become less fuel-efficient than a non-hybrid car because it is constantly carrying the extra weight.
- Limited electric range: The all-electric range is limited (typically 15-40 miles), which may not be sufficient for drivers with long commutes who want to rely solely on electric power.
Maintenance and charging
- More expensive maintenance: Having both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor means more complex maintenance and potentially higher costs for servicing both systems.
- Costly battery replacement: While batteries are covered by warranties, a replacement outside the warranty period can be very expensive.
- Charging requirements: To get the most benefit, drivers must regularly charge the battery, which requires access to a charging station at home or a public one.
Other disadvantages
- More complex technology: The combined systems make the technology more complex, which can lead to higher repair costs.
- Reduced power/performance: Some PHEVs are built to prioritize efficiency, which can result in less power compared to conventional cars.
- Heavy: The large battery adds weight, which can negatively affect handling and performance.
Is the 2025 Honda CRV Hybrid a plug-in?
With the flexibility of Level 1 or Level 2 charging, conveniently plug into a charging station or recharge at home. Use a Level 2 charger for approximately 29 miles of battery-powered range* in just 2.5 hours.
Which Honda CRV is a plug-in hybrid?
The sixth-generation CR-V went on sale in September 2022 for the 2023 model year in the U.S. The U.S. model initially offered in EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring trim levels, which the hybrid powertrain is standard on the Sport and Sport Touring trims.
