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What kind of charger does a Honda Clarity take?

The charging options depend on the Clarity variant. The Plug-In Hybrid uses the standard SAE J1772 AC charging connector, the Electric version uses the same connector but with a higher potential charging rate, and the Fuel Cell model doesn’t plug in at all for charging.

Honda Clarity variants and charging options

Across the Clarity lineup, Honda designs charging around three powertrains with distinct approaches. Here’s how each version interacts with electricity and fueling.

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) charging basics

Charging a Clarity PHEV relies on ordinary AC electricity delivered through an SAE J1772 inlet. The vehicle’s onboard charger handles moderate power, so charging times vary with the available power source and battery state of charge.

Inlet type: SAE J1772 Type 1 AC connector

Charging levels: Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) AC charging

Onboard charger power: typically around 3.3 kW (some model years list up to 3.6 kW)

Charge times: Level 2 charging is significantly faster than Level 1; actual times depend on power supply and battery state

Accessories: a basic 120V charging cable is commonly provided; a Level 2 charging option can be added via an aftermarket or dealer-installed solution

In practice, PHEV owners often rely on Level 2 home charging for daily use, with Level 1 charging serving as a backup when Level 2 isn’t available.

Clarity Electric (EV) charging specifics

The Clarity Electric uses the same SAE J1772 AC inlet but is capable of higher charging power on Level 2 circuits. It does not support DC fast charging, so charging remains an AC process.

Inlet type: SAE J1772 Type 1 AC connector

Level 2 power: up to about 6.6 kW (240V, depending on market and installation)

DC fast charging: not supported on this model

Charge times: Level 2 charging typically completes from empty in roughly 3–4 hours, depending on the exact charger and battery state

Charging equipment: a Level 2 home charger is commonly used; public Level 2 charging is widely available in many urban areas

For daily use, the EV variant emphasizes Level 2 charging for practical replenishment, with public networks complementing home charging.

Clarity Fuel Cell (FCEV) charging approach

The Clarity Fuel Cell does not plug in for charging. Instead, it refuels with hydrogen at dedicated stations, and the electricity used to power the vehicle is generated by the fuel cell reacting hydrogen with oxygen.

Fuel type: compressed hydrogen (H2)

Refueling time: typically 3–5 minutes at a hydrogen station

Charging plug: not applicable; no electrical charging inlet

Charging infrastructure: hydrogen refueling networks are region-specific and less widespread than electric charging networks

In this configuration, “charging” is replaced by hydrogen replenishment, making access to hydrogen stations the key requirement for sustained operation.

Practical guidance: choosing a charger and where to charge

For PHEV and EV owners, investing in a Level 2 charging setup is the practical route for faster charging at home or at work. Always verify your specific Clarity model year and market, as onboard charging capacity can vary by year and region. Public charging networks with SAE J1772 connectors are widely available and compatible with both PHEV and EV variants.

Summary

The Honda Clarity’s charging story depends on the model. Plug-In Hybrid and Electric variants both rely on the SAE J1772 AC connector, with Level 2 charging offering roughly faster replenishment (about 3–5 hours for the EV and longer for the PHEV, depending on battery size and charger). The PHEV and EV do not use DC fast charging in their standard configurations. The Fuel Cell variant, by contrast, does not plug in at all and instead uses hydrogen fueling stations to replenish energy. Always consult the owner’s manual for model-year specifics and local charging options.

Are J1772 and CCS the same?

No, J1772 is not the same as CCS; CCS is an extension of the J1772 standard that adds two DC pins for fast charging. J1772 is a five-pin connector used for AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging, while CCS (Combined Charging System) is a seven-pin connector that includes the J1772 pins for AC charging plus two additional pins for high-power DC fast charging. Therefore, a CCS connector can plug into a J1772 station for AC charging, but a J1772 connector cannot perform DC fast charging.

J1772

Standard: SAE J1772
Purpose: AC charging (Level 1 and Level 2)
Connector: Five pins (two for power, two for communication, one for ground)
Charging speed: Up to 19.2 kW

CCS (Combined Charging System)

Standard: SAE J1772 with additional DC pins
Purpose: Both AC (using the J1772 pins) and DC fast charging
Connector: Seven pins (the five J1772 pins plus two larger DC pins)
Charging speed: Up to 350 kW for DC fast charging

Key differences and compatibility

Physical design: CCS ports are physically larger than J1772 ports because they have the extra DC pins at the bottom.
Backward compatibility: A vehicle with a CCS port can use a standard J1772 charger for AC charging because the J1772 portion of the connector is compatible.
AC vs. DC: A vehicle with only a J1772 port cannot use a CCS-only fast charger. However, a vehicle with a CCS port can connect to a J1772 station to receive slower AC charging.
Charging speed: The main advantage of CCS is its ability to deliver significantly faster charging speeds through DC power, which is not possible with J1772 alone.

Can Honda Clarity use a Tesla charger?

Yes, the Honda Clarity can use Tesla chargers, but it requires an adapter, and the method depends on the specific model. The Honda Clarity EV can use a Tesla Supercharger via an official Honda-approved NACS-CCS adapter, available starting in June 2025. For Tesla Destination Chargers and slower AC charging at a Tesla-style charger, you would need a third-party adapter, like a NEMA 14-50 adapter, to connect the Tesla's charger to the Clarity's J1772 port.
For DC fast charging
You can watch this video to learn how to use a NACS-CCS adapter: 54sTechnical EvolutionYouTube · Aug 20, 2025

For models starting in 2025: Honda vehicles will adopt the NACS standard and gain access to Tesla Superchargers using the new Honda-approved NACS-CCS adapter, reports North Shore Honda and Honda Newsroom.
For models before 2025: You will need the Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter, which can be purchased at Honda dealerships or the Honda DreamShop website for approximately $225.
For Tesla Superchargers with a Magic Dock: Some Tesla Superchargers are starting to have a built-in "Magic Dock" which includes both a Tesla connector and a CCS connector, allowing a non-Tesla vehicle to charge directly from the station.

For AC charging (e.g., a Tesla Destination Charger)

For Tesla Destination Chargers (Tesla's AC charging stations): You will need a third-party adapter, such as a third-party NEMA 14-50 adapter, to convert the Tesla's plug to a J1772 plug.
For other adapters: There are also third-party adapters available for Tesla AC chargers that can be used with a J1772 port.

What type of charger does a Honda Clarity use?

The Honda Clarity uses a Type 1 (SAE J1772) connector for AC charging. It can be charged using Level 1 (120V) or Level 2 (240V) charging, which will use the J1772 plug to connect to a standard outlet or a 240V charging station, respectively.

Charging types for the Honda Clarity

Level 1 (120V): This uses a standard household outlet with the portable charging cord included with the vehicle. It takes approximately 12 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 (240V): This uses a dedicated 240V power source, either at home or at a public charging station. The charging time is significantly faster, at around 2.5 hours for a full charge.
DC Fast Charging: The Clarity does not support DC fast charging (Level 3) through the J1772 port. You can identify the DC fast charger port by the horizontal portion of the connector.

Important notes

Always ensure you are using the correct charger for the power source.
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has a separate port for DC fast charging, but the Clarity Electric does not have a DC fast charging port.
The Type 1 connector is standard for all EVs in North America except Tesla.

Is it type C or C type charger?

USB‑C, or USB Type‑C, is a 24-pin reversible connector (not a protocol) that supersedes all previous USB connectors, which were designated legacy in 2014. This connector also supersedes Mini DisplayPort and Lightning connectors.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.