Why did Honda discontinue Clarity?

The Clarity lineup was discontinued mainly because demand was tepid and the costs of maintaining multiple propulsion systems outweighed the benefits, as Honda pivoted toward a broader battery-electric strategy.

The Clarity family spanned hydrogen fuel-cell, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric variants, but it struggled with restricted availability, limited refueling/charging infrastructure, and higher production costs. Facing soft sales, Honda redirected resources toward BEVs and other electrified models, including upcoming offerings built around a more streamlined platform approach.

Overview of the Clarity lineup

Understanding what Honda offered helps explain why the line was sunsetted. The Clarity family included multiple propulsion options, each with its own market realities.

• Clarity Fuel Cell (FCEV): Introduced to showcase hydrogen technology, but largely limited to California (and nearby areas) due to the sparse hydrogen fueling network and high operating costs.


• Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Aimed at customers seeking a longer-range option among plug-in hybrids, with limited dealer presence and gradual rollout in select markets.


• Clarity Electric (BEV): Honda’s battery-electric variant offered in limited markets, with range and charging considerations that made broad adoption challenging.

Taken together, the Clarity family represented Honda’s early push into alternative propulsion, but it faced structural hurdles that kept it from widespread success.

Reasons Honda discontinued the Clarity

Several factors converged to end the Clarity era. The following points summarize the core challenges the brand faced.

• Low consumer demand across the variants, particularly for the FCEV and BEV, made scale and profitability difficult.


• High per-vehicle costs to maintain and support three distinct propulsion systems within one model family.


• Limited hydrogen infrastructure in key markets, which constrained FCEV practicality and resale prospects.


• A strategic pivot toward a more streamlined electrification plan centered on battery-electric and hybrid models with broader market appeal.


• Recent collaborations and platform-focused BEV programs (such as the Prologue with GM) to accelerate the rollout of mainstream electric vehicles.

Ultimately, Honda concluded that sustaining the Clarity lineup was not the most efficient path to meet its long-term electrification goals or satisfy customers seeking more accessible BEV options.

What comes next in Honda's electrification strategy

With the Clarity line retired, Honda has shifted its emphasis to a broader battery-electric strategy, including new models and partnerships designed to deliver greater volume and practicality for everyday buyers.

Prologue and future BEV plans

The Prologue represents Honda’s first major mainstream BEV launched in collaboration with General Motors, built on GM’s Ultium platform. It signals a broader push toward scalable, high-volume BEVs across Honda’s global lineup, complemented by ongoing hybrids and plug-in options. This move aims to simplify engineering and supply chains while expanding the company’s electric offerings to match market demand and incentives.

Summary

Honda discontinued the Clarity due to a combination of weak sales, high costs of maintaining multiple propulsion systems, and infrastructure constraints around hydrogen technology. The company is redirecting its resources to battery-electric and hybrid vehicles as part of a broader plan to expand its electrified lineup with scalable platforms like the Prologue, signaling a clear shift away from hydrogen-focused models toward mass-market BEVs.

In the years ahead, Honda’s electrification strategy will likely emphasize broader BEV availability, improved range and charging efficiency, and a more cohesive product family designed to meet diverse customer needs while leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate rollout.

What is the problem with Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid 2019?

Common problems reported for the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid include issues with the air conditioning system (especially the evaporator after the condenser is replaced under warranty), a failing 12-volt battery, and occasional power loss caused by a variety of issues like a malfunctioning hybrid system, DC-DC converter, or fuel pump. Several recalls have also been issued for this model, particularly regarding the rear seat belt assemblies and fuel pump. 
Major problems 
This video discusses common problems and faults with the Honda Clarity, including issues with the 12-volt battery: 52sTechnical EvolutionYouTube · Sep 6, 2025

• Air Conditioning (AC): A frequent issue is AC failure, especially for the evaporator after the condenser has been replaced under an extended warranty. 
• 12-Volt Battery: The 12-volt battery can fail without warning, leading to a variety of warning lights and potential drivability issues. This is common in many hybrids and EVs. 
• Loss of Power: Some owners report sudden power loss while driving, which can be caused by problems with the hybrid system, a faulty DC-DC converter, a failing fuel pump, or issues with the electronic control module (ECM). 
• Hybrid System/Battery: Reports of the hybrid battery deteriorating, or "manufacturer control" codes, can indicate a serious problem requiring professional diagnosis and potential repair or replacement under the hybrid battery warranty. 
• Check Engine Light: The check engine light can illuminate for various reasons, from a simple sensor issue to more serious problems like a flashing light that indicates a severe engine misfire. 
• Rear Seat Belts: A recall was issued because the seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended. 

Minor problems

• Passenger Sun Visor: The spring on the passenger side visor can fail. 
• Wipers: Some drivers find the wiper blades loud and ineffective. 
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Some owners have reported issues with the LKAS and associated sensors. 

Important considerations

• Recall Repairs: Ensure all outstanding recalls have been addressed by a dealer. 
• Professional Diagnosis: When the check engine light comes on, or if you experience power loss, get a professional diagnosis, as it could indicate a serious problem requiring expensive repairs. 
• Battery Health: Pay attention to the health of both the high-voltage hybrid battery and the 12-volt battery, as issues with either can cause significant problems. 
• Winter Performance: The hybrid battery's electric range can drop significantly in cold weather. 
• Erratic Behavior: If the battery runs out of charge, especially on hills, the car may exhibit strange behavior, with the engine revving loudly as it struggles to accelerate. 

How much to replace a Honda Clarity hybrid battery?

A Honda Clarity hybrid battery replacement costs between $8,500 and $12,000 or more, while the battery for the full electric model may be around $10,000 to $12,000 or more. The cost depends on the specific model and the type of battery (e.g., all-electric vs. plug-in hybrid) and can vary significantly between the dealership and third-party repair shops.
 
Cost breakdown

• Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid: Around $8,500. 
• Honda Clarity Electric: Around $10,000. 
• Dealerships: May quote $12,000 or more, especially for the all-electric version. 
• Third-party specialists: Might offer a lower price, such as $8,500 for the plug-in hybrid model, according to Greentec Auto. 

Factors that influence the cost

• Model: The all-electric Clarity will cost more than the plug-in hybrid due to a larger battery pack. 
• Service provider: Dealerships may have higher prices for parts and labor than independent shops. 
• Battery type: The specific type of battery (e.g., lithium-ion) and whether it is new or remanufactured will affect the price. 
• Labor: The complex nature of a hybrid battery replacement requires specialized labor, which can be costly. 
• Additional parts: Depending on the issue, you may also need to purchase other parts like battery cable harness brackets or terminal covers, which can add to the total cost. 

Will Honda ever make a Plug-In Hybrid?

Yes, Honda is making plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV being a prominent example of their strategy. Honda has confirmed its intention to offer plug-in hybrid options, with plans for future models to include plug-in capability. 
This video provides a first look at the 2025 Honda CR-V PHEV and its features: 57sAUTO TVYouTube · Nov 30, 2024

• Honda CR-V e:FCEV: This model is a plug-in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that can be charged from a plug and also fueled with hydrogen. It can be driven in either electric-only mode or a blend of electric and hydrogen power. 
• CR-V e:PHEV: The upcoming CR-V will also be available as a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) in some markets, with a battery that provides a zero-emission range of over 50 miles. 
• Future strategy: Honda has stated its goal to have battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040, which includes plug-in hybrid options. 
• Previous models: Honda previously offered the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, demonstrating its past experience with this technology. 

What is the disadvantage of a Honda hybrid?

Disadvantages of a Honda hybrid include higher upfront costs, potentially higher maintenance costs for specific components like the hybrid battery, and sometimes lower fuel economy on the highway compared to competitors. Some owners also report specific model disadvantages, such as a lack of a spare tire, which can impact cargo space. 
Cost and maintenance

• Higher initial cost: Hybrid models can be more expensive to purchase than their gasoline-only counterparts. 
• Potential for high battery replacement costs: While hybrid batteries can last for many years and often come with a warranty, replacement is expensive and can cost $2,000 or more. 
• Specialized maintenance: The complex hybrid system can require specialized maintenance, although Honda's network of trained technicians is growing. 

Performance and fuel economy

• Lower highway MPG: Some models may get lower overall fuel economy than anticipated, especially at high speeds, potentially performing worse than some competitors. 
• Less towing capacity: The hybrid versions of some models, like the CR-V, have a lower towing capacity than the gas-only versions. 

Space and features

• No spare tire: In some models, the hybrid battery is placed under the cargo area, which means there is no space for a spare tire. 
• Lack of certain features: Some competitors may offer more features that Honda hybrids lack, such as a head-up display, cooled front seats, or a panoramic roof.