Recently, Honda introduced the 2017 Accord Hybrid with an updated hybrid system. Dubbed, “Clarity,” the Japanese automaker hopes to double the sales of its previous-generation green car by selling at least 28,000 units.
The 2017 Honda Clarity will feature three versions of the Clarity. One features a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain which will rely on hydrogen fueling stations. Honda also has plans to introduce a battery-electric car, called the Clarity Electric, as well as a plug-in hybrid car, called the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
Green Car Reports reveals that sales of the cars will most likely begin late in 2017. During an event in Ohio, John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor’s automobile division, stated that the Honda Clarity is a well-equipped, premium, midsize vehicle with a range of ultra-low-carbon powertrain options that will suit the lifestyle needs of customers. All cars in the Clarity line will include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced active-safety features and capabilities and an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The company expects the plug-in hybrid Clarity to be the bestseller among the three. The car provides an all-electric driving range of over 40 miles, which is deemed by Honda as a hyper-efficient gasoline-hybrid extended range mode. The sedan has a shared platform that conveniently lets Honda spread the costs of a dedicated vehicle with a fuel-cell powertrain over a wider base of vehicles.
The midsize hybrid has a combined horsepower of 212 and fuel economy ratings of 49 mpg in the city, 47 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg combined. The powertrain of the 2017 model will also feature three modes, namely EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.
Insider Car News writes that the platform further allows replacements for the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid and Honda Fit EV, which are no longer being produced. Honda previously launched the Honda Accord Hybrid in 2015 then took a break for one year before introducing the new Clarity models. The Accord Hybrid and Fit EV only sold 1,000 units, respectively, but the carmaker is aiming to have the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid compete with the new second-generation Chevrolet Volt, which has an all-electric driving range of 53 miles.
The clarity has a passenger seating capacity of five and a bigger body than the Chevrolet Volt. The former will offer more passenger and cargo volume capacity since the hatchback Volt can normally seat four passengers only.
The price of the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid has yet to be announced.
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