2017 Honda Clarity Electric Press Kit - Overview

The Clarity Fuel Cell, new Clarity Electric and upcoming Clarity Plug-in Hybrid combine to make Clarity the first-ever vehicle series to offer customers an array of electrified vehicle choices in a sophisticated, spacious and comprehensively equipped 5-passenger sedan. The Clarity Fuel Cell launched in December 2016, followed by the Clarity Electric on August 1, 2017. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is slated to arrive later in 2017.

The 2017 Honda Clarity Electric sedan is geared toward consumers who desire a spacious, comfortable and affordable sedan that suits their daily driving needs. It is offered in the premium Touring trim for lease at select dealerships in California and Oregon, with lease terms including an attractive allowance of 20,000 miles per year and 24/7 roadside assistance. The Clarity Electric is the only affordable 5-passenger pure EV sedan with all the technology and safety and premium features that consumers expect today, including Honda Sensing® as standard equipment.

Power comes from a 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt) electric motor producing 221 lb.-ft. of torque and drawing power from a 25.5-kWh battery pack. The Clarity Electric can be fully charged in just over three hours at 240 volts, and when using DC fast charging with the SAE Combined Charging System, it can achieve an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. The Clarity Electric has an EPA range rating of 89 miles on a full charge1, and an EPA fuel economy rating of 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined)1.

Unique exterior design elements set the Clarity Electric apart from other Clarity models, including a model-exclusive Cobalt Blue Pearl exterior color, along with differentiated front styling, headlights, tail lamps, and distinct 18-inch alloy wheel design. Like other Clarity models, the Clarity Electric has a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five adults and features premium, environmentally responsible materials, Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, plus the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

Key Features:

• High output electric motor with 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt) and 221 lb.-ft. of torque
• Advanced lithium-ion batteries with 25.5-kWh capacity
• Full charge in just over three hours at 240 volts
• 80 percent charge in 30 minutes with SAE Combined Charging System
• 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) fuel economy ratings¹
• EPA range rating of 89 miles on a full charge¹
• Roomy 5-passenger interior
• Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility
• Highly efficient aerodynamics
• Standard Honda Sensing®

^{1 Based on 2017 model-year EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, lithium-ion battery pack age/condition and other factors.}

2017 Honda Clarity Electric Press Kit - Powertrain

Building on nearly three decades of Honda electric vehicle engineering, the 2017 Clarity Electric is designed to meet the needs of a typical urban commuter with a combination of responsive power and exceptional efficiency. Smooth, quiet and refined, the Clarity Electric is powered by a 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt) electric motor producing 221 lb.-ft. of torque drawing energy from a 25.5-kWh battery pack. The vehicle can be fully charged in just over three hours at 240 volts, and when using DC fast charging with the SAE Combined Charging System, it can reach an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.

Since the electric motor develops maximum torque from zero rpm, no clutch, torque converter or transmission is required to transfer power to the front wheels, reducing complexity, weight and power losses. As a result, the Clarity Electric earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) , with an EPA driving range rating of 89 miles on a full charge.¹

Coaxial Electric Motor/Gearbox

• High output electric motor
• 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt)
• 221 lb.-ft. of torque
• 0-12,600 rpm motor operating range
• Powertrain Control Unit (PCU) integrated into the motor assembly
• Quiet 4-segment rotor design
• Direct single-ratio front-wheel drive
• Three Drive Modes: Normal, Econ and Sport

Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries

• Batteries positioned beneath passenger compartment and cargo area
• Energy capacity: 25.5-kWh
• Superior performance envelope including long life expectancy, packaging for superior safety performance, and high energy recovery capability

Charging

• Full charge in just over three hours at 240 volts
• 80 percent charge in 30 minutes with SAE Combined Charging System

Emissions/Fuel Economy/Range Ratings

• 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) fuel economy ratings¹
• EPA range rating of 89 miles on a full charge¹
• Zero-emissions vehicle 

Powertrain Layout
The Clarity Electric's key powertrain components are arranged for maximum packaging efficiency, allowing the Clarity Electric to offer a roomy and accommodating 5-passenger interior. The lithium-Ion batteries are divided into two separate packs, one positioned beneath the passenger compartment and a second smaller pack located under the forward section of the cargo area. This positioning keeps the center of gravity low for optimum handling. The Power Control Unit (PCU) is exceptionally compact, and mounts directly on top of the motor case.

Electric Drive Motor
A Honda-designed AC synchronous electric motor is similar to the unit that drives the Clarity Fuel Cell. The drive motor configuration was developed to deliver powerful acceleration and high rpm capability, along with very quiet operation. The motor has a maximum output of 161-horsepower (120-kilowatts) and 221 lb.-ft. of torque.

Coaxial Gearbox
As in the Clarity Fuel Cell, the Clarity Electric motor rotor shaft features a hollow construction, with the driveshaft passing through the center in a coaxial configuration. This arrangement allows the motor and final reduction gears to be combined into a single compact unit, while providing efficient transmission of the motor's high-output, high-rpm power to the driveshaft.

Power Control Unit
The Power Control Unit (PCU) is located in the front of the vehicle, just above the electric motor. The Honda-designed PCU controls the total operation of the Clarity Electric's powertrain, including regenerative braking and recharging functions.

Lithium-ion Battery
A 25.5-kWh lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery array in the Clarity Electric offers a long life expectancy, high energy recovery capability and is engineered for superior safety performance. The batteries are in two modules, a large module under the passenger compartment floor and a smaller module under the floor of the cargo compartment.

Powertrain Drive Modes
The Clarity Electric allows the driver to select between Sport, Normal and Econ driving modes to instantly change the driving experience. In Sport mode, more responsive acceleration feel adds to the Clarity Electric's fun-to-drive nature. While in Econ mode the practical driving range can increase compared to driving in Normal mode.

Regenerative Brake System
Kinetic energy is turned into electrical energy via a regenerative braking system, and this captured energy is then stored in the rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. The electric motor acts as a generator that can recharge the batteries during braking, gentle deceleration or coasting. The Clarity Electric's regenerative braking system intelligently apportions braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor to extract electricity from the vehicle's kinetic energy.

Paddle-Controlled Regenerative Braking
Drivers can select the level of regenerative braking level to suit conditions or personal preference. With the powertrain drive mode set to either Normal or Econ, a pull of the steering wheel-mounted deceleration selector (paddle) steps through four possible levels of regenerative braking. After a short time, the powertrain will automatically revert to the standard amount of regenerative braking. This can be beneficial during downhill driving by reducing stress on the brake system while simultaneously increasing battery charging via regeneration.

When the drive mode is set to Sport, the paddles operate the same way, but the system will maintain the selected level of regeneration until the drive mode is changed or the START/STOP switch is cycled.

^{1 Based on 2017 model-year EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, lithium-ion battery pack age/condition and other factors.}

2017 Honda Clarity Electric Press Kit - Interior

The Clarity Electric is geared toward drivers looking for a spacious and comfortable sedan that suits their daily driving needs. Bright, modern and sophisticated, the 5-passenger interior offers a premium feel coupled with exceptional comfort and refinement. It features an open, advanced feel with a sleek instrument panel, gray leather power seating, suede-like accents, layered black tones and eye-catching accent stitching. The interior is also outfitted with premium environmentally responsible materials and features advanced technologies, including Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility.

Comfort/Convenience
A range of convenience features helps streamline the daily commute, including a roomy center console with a large storage compartment located under a padded center armrest. Also on the center console is a large double cupholder and an open lower storage area large enough to accommodate a smartphone or tablet. The rear seating area features convenient fold-down center armrest, likewise with two cupholders. Storage bins with bottle holders in all four doors provide added utility.

Instrumentation
A graphical LCD meter panel offers a clean presentation of useful information for the driver. The display clearly shows power consumption, regenerative braking and battery charge level. It also shows the predicted driving range with the climate control system on and off, allowing the driver to select which they prefer.

Navigation/Connectivity
The 8-inch high-definition, wide-angle electrostatic touch-panel central display is easy to see and use. The system includes standard Honda Satellite-Linked navigation and supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ allowing for compatible smartphones to be connected via a USB cable.

Environmentally Responsible Materials
Like other Clarity models, the Clarity Electric interior was developed to reduce carbon emissions by adopting plant-derived green materials and recycled materials. All plant-based materials are made of oils extracted from non-edible parts of plants, so as not to affect the food supply. For example, Prime Smooth® linings on the sides of the seat covers are made with bio-fibers.

2017 Honda Clarity Electric Press Kit - Body and Exterior

Futuristic and functional, the Clarity Electric breaks new ground for Honda in its exterior design and features. Dimensionally similar to the 2017 Accord sedan, its features include advanced aerodynamic treatments, full LED lighting, next-generation, high-efficiency windshield wipers, and exclusive Cobalt Blue Pearl paint.

Advanced Exterior Design
Futuristic and expressive, aerodynamic and advanced, and amply sized to accommodate five passengers and their luggage in great comfort, the new Clarity Electric exterior design aims to establish a new dimension for electric vehicles. In doing so, it brings to market Honda's unique blend of utility, refinement, and value.

The presentation begins with distinctive front-end styling, encompassing LED DRLs and ultra-thin LED headlamps, a blend of decisive angular shapes and flowing curves, and high-tech aerodynamic features, all wrapped around an unmistakable Honda grille. The body sides visually sculpt the airflow, enabling the Clarity Electric to slip through the wind with minimal noise and disturbance. Unique front air curtains, rear tire covers and rear air curtains – along with chrome garnishes, clear taillight lenses and a unique exterior color palette – are further signature elements of Honda's environmental flagship.

Dimensions
Measuring 192.7 inches long, 73.9 inches wide and 58.2 inches high, and riding on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the Clarity Electric is within an inch of the 2017 Honda Accord sedan in all key dimensions. This generous sizing gives the Clarity Electric a significant advantage in its segment compared to other electric vehicles.

Aerodynamics
A comprehensive aerodynamics package helps the Clarity Electric fulfill its mission as a tech-savvy, energy-efficient and image-leading vehicle. With its sleek profile design, the Clarity Electric adopts a drag basic form, together with numerous wind-tunnel tested details that further boost energy efficiency while simultaneously lowering wind noise.

Minimizing the size of the inlet openings on the front fascia reduces airflow under the hood, while special radiator ducting and a full underfloor cover further reduce aero disturbances. Special "air curtains" built into the front fenders and rear doors let air pass through rather than tumble across the wheel openings, and special tire covers integrated into the rear fenders help move airflow smoothly rearward. At the rear of the cabin, the C-pillars mimic the front A-pillars in shape and size, reducing energy-wasting vortexes coming off the rear of the body. Even the taillight lenses are optimized with a "washboard" surface that lets air flow smoothly across them.

LED Lighting
The Clarity Electric uses a unique combination of exterior LED lighting that distinguishes it from the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell. Unique to the Clarity Electric are large LED DRLs, ultrathin high-low beams with nine LEDs per side, LED side marker lights, LED front turn signals and LED edge lights. LED taillights, turn signals and wing-shaped brake combination lights with unique clear lenses provide high illumination and distinguish the Clarity Electric at a glance.

Windshield Wipers
New windshield wiper technology on the Clarity delivers an 80-percent improvement in washing efficiency, as well as a 50-percent reduction in washing solution usage for each operation. To improve the washing efficiency for a clearer view, nozzle jets attached to the wiper arms spray the windshield at the leading edge of the blade only, ensuring that each wiper motion cleans the glass with maximum efficiency. For even greater efficiency, the jets adjust the amount of cleaning solution corresponding to the outside air temperature and vehicle speed.

Exterior Colors
The Clarity Electric is available in three distinctive exterior colors that match the vehicle's emissions-free operation and high-tech personality. Cobalt Blue Pearl is exclusive to the Clarity Electric and highlights the car's surfaces distinctively in sunlight or shadow.  Also available are elegant White Orchid Pearl with a brilliant clear coat, and stylish Modern Steel Metallic.

2017 Honda Clarity Electric Press Kit - Chassis

The Clarity Electric expertly combines Honda's "fun-to-drive" DNA with a smooth, quiet and highly refined driving experience, augmented by special features such as a low center of gravity and liquid-filled suspension bushings.

Low Center of Gravity
With its batteries located under the passenger compartment and cargo floor, the Clarity Electric features a lower center of gravity than a typical internal-combustion engine sedan, resulting in a reduction in pitching motion while accelerating or braking, and a reduction in body roll when cornering.

Suspension
The Clarity Electric's high-rigidity body structure provides a robust foundation for the suspension, which comprises large front and rear subframes, MacPherson front strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension. Special Frequency Response Dampers automatically tailor the damping force required to achieve a smooth and nimble handling.

Low NVH
Complementing the Clarity Electric's smooth and quiet powertrain, the chassis is designed to provide a quiet and refined driving experience. The suspension and bushings deliver low harshness and a high level of smoothness compared to competitors in the Clarity Electric's class, with the front suspension lower arms particularly engineered for high longitudinal and lateral rigidity, while liquid-filled bushings provide a high degree of longitudinal compliance and help block high-frequency noise, vibration and harshness.

Electric Power Steering
Dual-pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides quick, agile and smooth cornering response. Excellent steering linearity makes it easy for drivers to trace precise lines through corners, and the Clarity Electric's low center of gravity and suspension geometry help keep body roll to a minimum.

Wheels and Tires
In a first for Honda, the Clarity Electric's 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels feature special outer aerodynamic covers that reduce drag and improve brake cooling. The lightweight wheels are painted black and the aero covers are painted silver for a distinctive and technologically advanced appearance. Specially designed 235/45R18 tires provide an ideal combination of traction, low rolling resistance and quiet and smooth driving characteristics.

2017 Honda Clarity Electric Press Kit - Safety and Driver Assistance

The new Clarity Electric shares its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and its suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies with the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell.

Advanced Structural Safety
A special steel unibody structure with a 2-system load path structure allows the Clarity Electric to efficiently absorb front, side and rear crash energy, distributing crash loads through the structure while helping to retain the integrity of the passenger cabin. The batteries are positioned in protective spaces under the passenger and cargo floors to enhance collision safety performance.

Additional design highlights include:

• Articulated Front Subframe – The rear portion of the front subframe is designed to articulate down and rearward in a frontal collision to help isolate the electric motor and steering assemblies from the passenger cabin.
• Side Impact Protection – The Clarity Electric's complete B-pillar, floor cross-member, and roof cross-member form a robust structure that efficiently distributes and absorbs collision energy.
• Energy-Absorbing Rear Subframe – The rear subframe compresses in a rear collision, assisting the Clarity Electric body structure in efficiently distributing collision energy.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure 
The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions by distributing crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.

Driver-Side Knee Airbag
The Clarity Electric's driver-side knee airbag helps control the forward motion of the driver in the event of a frontal collision, helping better position the driver for the frontal airbag and seatbelt. The knee airbag is positioned beneath a panel on the underside of the instrument panel.

Honda Sensing® 
The Clarity Electric features the following suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver assistive features:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – A millimeter wave radar unit and monocular camera scan traffic conditions ahead, and the system alerts the driver to take corrective actions to avoid a detected vehicle. CMBS can also apply automatic emergency braking action.
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) – Uses a monocular camera to identify lane lines and reflective markers, and then uses the Electric Power Steering (EPS) or Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) to help the Clarity Electric stay in its lane, or applies the brakes to help keep the vehicle from departing the roadway
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow – Allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) – Uses a camera to read lane markings and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to assist the driver in maintaining position within the lane. This provides a less stressful driving experience by reducing steering correction movements.

In addition, standard Honda LaneWatch™ utilizes a camera located below the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the roadway on the touchscreen when the right turn signal is activated or a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed. And a multi-angle rearview camera, viewable on the touchscreen, can show a top view, normal or wide view when the transmission is in Reverse. To help the driver better judge distances, dynamic guidelines project the vehicle's future path based on the driver's steering inputs.