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2017 Honda Clarity Electric quietly hits the road

The second model in Honda's trio of Clarity eco-sedans debuts as the battery-powered 2017 Honda Clarity Electric.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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The second triplet in Honda's series of eco-cars hits the road as the 2017 Honda Clarity Electric.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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This fully electric car is powered by a 25.5 kWh battery pack that's good for about 89 miles of cruising range.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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Under the hood is a 120 kilowatt (about 161 horsepower) electric motor that drives the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear.

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Acceleration is pretty good -- on par with an Accord four-cylinder -- but it's whisper quiet and has zero tailpipe emissions.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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Charging the Clarity EV from a 240-volt source takes about 3 hours. A DC combo charger can rush an 80-percent charge in just 30 minutes.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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The Clarity Electric uses the same body as the Fuel Cell variant we tested earlier and the same host of aerodynamic tweaks.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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It's a fairly efficient ride, but range is king when it comes to electric cars. The Clarity's 89-mile range makes it tough to recommend against cars like the Hyundai Ioniq or Chevrolet's Bolt.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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The Clarity does have its charms: standard tech is very good, and the spacious, full-sized cabin outclasses most other EVs, which tend toward the compact end of the scale.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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Honda's electric Clarity hits the road this month with a lease-only pricing structure. Expect to pay $269 per month for 36 months. The federal tax credit is built into this lease price, which requires a down payment of $1,730.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
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