Honda Electric Cars: Everything You Need to Know

Car buyers and critics have often known Honda to be a reliable automaker that has built efficient and safe vehicles like the Accord and Civic. Honda consistently works to meet the needs of all drivers, from families purchasing the Odyssey minivan to people purchasing the HR-V Crossover for its affordability and storage space. To continue pleasing its customers, Honda has released several electric car models for eco-friendly car buyers as well. Consider a Honda electric car for a high-performing, energy-efficient vehicle.

Honda’s Electric Car Models and Their Prices

Honda is staying true to its commitment to efficiency by providing a lineup of electric cars. The 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid has a starting price of $34,355, while the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric begins at $37,550, according to Kelley Blue Book. The combined fuel economy of the Clarity Electric is an impressive 114 MPGe. The final electric car model Honda offers is the 2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell with a starting price of $59,445 and a combined fuel economy of 68 MPGe. According to Best EV Lease Deals, Honda has several different models with exceptional EV lease deals as well.

Benefits of the Clarity Hybrid Cars

Owning and driving a Honda Clarity Hybrid provides several advantages. Here are some benefits to purchasing the Clarity Hybrid cars, as stated on Honda’s website:

  • Qualifying for a tax credit of up to $7,500 offered by federal tax credit programs
  • Qualifying for the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project that offers rebates of approximately $1,000 for Plug-In Hybrids and up to $4,500 for Fuel Cell Hybrid vehicles if you’re a resident of California
  • Receiving incentives and benefits depending on the state you reside in, such as rebates on various charging equipment, free parking, and a decrease in electric rates
  • Applying with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to receive a High Occupancy Vehicle sticker that grants you the authorization to drive in HOV lanes, even if no one else is in the vehicle with you
  • Saving time and money on car maintenance and stopping to refuel
  • Receiving a fuel card for your Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle that gives you up to $15,000 to put toward filling your car up with hydrogen fuel, if you qualify for a three-year lease
  • Using Honda’s 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance to assist you with a flat tire, being locked out of your car, towing your car, or filling your car at the nearest station for free if you run out of power

What is a Plug-In Hybrid?

Plug-In Hybrids are cars with an electric motor that get their power from high-powered batteries. They also need other fuel sources, like diesel or gas, to help their internal combustion engine run. To reduce the amount of gasoline needed to power it, the plug-in hybrid stores a significant amount of electricity in its battery.

The car doesn’t release any emissions if it’s running in EV mode. When the battery gets low and needs more power, the car will automatically switch to the gas-powered engine. You can charge the battery on a plug-in hybrid by bringing it to a charging station or plugging it into an electrical outlet. You can also use regenerative braking to quickly charge the car.

What is a Fuel-Cell Vehicle?

A fuel-cell vehicle is a car that instantly builds electricity while driving by utilizing a fuel-cell stack. These cars are all-electric and can last for long ranges. Since this car runs on hydrogen, it receives fuels from hydrogen stations, rather than using plugs to charge it, like other hybrids. It only takes approximately three to five minutes to fill up the car. When driving the 2020 Honda Clarity, you’ll notice how eco-friendly it is as it doesn’t release any gas emissions.

When Will Honda Release Its 2020 E-City Car?

According to Engadget, Honda presented the features and specs of its new electric car in September 2019. Sales for this car start in the summer of 2020 in Europe, and it will compete with other compact electric vehicles such as the Mini Cooper SE and Fiat 500E. One of Honda’s main goals is to make its entire European lineup consist of all electric-run cars by the year 2022. Throughout the next three years, Honda will release six electric Hondas in Europe. This includes the E-City car, the Hybrid Jazz, a battery-powered car, and an electric SUV.

American media and car critics gave the E-City positive reviews as it’s both stylish and contains impressive safety features. Despite these reviews, the 2020 E-City will only be available in Europe and not America. Honda has stated that while they originally had intentions to bring it to America, they’re nervous they may have a low supply and demand of these cars in the states.

Features and Specifications of the Honda E-City

According to Business Insider, some impressive features and specifications on the upcoming 2020 Honda E-City car include:

  • 152 horsepower on the Honda E Advance trim level with 232 ft-pounds of torque, which can accelerate the car from zero to 62 mph in approximately eight seconds
  • 134 horsepower on the base Honda E trim level with 232 ft-pounds of torque which accelerates the car from zero to 62 mph in approximately nine seconds
  • 50/50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive for both trim levels
  • Honda Parking Pilot technology on the advanced trim that uses 12 sonar sensors and four cameras to help you locate available parking spots and automatically pull you into spots
  • Quick charging capabilities, allowing it to receive an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes
  • Side camera mirrors that project onto the screen on the dashboard to enhance driving aerodynamics and decrease the drivers’ blind spots by approximately 50%
  • Five high-resolution screens inside of the car, as well as 12.3-inch dual touchscreens
  • An HDMI input that allows you to watch videos while charging your car

How Much Will the 2020 Honda E-City Car Cost in the UK?

If you’re purchasing the 134 horsepower Honda E version, it’ll cost £26,160. This price includes the EV rebate the UK offers. Customers buying it without the rebate will pay £29,660. If you’re interested in a higher trim level that provides more power, the price is £32,160 without the rebate and £28,660 with the rebate. You may also be able to make payments on it, which start from £299 a month.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Duane Sayaloune of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at [email protected].

Sources:

https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-10-honda-e-electric-car-pricing.html

https://www.businessinsider.com/the-electric-honda-e-city-car-full-specs-and-pricing-2020-1

Best Electric Vehicle Lease Deals

https://automobiles.honda.com/clarity

https://www.kbb.com/honda/electric-cars/