What’s the Benefit?
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s powertrain is designed to help provide excellent efficiency while also making for a highly satisfying driving experience.
The Feature:
The various components of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid’s advanced powertrain system work seamlessly together.
- The 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine creates responsive power with great efficiency.
- The powerful electric drive motor is rated at 181 peak horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
- The lithium-ion battery pack has a 17.0 kWh capacity, helping the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid to receive an EPA-rated electric-only driving range rating of 47 miles.
- The generator doubles as a motor to start the gasoline engine when required.
- The system can operate in three drive modes:
- In EV drive mode, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is propelled solely by its electric motor and the lithium-ion battery pack.
- When the battery state of charge runs low, the system will automatically engage hybrid drive mode; the engine starts up and spins the generator, which in turn supplies the drive motor with electricity.
- Engine drive mode occurs when the gasoline engine is mechanically linked to the drive wheels by a clutch at highway speeds.
- The battery pack can be recharged in three ways:
- Regenerative braking converts the car’s kinetic energy into electricity via the generator.
- The engine turns the generator to create recharging power.
- The vehicle is plugged in
