Honda Clarity series gains PHEV, EV models

Honda's Clarity officially becomes the Clarity series of vehicles at the 2017 New York auto show with the debut of two new powertrain options.

The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid mates a gasoline range-extender with an electric powertrain. This is sure to be the model with the widest appeal.

With a full charge, the PHEV is expected to reach 42 miles of fully electric range.

When the battery has been depleted, the gasoline engine kicks on to generate electricity and keep the Clarity rolling.

The full, gasoline extended range is estimated at more than 330 miles.

The 2018 model year designation for the plug-in hybrid seems to indicate that it will arrive at dealerships later this year.

Honda also unveiled the 2017 Clarity Electric, a battery-powered version of the Clarity chassis.

Officially, Honda hasn't stated the range of this fully electric model, but estimates based on the 25.5 kWh battery place the Clarity Electric at around 80 miles.

Fortunately, the EV charges quickly. At level 2 speeds, it only takes about 3 hours to juice up. DC fast charging knocks that time down to just 30 minutes for an 80 percent charge.