For the past few years, we’ve thought of alternative fuel vehicles as those that required a great deal of compromise to have the fuel-sipping and environmentally friendly model to drive. As technology has improved, we’ve seen some brands offer us more comfort and a ride that feels more acceptable. While we’re not sure which type of alternative fuel will make it to the market and be what we want to enjoy for the future, Honda has brought us one model name that makes use of three different alternative fuel systems for the drive.

The Honda Clarity is offered in a plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and hydrogen fuel-cell model. All of these models share the same exterior styling and room for five people to have the drive you want when you’re out on the road. There are functional air scoops up front that creates an air curtain to reduce the wind resistance and improve the range of the vehicle regardless of the powertrain that’s used. Inside you’ll find a comfortable cabin that makes this a fantastic midsize sedan which is the right size for a family to enjoy the ride and know you’re going to be able to fit everyone comfortably.

The Differences of the Honda Clarity Trio

The Plug-In Hybrid

These three cars are extremely different in terms of propulsion to give you a choice of what you want. The Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) makes use of a two-motor hybrid system and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The battery pack is 17 kWh and this system is able to produce 212 horsepower for the drive. The EV range of this version of the Clarity is 47 miles and the fuel mileage is rated at 47 mpg with the gasoline power making the car go where you need it to.

The Pure EV

The Clarity pure EV model(BEV), offers you an electric motor that makes 161 horsepower and has a 25.5 kWh battery capacity to be able to offer you 89 miles of range from a full charge. This limited range may mean you need to make sure you live near plenty of public charging stations which the Clarity can take advantage of because it supports level three quick-charging to allow you to charge at nearly every station you find. If you truly want to avoid the gas pump, this will be the model of the Clarity you want to drive.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The first time the Honda Clarity name was used it was for a Fuel Cell (FC) model to give us the first look at having hydrogen be the power needed. Unfortunately, hydrogen hasn’t become as popular as electricity even though a fill of the tank at a hydrogen pump is similar in time to the gasoline we use now. Those who live in an area where hydrogen is offered can make use of the FC model and enjoy the fact the only emissions offered from this car is water vapor which isn’t harmful to the atmosphere at all.

Want something slightly different? Opt for the always-practical Honda Civic.