Honda's current electric and hybrid-electric vehicles
Honda sells three main electric or plug-in hybrid models in the United States: the Honda e, the Honda e:Ny1, and the Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. The e and e:Ny1 are fully electric — they run on battery power only and plug in to charge. The Clarity is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has both a gas engine and an electric motor, so it can run on electricity for short trips and switch to gas for longer ones.
Honda also makes the Honda Accord Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid, which are traditional hybrids that do not plug in. They charge their own batteries while you drive and cannot be plugged into an outlet. This guide focuses on the plug-in and fully electric models, since those are what most people mean when they ask about "electric Honda."
Key Takeaways
- The Honda e is a small, city-focused electric car with a range of about 131 miles per charge and fits best for urban commuters.
- The Honda e:Ny1 is a larger electric SUV with a range up to 256 miles and is better suited for families or longer trips.
- The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid combines a gas engine with electric power, letting you drive on battery for daily commutes and switch to gas for longer distances.
- All three models can be charged at home with a standard outlet or a dedicated home charger, or at public charging stations.
- Federal tax credits and state incentives may lower the purchase price, though availability and amounts vary by location and model year.
The Honda e: small, nimble, and city-ready
The Honda e is a compact, fully electric hatchback designed for short commutes and city driving. It has a range of about 131 miles on a full charge, which works well if your daily round trip is under 100 miles and you can charge at home or at work. The car is narrow and straightforward to park, and its turning radius is tight enough to handle tight urban streets.
Charging the e at home takes about 12 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet, or 4 hours with a dedicated 240-volt home charger. At a public DC fast charger, you can add 80 miles of range in 30 minutes. The e is not designed for road trips — its small battery and limited range mean you would spend a lot of time charging on longer drives. It is best for people who drive mostly within their city and have a place to charge overnight.
The Honda e:Ny1: the larger electric SUV option
The Honda e:Ny1 is Honda's larger electric SUV, introduced more recently than the e. It offers a range up to 256 miles depending on the trim level and driving conditions, which makes it more practical for mixed city and highway driving. The e:Ny1 has more interior space than the e and seats five passengers, making it a better choice for families or anyone who regularly carries passengers or cargo.
Home charging times are similar to the e — about 12 hours on a standard outlet or 4 hours on a 240-volt charger. At a DC fast charger, the e:Ny1 can add 100 miles in about 30 minutes. The longer range means you can take it on weekend trips without stopping to charge as often, though you will still want to plan charging stops on very long drives. The e:Ny1 costs more than the e but offers more versatility for different driving patterns.
The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid: gas and electric combined
The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is a sedan that runs on electric power alone for about 47 miles, then automatically switches to its gas engine when the battery runs low. This design works well for people who want to drive electric for their daily commute but do not want to worry about charging on longer trips. You plug it in at home or at a public charger to recharge the battery, just like a fully electric car.
The Clarity's gas engine kicks in when needed, so you never get stranded without power. For a 30-mile commute, you could drive electric most days and use gas only occasionally. The trade-off is that the Clarity costs more than a gas-only sedan but less than a fully electric car, and it is heavier and less efficient than either one alone. It is a middle ground for people who are not yet ready to commit fully to electric driving.
Charging at home and on the road
All three models can charge at home using a standard 120-volt outlet, though this is slow — it takes 12 to 24 hours depending on the model and battery size. Most owners install a 240-volt Level 2 charger at home, which costs $500 to $2,500 installed and cuts charging time to 4 to 8 hours. A home charger is the most convenient option if you drive daily and can charge overnight.
On the road, you can use public charging networks. DC fast chargers add 80 to 100 miles in 30 minutes and are found along highways and in some cities. Level 2 public chargers, found in parking lots and shopping centers, add 20 to 30 miles per hour of charging. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint map public chargers near you. The e and Clarity are less suited to road trips because of their smaller range, while the e:Ny1 is more practical for longer drives.
Federal tax credits and state incentives
The federal government offers a tax credit up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles, though the amount depends on the model, where it is built, and your household income. The Honda e and e:Ny1 may may have access to for the full credit or a reduced amount depending on the model year and current rules. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid qualifies for a smaller credit, usually $3,750.
Many states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicles. California, New York, and Colorado have their own programs, and some utilities offer rebates for installing a home charger. The rules and amounts change year to year, so check your state's energy office or the fueleconomy.gov website for current information. These credits can significantly lower the purchase price, but they are not automatic — you claim them when you file taxes or at the point of sale, depending on the program.
Comparing the three models: which one fits your driving
| Model | Type | Range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda e | Fully electric | ~131 miles | City commuters, short trips, single drivers |
| Honda e:Ny1 | Fully electric | ~256 miles | Families, mixed city and highway driving, longer trips |
| Honda Clarity PHEV | Plug-in hybrid | ~47 miles electric, unlimited with gas | Commuters who want electric daily driving plus gas backup |
The e is the cheapest and most nimble, but only if your daily driving is short and predictable. The e:Ny1 costs more but gives you the range and space for a wider range of trips. The Clarity is the safest choice if you are unsure about committing to fully electric driving, since you always have gas as a backup. Your choice depends on how far you drive daily, whether you have a place to charge at home, and how often you take longer trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge a Honda e or e:Ny1 with a regular household outlet?
Yes, but it is very slow. A standard 120-volt outlet adds about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, so charging from empty takes 24 to 48 hours. Most owners install a 240-volt home charger instead, which adds 20 to 30 miles per hour and is much more practical for daily use.
How long does it take to charge at a public DC fast charger?
A DC fast charger adds 80 to 100 miles in about 30 minutes for the e and e:Ny1. Charging slows down as the battery gets fuller, so the last 20 percent takes longer than the first 80 percent. For road trips, plan to stop for 30 to 45 minutes at a fast charger.
What is the difference between the Honda e and the e:Ny1?
The e is smaller, cheaper, and designed for city driving with a 131-mile range. The e:Ny1 is larger, more expensive, and has a 256-mile range, making it better for families and longer trips. If you drive mostly in the city and under 100 miles daily, the e is sufficient. If you take longer trips or need more space, the e:Ny1 is the better choice.
Does the Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid need to be charged every day?
No. The Clarity can run on gas alone if you do not charge it, though you will miss out on the fuel savings and lower emissions of electric driving. If you charge it daily, you can drive electric for your commute and use gas only for longer trips, which saves money and fuel over time.
Can I get a tax credit when I buy a Honda electric vehicle?
The federal government offers a tax credit up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles, though the amount varies by model and your income. The Honda e and e:Ny1 may may have access to for the full credit or less, and the Clarity qualifies for up to $3,750. Check fueleconomy.gov or your state's energy office for current rules and amounts, since they change year to year.