Why do you like your Clarity?

EV Range and No Range Anxiety were critical to me, but selected number 1 reason was that it was a near full size 5 seater. It was replacing the family minivan and had to be able to carry 5 comfortably. I was only looking at EVs without range anxiety holding 5 passengers (Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the Clarity PHEV).

Decided on the Clarity since it was $10k cheaper with safety features and decided we didn't really need the extra space frequently enough to warrant a van any longer.

 

Of course it does but if it had higher range it would meet my daily driving range (66km) when it gets cold. What I meant was I wish it had longer EV range so i wouldn’t have to touch the ICE even during winter. Which is basically 8 out of the 12 monthes of the year here in Toronto. But of course the options that meet my daily driving range weren’t phev. So I can’t be choosy here.

 

That's the reason all the other PHEVs other than the Volt are not very useful for most people wanting EV most of the time. If you buy a Fusion or Prius Prime PHEVs, the range can be 12-13 miles or less in hot and cold weather. Others like the BMW and Mercedes are even worse.

 

As of today , In Canada in PHEV, there is nothing better than Clarity at this point in time

 

I think the bmw i3 with the generator has more EV range ? But it’s way expensive and imo more quirky looking.

 

According to BMW's website, the current i3 with range extender has a maximum range of 180 miles with a fully charged battery and full tank of gas. The older i3's are much worse. The worst part of the range extender engine is that it's a small generator that limits your speed. You'll have a hard time if you have to stay on an interstate to find the next charge station. It is a tiny, little car inside and out (my sister-in-law owns one) so if you live in a city with limited street parking that you regularly have to use, like New York or San Francisco, it could be a better choice than the huge Clarity. The Clarity has about the same dimensions as a full-sized Toyota Avalon. Don't buy it if you're looking for a typical mid-sized or compact car. It's far bigger than it looks.

 

I replaced my 2012 Volt with an 2015 i3 REx, drove it 2000 miles back from Los Angeles to Iowa. It did fine, although I wouldn't recommend doing so. Went probably 65 to 70 mph most of the way (only issue was steep part of mountain passes).

The i3 is nearly same exterior dimensions as a Bolt EV. Not tiny, but as you say, much less rear seat passenger space than Clarity. Parked next to a Mini Cooper and the i3 looks large. The Clarity looks incredibly long parked next to the i3.

 

Yea if I lived in the city the size definitely would have to accommodate for street parking but luckily I live in the suburbs and have a garage. Although my garage is tiny and the Clarity is really cutting it in terms of length. I've moved out everything except for my folding electric lawnmower to accommodate for the clarity. It's longer than my brother's RDX and my previous F-Pace!