Clarity PHEV launched in Japan
- Thread starter lordsutch
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Your image didn't appear in my browser, I see only a broken icon.
Still, I'm perplexed that Honda would make two different 17 kWh batteries in the same shape for the two markets. I believe that the Japanese Clarity PHEV must have a different built-in charger to accommodate faster CHAdeMO charging. This charger could limit the recharging speed to whatever the maximum the battery in the US/Japanese Clarity PHEV battery chemistry can safely accept. Even if that recharging rate doesn't match a Tesla Supercharger, it would still provide a quicker recharge than the Level 2 port. Does any of the Japanese literature provide a CHAdeMO recharging time?
My new burning question (along with how does the PHEV accomplish pseudo engine braking down a mountain) remains: Does the US Clarity Electric use different chemistry in its battery than the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid? For the 25.5 kWh battery Clarity Electric, Honda states: "The Level 2, 240v charge provides you with a full charge in about 3.5 hours. The DC Fast Charge provides an 80% charge in about 30 minutes." The Clarity Electric's Level 2 recharge sounds consistent with the 1.5 hour nominal recharge time for the 17 kWh PHEV battery, making me think they use the same chemistry.
I downloaded the Japanese manual and it says (according to Google Translate, at least) that it will charge up to 80% in 30 minutes on the CHAdeMO port. The supplied "level 2" charger is a 200V AC adapter that appears to plug into a Japanese dryer/air conditioning outlet, and takes 6 hours for a full charge.
I seriously doubt the battery pack is any different from the North American model. There doesn't seem to be anything inherent to the nickel manganese cobalt battery chemistry Honda is using that would preclude DC fast charging, as NMC cells are used in other EVs that do have fast charging like the Nissan Leaf.
I seriously doubt the battery pack is any different from the North American model. There doesn't seem to be anything inherent to the nickel manganese cobalt battery chemistry Honda is using that would preclude DC fast charging, as NMC cells are used in other EVs that do have fast charging like the Nissan Leaf.
The Clarity PHEV is a brand new car still in a state of software flux. I guarantee Honda will not be offering a CHAdeMO upgrade kit (which would require bodywork, additional components, and significant high-voltage rewiring). So even if you bought a $52K Japanese Clarity PHEV, brought it to the US (assuming the US would allow it), stripped the CHAdeMO parts off that right-hand drive car and installed them on your US Clarity PHEV, your local dealer would not be able to provide software updates for your unique car.
