Clarity test drive results

[MPower]

Sunroof was one of the reasons that I did not really consider the Hyundai Ioniq plugin. In order to get all the safety features I wanted, I would have had to get the Touring which came with a sunroof. I don't mind the potential repair cost for a feature I actually want, but not for one I would never use. For me the lack of sunroof was a major plus.

 

[Walt R]

Gathering speed on downhill sections (even briefly exceeding the speed limit) to conserve charge on the next uphill section is still lots of fun for me. It's a skill the Clarity's ACC, of course, does not have the foresight to perform. Someday perhaps the ACC will have access to a 3-D database and AI capabilities that will minimize charge/fuel usage, but it won't be as much fun to watch the car doing it for me.

They do have this now, but AFAIK it's only available on heavy trucks. The new cruise controls have a database of where the top and bottom of every hill is, and will let the truck get 5 or more mph below the set speed approaching the top, "knowing" it will gain that speed back immediately on cresting the hill. Same for gaining speed and "rolling out" onto the flat after a downhill. Apparently when fuel is profit, they find the savings worth it.

I was just wondering this morning why the cruise control on the Clarity couldn't have included an accelerometer for quicker feedback on how much power to put in to regain speed when starting up hills.