Honda Clarity PHEV Review

jdonalds said:
I like ACC. It is one of the better semi-automatic features of the Clarity. However it needs a software update. When it comes up on a car that is stopped it is much too aggressive, applying the brakes too hard. Then when the car ahead pulls away, and I slightly push the accelerator pedal, the Clarity accelerates so slow it is sure to irritate those behind the car, and me.
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So this makes me wonder if and how they do updates like that. In the Tesla it's easy for them to do fine-tuning as well as add new features. We just got rain-sensing wipers yesterday via a software update. But how would they do it on the Clarity?
 
Well I don't exactly expect Honda to change the ACC. That would be asking too much. I expect they use the same algorithm in all of their cars that have ACC, they've tested it, and they like it the way it is.

Tesla has a different mindset. More up-to-date than any of the other car manufacturers. They are doing things right.

I do believe Garmin map updates are available at least once a year. The car does have WiFi so that would be one way to download updated software. Also when I was poking around the car wanted me to plug a thumb drive in the USB port to load any apps I had on the thumb drive (I didn't have any.) So I see a couple of ways new software could be loaded.
 
I thought one of the points of the ACC system was to do all the work of keeping up in stop and go driving, like in a traffic jam. If you have to hit the accelerator or the resume button every time you stop in a traffic jam that could get maddening. At that point just use the quick park button instead. I have to be honest, I am disappointed to hear that is how the ACC system works. I only asked because in that YouTube video that was just linked it seemed like the car was doing all the moving in that traffic jam.
 
From page 405 of the Owner's Manual

■ A vehicle detected ahead is within ACC with LSF range and slows to a stop
Your vehicle also stops, automatically. The
Stopped message appears on the driver
information interface.
When the vehicle ahead of you starts again,
the vehicle icon on the driver information
interface blinks. If you press the RES/+ or
−/SET button, or depress the accelerator
pedal, ACC with LSF operates again within the
prior set speed.
 
I guess I shouldn't complain too much seeing as this is the first car I have ever had that had any kind of adaptive cruise. I won't be satisfied until my car is completely autonomous!
 
Ken7 said:
His friend seemed more interested in texting than the car itself. It would have been better if he had someone that was actually interested in the car. ;)
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Yes, but he did a great service when he showed a 5' 10" 335# man could fit in the trunk...
 
… Honda Clarity was featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade - if anyone was watching right at the start.
 
bfd said:
… Honda Clarity was featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade - if anyone was watching right at the start.
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YES! My 9 year old grandson was watching and shouted - "Isn't that your car grandpa?" when Gary Sinese (grand marshal) arrived at the parade. I would assume, being California, that was the FCEV, or at least the BEV.

Still, it was a nice touch.
 
barnesgj said:
CleanTechnica.com listed the 20 current PHEVs with a brief summary of each.
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/01/04/plug-hybrid-electric-vehicles-available-purchase-usa/

Way down at the bottom, they listed the Clarity, and said:
"It’s also arguably one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market."
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I saw that, and had to comment about the fact that it says the Volt is the only car on the list that is eligible for the whole $7500 tax credit. After I got about halfway down the list I thought they just forgot about the Clarity altogether, then I finally saw it and how little they had to say about it. There were others in the comments besides me that also pointed out the plusses of the Clarity compared to the other cars on his list.
 
loomis2 said:
I saw that, and had to comment about the fact that it says the Volt is the only car on the list that is eligible for the whole $7500 tax credit. After I got about halfway down the list I thought they just forgot about the Clarity altogether, then I finally saw it and how little they had to say about it. There were others in the comments besides me that also pointed out the plusses of the Clarity compared to the other cars on his list.
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I didn't read all the comments before, but I totally agree with points made on the Clarity.
 
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