Motor Trend reviews the Clarity

[insightman]

Although this is comparing apples to oranges, MT also tested the 2020 Subaru Outback 4 cyl that produces 182 hp. The Outback weighs 3752 lbs so it weighs about 300 lbs less than the Clarity. MT tests show that the Outback 0-60 time is 8.7 seconds while the Clarity is 7.6 seconds even with the significant weight disadvantage. This just goes to show that other factors are more important for acceleration like torque (the Clarity is higher than the Outback) and minimal loss of power when you can use a single-speed transmission vs. a multi-speed transmission with a torque converter.

The Clarity's single-speed transmission never comes into play in an acceleration test. It only works when cruising at speeds greater than 45 mph. The Clarity's electric torque comes on at 0 RPM, which is not the case with the Outback. That early jump is probably how the Clarity can achieve a quicker time.

 

[Ray B]

The Clarity's single-speed transmission never comes into play in an acceleration test. It only works when cruising at speeds greater than 45 mph. The Clarity's electric torque comes on at 0 RPM, which is not the case with the Outback. That early jump is probably how the Clarity can achieve a quicker time.

Just to complete the thought on Engine Drive mode, below is a chart from a Honda paper on the Accord PHEV which has the same kind of i-MMD system as the Clarity, and it demonstrates the very limited torque provided by the EV when in Engine Drive mode. All of us who ask for more power in Engine Drive mode knows that it immediately reverts to HV series mode.