Using the Clarity as a Power Source?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rdav
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rdav said:
Is it possible to use the clarity as a power source like the newer Jeep plug in hybrids?

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/2024-jeep-wrangler-4xe-power-box-deep-dive-review/

I have looked around and seen some people having success using the car with a 12v inverter and relying on the 12V charging system to power things. However I was wondering if there was a more direct way like on the Jeep models?
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The US Clarity PHEV does not offer V2L capability. @oko, a Clarity forum member, used a 12-Volt inverter to save his food and charge his phones during a power outage.

The catch is that you have to leave the Clarity in the "On" state so the traction battery will recharge the 12-Volt battery. However, with the Clarity doors unlocked in the "On" state, that presents a vulnerability to theft.

The Clarity Fuel Cell (and the Japanese PHEV with a separate DCFC charging port) can connect to a $9,000 Honda device that provides power from the fuel-cell system or the traction battery.

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insightman said:
However, with the Clarity doors unlocked in the "On" state, that presents a vulnerability to theft.
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Theft of an inverter, an extension cord and items left in the vehicle perhaps. The vehicle can’t be switched from ON to READY mode, which allows it to be driven, without the key fob in the vehicle. Vehicle theft shouldn’t be an elevated concern. Most likely, a human would be on scene during such an event and any indication of shenanigans would be made obvious by a loss of power.
 
insightman said:
The US Clarity PHEV does not offer V2L capability. @oko, a Clarity forum member, used a 12-Volt inverter to save his food and charge his phones during a power outage.

The catch is that you have to leave the Clarity in the "On" state so the traction battery will recharge the 12-Volt battery. However, with the Clarity doors unlocked in the "On" state, that presents a vulnerability to theft.

The Clarity Fuel Cell (and the Japanese PHEV with a separate DCFC charging port) can connect to a $9,000 Honda device that provides power from the fuel-cell system or the traction battery.

View attachment 23188
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For the cost of that I'll just get 3 to 4 nice tri-fuel generators that plug into the quick connect I use for my NG weber grill!

I don't think theft would be too much of a concern where I live. My barn that came with the house has no locks and deadbolts have never even been installed on the doors of my house lol. Not like that deadbolt would stop anyone from going through the windows from the front porch anyways. And any would be thieves most likey wouldnt be able to run faster than 3000fps either...
And state farm will cover whatever gets taken anyways if we aren't home!
 
rdav said:
For the cost of that I'll just get 3 to 4 nice tri-fuel generators that plug into the quick connect I use for my NG weber grill!
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What were you intending to run on, say a 1500w inverter with the Clarity, that now needs 3-4 generators?

Why not just get 1, appropriately sized generator and a suitable fuel supply to meet your needs?
 
Landshark said:
What were you intending to run on, say a 1500w inverter with the Clarity, that now needs 3-4 generators?

Why not just get 1, appropriately sized generator and a suitable fuel supply to meet your needs?
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I was simply comparing the outrageous cost of that item to the cost of a nice NG generator. I already have a nice gas generator for my needs just curious what was avaliable for the clarity after having a rental jeep 4xe and noticing the power box thing in it.
 
rdav said:
I was simply comparing the outrageous cost of that item to the cost of a nice NG generator. I already have a nice gas generator for my needs just curious what was avaliable for the clarity after having a rental jeep 4xe and noticing the power box thing in it.
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A generator won’t allow you to use your Clarity as a power source and the Honda 9000 won’t work with your US or Canadian Clarity PHEV.

There’s little value in complaining about the cost of a product that is incompatible with your vehicle. To the best of our collective knowledge, your only option to achieve the stated goal, is to buy a 1500-2000w inverter, which will probably cost even less than a nice tri-fuel generator and be considerably more convenient to transport in the vehicle.

Or, buy a Ramcharger.
 
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