Torn between Clarity and Outlander PHEV

M

Viking, I’m Thag the caveman when it comes to thermodynamics, but I thought turbochargers were powered by the pressure differential over ambient of the exhaust gas spinning the impeller not the heat. Of course that pressure is caused by combusting gas.
And I have noticed that my Clarity’s ICE doesn’t get nearly as hot as my old CR-V’s did.

 

No expert, but do believe heat makes turbo more efficient but not a requirement.

As far as Clarity's ICE running cooler, that would be an Atkinson cycle benefit as the piston rod angle does not deviate as far from the axis of the cylinder as it does in a traditional engine, so less friction-generated heat as cylinder head slides in cylinder.

 

Happy to take your word on the heat making it more efficient but that heat is hard on the turbo bearings and the charge air. Thus the need for some turbos to have bearing oil cooling and intercoolers for the air. And I smile when I see the street drag guys add buckets of ice to try to cool down the turbo charge air to make it more dense.
I’ll take our little putt-putt efficient Atkinson cycle engine any day of the week.

 

I think we’re going to forum jail for hijacking this thread.

 

So now I have had my new Clarity for a week and can add some additional comments to my experience between the two :

Clarity Range is so much better. The short range of the Mitsubishi can get annoying, seems you have barely left home and it's already down to under 20km. It's really made for short commutes.

Mitsubishi seems to be easier to accelerate quickly without kicking in the ICE. Clarity has a hard time to accelerate on inclines without pushing too far and engaging the motor.

I originally said the sound levels were about the same, but in reality Clarity is a lot quieter. The ride is also smoother.

Mitsubishi has the advantage of height of seating, larger vertical space in the trunk for taking things around, and the ability to add a trailer hitch should that be needed.

Honda wins for about everything else I can think of. I am thrilled with my Clarity.

 

I know we are in a Clarity plugin hybrid forum, but I have to say this. Unless you must have a plugin or hybrid, both the Honda Accord LX and the Camry LE offer room, comfort, top of the line powertrain, and extremely easy on your budget.

 

Yes, but not 110 MPGe easy on the budget like the Clarity. So they are easy on the budget but not extremely so.

 

What I mean to say is that a Honda Accord LX is 23,570 MSRP while a Honda Clarity base is 33,400 MSRP. That is a difference of 10K and it should be extremely easy on budget.

 

Ahh, but you’ve got to subtract the $7,500 tax credit for a fair comparison and dactor in the fuel savings and then the price disparity is much less.

 

Also, I’m pretty sure the Clarity Base has more features than an Accord LX. Once you upgrade the Accord to the mid level to match the Clarity you lose all price benefits, not to mention the lack of mostly EV driving

 

So, assuming that one's qualified for 7.5K tax credit, one still has to pay upfront ~36K-41K for a Clarity. If the car is a lease, there is no tax incentives. The owner needs to keep the car for many years to realize the fuel savings.

 

don't forget state rebates- MA is $2500 upfront!- and they are being discounted- can get base clarity for $32- ~8-10k= 22K!

 

So take the money you would have paid straight up for something other than the Clarity, take out a low interest loan for the difference, get the car, claim the credit and pay off the loan when the IRS sends you the check for your overpayment in taxes. Or better yet, adjust your deductions to keep more check by check and use that additional income (along with $$$/yr in gas savings) to pay off the loan.

For those that qualify, Honda provides a portion of the incentive in lease agreements: https://insideevs.com/honda-offers-6500-lease-credit-clarity-phev-zev-states/

 

Lucky people who live in CA or MA as the states offer 2.5K credit. You still have to pay for delivery, tax, licensing, and registration, do you? I bought one of these car they quoted me here, the the total came out to be 40,200.


It's gonna take me some years to actually realize some fuel savings. So this car is not a budget friendly at all, just yet.

 

None of the non-plug-ins can give you the great feeling of EV drive. None of those non-plug-ins can save you from many visits to the gas station. Those intangibles are worth a lot to me.