• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for April 22, 2016

Honda Wins Earth Day Accolades for 3 New Green Models

April 22, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Going green on Earth Day, Honda style.

2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

Automakers like to time important news with key events, including Earth Day which is today. Earth Day isn’t when you want to introduce your big pickup truck or SUV, instead it is the ideal time to showcase your “green” models. Honda stole the show on Wednesday by shedding light on its 2017 Accord Hybrid as well as bringing clarity (pun intended) to its nascent line of electrified vehicles.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

At the forefront of Honda’s news this week were details the automaker shared about the 2017 Accord Hybrid. The most recent model was offered in 2014 and 2015, and had an EPA rating of 50 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid is expected to beat that, by delivering 49 mpg on the highway. Honda says the new model will benefit from a two-motor hybrid powertrain and produce 212 combined horsepower. As a result, Honda is anticipating doubling production capacity to meet increased demand for this roomy, five-passenger midsize sedan.

“The new Honda Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord – the most refined, technologically sophisticated and, of course, most fuel efficient in the lineup,” said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With Accord already America’s most popular car three years running and the best-selling midsize car to younger buyers, we think this new hybrid model will add considerable momentum for the Honda brand.”

Consumers should know that “popular” doesn’t translate into best selling: the Toyota Camry remains the sales leader in this segment.

Technology and Safety Upgrades

Besides its green credentials, the 2017 Accord Hybrid will receive substantial upgrades, paralleling what the current-generation Accord gained with its 2016 roll out.

Notably, technology is at the center of these changes, including available display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard is Honda Sensing, representing a suite of driver-assist technologies, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a collision mitigation braking system.

As for the Accord hybrid’s two-mode powertrain, it has been designed to seamlessly transition between three operations.

For instance, EV drive uses the electric propulsion motor and the lithium-ion battery pack to move the front wheels for short distances under light loads. This means the gasoline engine is off, saving fuel and eliminating pollution.

Further, the hybrid drive system uses the electric propulsion motor to turn the front wheels, while the gasoline engine delivers power to an electric generator to add power to the battery pack. Lastly, the engine drive system utilizes a lock-up clutch mechanism to connect the engine and propulsion motor. Thus, the front wheels are driven by both the motor and gasoline engine.

Honda Clarity Series

Think “Honda Clarity” and the brand’s fuel-cell model may come to mind. But the Clarity moniker won’t stand for Honda’s hydrogen-powered car only for much longer.

Indeed, come 2017 a pair of electrified vehicles — the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid — will launch. Both models will be underpinned by the same platform powering the Clarity FCEV, giving consumers three highly-efficient models to choose from.

“The Honda Clarity Series will provide customers with a well-equipped, premium, midsize vehicle with a range of ultra low-carbon powertrain options to suit their lifestyle needs,” said Mendel. “This Honda trio of dedicated, advanced technology vehicles, along with the expanded application of two- and three-motor hybrid systems to our core models, represents a strong commitment to Honda’s future and will help create a new volume pillar for electrified vehicle sales.”

The Clarity FCEV will go on sale in late 2016 with a targeted lease payment of under $500 per month. However, this model will be limited to select California markets in the Golden State, where an emerging hydrogen filling station network can be found.

Early in 2017 the Clarity battery-electric sedan will go on sale, with Honda stating it will be “the first affordable, midsize, five-passenger battery-electric vehicle.” Later in the year the Clarity PHEV will come to the market and be available in all 50 states.

2030 Electrification Initiative

Looking forward, Honda aims to have electrified vehicles account for two-thirds of its vehicle sales by 2030. That’s an ambitious goal, one possibly furthered by making hybrids available across more vehicle lines.

Happy Earth Day!


Recent — Tesla Model X Quality Woes Amplified

Photo courtesy of Honda Motors.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2017 cars, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, EARTH DAY, FUEL CELL VEHICLES, Honda Accord Hybrid, HONDA CLARITY, HONDA SENSING, HYBRIDS, PHEV

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recent Comments

  • Fiat Chrysler Peugeot: Now What? — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
April 2016
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
« Mar   May »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in