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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Honda
The Honda Clarity is an unusual, slightly under-the-radar mid-size sedan that only ever sold in meaningful numbers in North America, which is exactly why importing one is interesting.
Model profile
The Clarity name covered a short-lived family sold in the US from the 2017 to 2021 model years, built on a dedicated platform in Japan. Three distinct powertrains wore the badge: the Clarity Fuel Cell (hydrogen, leased only in select Californian regions), the Clarity Electric (a limited, short-range battery car offered to lessees), and by far the most common, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
Powertrain and equipment
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle inline-four with Honda's two-motor i-MMD hybrid system, for a combined system output of roughly 212 hp.
Body-wise the Clarity is a single shape: a large, aerodynamically styled five-seat sedan with a notably long wheelbase and a big boot for a battery car. The Plug-In Hybrid was sold in Base and Touring trims, the Touring adding leather, navigation, power front seats and extra comfort kit.
Vehicle selection
Because production was modest and heavily weighted toward California and other incentive-rich states, used Clarity PHEVs tend to be low-mileage, well-kept and concentrated in the west and south. Most import candidates are 2018–2021 cars with tidy histories, often former single-owner commuter vehicles. Fuel-cell and electric examples are rare and were leased, so genuinely sellable ones are scarce.
Vehicle data
| Seating | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): 5 |
|---|
| Body style | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Mid-size 5-seat sedan, front-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Petrol engine | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): 1.5 L Atkinson inline-4 |
| Hybrid system | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Two-motor i-MMD, ~212 hp combined |
| Battery | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): 17 kWh lithium-ion |
| Electric range (EPA) | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): ~47 mi / ~76 km |
| Drive | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Electronic CVT-style (no fixed gearbox) |
| Fuel Cell variant | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): H2 stack, ~174 hp motor, ~360 mi range |
| Electric variant | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Limited-range BEV (lease only) |
| Driver aids | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Honda Sensing (ACC, LKAS, CMBS) |
| US model years | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): 2017–2021 (PHEV mainstream 2018–2021) |
|---|---|
| Trims (PHEV) | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): Base, Touring |
| Infotainment | Detail (Plug-In Hybrid, typical): 8-in touchscreen, CarPlay/Android Auto |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
Honda Clarity reliability is generally strong, helped by the same well-proven i-MMD hybrid hardware used across Honda's line-up, but there are a few documented Clarity common problems to watch. The most reported is 12-volt auxiliary battery drain and occasional no-start issues if the car sits, sometimes tied to software; keeping the 12V battery healthy matters.
Germany and Europe
US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
The Plug-In Hybrid. It reached ordinary buyers, has usable electric range, and is easy to run in Europe, unlike the hydrogen and pure-electric versions.
Technically possible, but impractical: it was California lease-only and Europe's hydrogen refuelling network is very limited, so we advise against it.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
About 47 miles (roughly 76 km) EPA for the plug-in hybrid, one of the stronger figures of its generation.
Yes, broadly. Watch 12V battery drain and confirm high-voltage battery health, but the core hybrid hardware is durable.
Via an AC wallbox or public AC point using a J1772-to-Type 2 cable; the PHEV has no DC fast charging.
Ocean freight is usually a few weeks, then customs clearance and TÜV scheduling on arrival.
No. We are an independent broker and arrange the purchase and import for you without holding stock.
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