Just in time for the holidays, the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale December 1, 2017 at dealerships nationwide. The midsize plug-in hybrid starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,400 with highly equipped standard equipment and is offered with a Touring trim for $36,600.
“The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid takes a big step forward in bringing Honda electrified vehicles into the mainstream with no compromise to performance, range or comfort,” said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Automobile Sales. “The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid leads the pack with the highest all-electric range rating of any plug-in hybrid sedan and the most comprehensive standard equipment, spacious five-passenger cabin and a roomy trunk – all at an affordable price point.”
Clarity Plug-in Hybrid owners are eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 when they purchase, and for additional state rebates, where available, when they purchase or lease the model. Residential property owners may also take advantage of financing and incentives from their local government and utility company, where available, to install an EV charger.
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid earned the highest all-electric range rating among all plug-in hybrid sedans with its EPA range rating of 47 miles on a full charge.The model also received an EPA fuel economy rating of 110 combined MPGe, among the top of midsize plug-in hybrids, and a gasoline only 44/40/42 MPG rating (city/highway/combined).
For longer trips, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can utilize its hyper-efficient 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine to generate electricity and, under certain conditions, to act as a direct power source. The Clarity Plug-in received an overall EPA driving range rating of 340 miles.
The vehicle’s electromotive power comes from a 181-horsepower electric motor producing 232 lb.-ft. of torque and drawing power from both the gasoline engine and a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack with a recharge time of just 2.5 hours at 240 volts. The Clarity Plug-in features Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain that has a total system output of 212 horsepower.
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid features three selectable modes – Normal, Econ and Sport – allowing drivers to customize their experience, maximizing efficiency or driving performance. A fourth mode – HV mode – is provided to maintain the battery’s state of charge and can be selected in conjunction with Normal, Econ and Sport driving modes.
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid joins the Clarity Electric, launched August 2017, and Clarity Fuel Cell, launched in December 2016, to complete the Clarity series of vehicles, offering customers an array of electrified vehicle choices in a sophisticated, spacious and comprehensively equipped five-passenger midsize sedan. The Clarity series is at the forefront of Honda’s initiative to bring electrified vehicle technology into the mainstream. The company has announced its intention for electrified vehicles to comprise two-thirds of its global automobile sales by 2030.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
GM Updates Infotainment System With Smarter Features
General Motors is rolling out new over-the-air software updates that improve the infotainment experience with a redesigned interface, enhanced personalization and easier-to-use controls across eligible Cadillac models.
The latest GM infotainment software update introduces a wide range of enhancements designed to make the in-vehicle experience more intuitive and personalized. Developed using customer feedback, the new features improve navigation, media controls, seating preferences and charging functions while delivering a cleaner and more responsive interface.
Moreover, the updates are arriving through over-the-air software downloads, allowing eligible Cadillac owners to receive new functionality without visiting a dealership.
Smarter Audio Controls and Easier Navigationdia playback.
Drivers can now view an upcoming playlist through a new side queue, making it easier to see which songs will play next. Additionally, a new drop-down source selector allows users to switch between music apps and audio sources with fewer taps, creating a faster and more seamless listening experience.
Furthermore, larger touch targets throughout the interface reduce accidental presses and make frequently used controls easier to access.

GM’s updated infotainment interface features improved media controls and larger touch targets.
Personalized Driver Profiles and Comfort Settings
The GM infotainment software update also expands personalization features.
Drivers can now link two user profiles to the vehicle’s memory seat buttons. With a single press, both the preferred seating position and the driver’s personalized profile are restored automatically. The feature will debut on the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ before expanding to additional GM models.
Meanwhile, seat adjustment graphics have been redesigned to match the physical controls located on the vehicle’s doors. As a result, changing comfort settings becomes more intuitive and visually consistent.
Additionally, the charging application now features clearer labels and descriptions, making charging options easier to understand.

Updated driver profiles automatically restore personalized seating and infotainment settings.
Better Connectivity and Improved Display Quality
GM has also refined several everyday features to improve convenience.
The latest software includes sharper Head-Up Display graphics, making important driving information easier to read. Furthermore, Bluetooth pairing has been simplified by removing an extra confirmation step, allowing devices to connect more quickly.
These refinements contribute to a smoother user experience while reducing unnecessary interactions with the infotainment system.
Eligible Cadillac Models Receive Over-the-Air Updates
The new GM infotainment software update is being released gradually through over-the-air updates.
Eligible vehicles include:
- 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ
- 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ
- 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ
- 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ
- 2025 Cadillac VISTIQ
- 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ
- 2025 Cadillac CT5
- 2026 Cadillac CT5
GM confirmed that additional software improvements will continue rolling out over the coming months as updates become available.

Eligible Cadillac models receive the latest infotainment improvements through over-the-air software updates.
Future Updates Will Expand the Experience
General Motors has already outlined additional enhancements planned for future releases.
Upcoming updates will introduce a redesigned home screen featuring a larger interactive navigation map alongside media controls. Drivers will also benefit from simplified widget customization, making it easier to personalize the dashboard layout with just a few taps.
Overall, these software improvements demonstrate GM’s continued focus on enhancing the digital driving experience through regular over-the-air updates, delivering new features that improve usability, convenience and personalization without requiring new hardware.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Adds NACS Fast Charging
Mitsubishi has revealed new charging details for the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV, confirming NACS compatibility, fast charging capabilities and flexible home charging options ahead of its North American launch.
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is taking another step toward its North American debut with new details about its charging technology. Mitsubishi has confirmed that every version of its upcoming electric crossover will feature multiple charging options, giving drivers greater flexibility whether charging at home or on the road.
Moreover, the new EV will arrive with direct access to one of the continent’s largest public charging networks.
Standard NACS Compatibility Across the Lineup
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV will come standard with the North American Charging System (NACS) connector on every trim level.
This compatibility allows owners to access the growing Supercharger network without requiring additional hardware. Furthermore, the electric SUV supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, enabling the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes, depending on charging conditions.
As a result, Mitsubishi aims to make long-distance travel more convenient for future Eclipse Sportback EV owners.

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV will feature standard NACS charging compatibility across the lineup.
Flexible Home Charging Solutions
In addition to DC fast charging, Mitsubishi is equipping the Eclipse Sportback EV with a J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
This setup allows owners to recharge the battery at home or through thousands of public AC charging stations across North America. Consequently, drivers will have multiple charging solutions depending on their daily needs.
Additionally, Mitsubishi says the vehicle’s charging performance may vary depending on battery temperature, ambient conditions and charger output.

A J1772 connector will support both Level 1 and Level 2 home charging.
A Key Model in Mitsubishi’s EV Expansion
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV plays an important role in the company’s Momentum 2030 strategy.
The sporty electric crossover features distinctive front and rear styling, signature lighting and Mitsubishi’s recognizable Triple Diamond branding. Meanwhile, the automaker plans to continue expanding its lineup, with an all-new off-road-oriented Outlander variant expected to follow in early 2027.
Therefore, the Eclipse Sportback EV represents another major milestone in Mitsubishi’s broader electrification plans for North America.

The Eclipse Sportback EV is a cornerstone of Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 electrification strategy.
2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Expands Charging Convenience
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV combines flexible charging solutions with modern electric vehicle technology to improve everyday usability.
Overall, standard NACS compatibility, fast DC charging and home charging capability position Mitsubishi’s newest electric crossover as an attractive option for drivers seeking greater charging convenience when it arrives in North America later this year.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Hyundai Opens UX Studio Shanghai to Drive Global Innovation
Hyundai Motor Group has opened UX Studio Shanghai, a new research hub designed to study Chinese consumer behavior and shape the next generation of connected mobility worldwide.
Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai is the latest step in the automaker’s strategy to develop smarter and more connected mobility experiences. Located in one of China’s leading innovation centers, the new research hub will gather consumer insights and help transform them into future vehicle technologies for global markets.
Moreover, the facility strengthens Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to designing vehicles around real customer needs.
A New Center Focused on User Experience
The new Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai expands the company’s global user experience network, joining existing research centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine.
As a result, Hyundai can better understand how Chinese consumers interact with connected vehicles and digital technologies. The facility will also support the company’s “In China, For China, To Global” strategy by turning local innovations into worldwide solutions.
Furthermore, researchers will work directly with customers throughout the product development process.

Hyundai’s new UX Studio Shanghai will study consumer behavior to improve future mobility experiences.
Designed for the Era of Software-Defined Vehicles
As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, Hyundai believes customer experience is becoming just as important as performance.
Therefore, UX Studio Shanghai focuses on technologies such as connected ecosystems, voice interaction, intelligent interfaces and digital mobility services. In addition, the company expects local consumer feedback to influence future software-defined vehicles across its global lineup.
The new center also supports collaboration between engineers, designers and customers from the earliest development stages.

The research hub will help develop software-defined vehicles through customer collaboration.
Chinese Innovation Will Influence Global Products
Shanghai was selected because of its advanced technology ecosystem and rapidly evolving mobility market.
Meanwhile, Hyundai is partnering with leading academic institutions and local experts to better understand changing consumer behaviors. Research will cover a wide range of mobility scenarios, including family transportation, urban commuting and connected driving experiences.
Consequently, innovations developed in Shanghai will be shared across Hyundai’s worldwide research and development network.

Hyundai expects insights from Shanghai to shape future vehicles sold around the world.
Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai Strengthens Future Mobility Development
The Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai represents far more than a regional research center.
Overall, the new facility reinforces Hyundai Motor Group’s strategy of combining local innovation with global development. By placing Chinese consumer insights at the center of future product planning, the company aims to create smarter, more connected and more personalized mobility experiences for customers worldwide.
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