The verdict: The Clarity is a rare plug-in hybrid that delivers a good balance of the basics: good electric-only range, decent gas mileage after the charge is depleted and no onerous trade-offs.

Versus the competition: With a price, electric vehicle range and mpg comparable to the Chevrolet Volt — and a roomier interior — the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is set to capitalize on the admittedly soft demand for plug-in hybrids once the discontinued Volt’s supply is exhausted.

This review covers the PHEV version of the Honda Clarity, which also comes with hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-only power in limited markets. It’s available in base and Touring trim levels; I tested the latter.

There are 23 plug-in hybrid models on the market today and many more to come. To be frank, most of them aren’t very appealing. (I’m not talking about aesthetic appeal, which could be a problem for the unique-looking Clarity, but I’ll let you draw your own conclusions there.) They’re a great idea — drive a set distance on cheap, potentially clean electric power, then have gasoline power at the ready to allow for longer trips. To my way of thinking, if you’re going to the trouble of producing a car that can be plugged in and charged — or you’re a consumer willing to invest in such a vehicle and a parking arrangement to support it — you want generous electric-only range and few trade-offs. Unfortunately, though it’s roughly the ninth anniversary of modern plug-in hybrids, few yet have met this description. The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid does.