Plug in hybrid drivers#
Plug in hybrid plus#

However, this is tempered by a nascent, though growing, national charging infrastructure that is still woefully inadequate and too often poorly maintained. Range anxiety is eased with the ability to charge at public fast chargers that enable recapturing up to 80% battery charge in just a half-hour or so, depending on an EV’s capabilities. That’s just $5,212 shy of the average price paid for a new luxury vehicle and $15,870 more than the average $45,578 transaction price of a non-luxury model. According to a recent KBB report, the average price paid for an electric vehicle is now $61,448. There are a few notable affordable exceptions, like the Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf with their respective $27,495 and $28,040 starting prices.īut the average transaction price of a new electric vehicle is much higher, according to data released by automotive analyst firm Kelley Blue Book. Simply, battery electric vehicles are almost universally more expensive than conventional internal combustion (ICE) vehicles. One of the most notable challenges to EV ownership is purchase cost. EVs UnpluggedĬompelling as the upsides may be for fully electric vehicles, there are significant downsides. Many EVs also come with a “convenience” charger that can plug into a household’s standard 120 volt outlet, though charging this way is often impractical since charging at this voltage is incredibly slow. Nearby public fast chargers may be another option. Charging an EV’s battery can take place at home with a 220-volt Level 2 wall charger in the garage, or in the case of apartments or other community developments, with pay-for-use chargers in common areas. An EV’s regenerative braking system can generate electricity during coasting or braking to feed electricity back to the batteries, thus contributing to extending electric range.Ĭonvenience is also a plus. Others may be influenced by an electric vehicle’s advanced-tech persona or inherently higher performance-electric motors produce immediate torque that delivers surprisingly quick acceleration. Choosing to actively support the transition to a zero-emission future is at the top of some drivers’ lists. Real concern about carbon emissions and climate change is another. This means a cheaper cost per mile for electric vehicles compared to conventional models. High gas prices have been a huge motivator with many EVs achieving the equivalent of over 100 mpg on battery power, especially for SUVs.

Plug in hybrid drivers#

There are many reasons why drivers in greater numbers are considering an electrified vehicle, especially fully electric models. Unlike early gas-electric hybrids popularized by the Toyota Prius, plug-in hybrids require plugging into a power source to recharge the battery. For others who rarely drive more than 25 or 35 miles a day, a plug-in hybrid may be a comfortable and familiar way to drive electric every day, without limitations. That’s where plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, known as PHEVs, come in.įor some, a plug-in hybrid may be a comfortable bridge to driving an all-electric vehicle eventually as EV options increase, prices diminish, public charging opportunities expand and delivery backlogs diminish.

If you’re one of the drivers considering making the leap from a gasoline-powered car, it’s important to consider whether an all-electric vehicle is a good fit for your needs or if another electrified option could be better.

Mitsubishi Motors North AmericaĮlectric vehicles sales are moving up quickly as battery-powered options increase. Regardless, in terms of green choices, plug-in hybrids aren't a superior option to EVs, especially considering how heavy the vehicle is, without the benefit of a fully renewable energy grid.Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, blend the pure electric driving experience with a gas-powered powertrain. Still, if you live in an area heavily dependent on coal, the difference might not be as significant. Usually, EVs are cleaner than hybrid vehicles over their lifespan. EVs are great, but spontaneous road trips aren't exactly their forte.Īnother gray area is exactly how clean EVs are versus plug-in hybrids.

Plug in hybrid plus#

This is a huge plus for people who like to go on adventures that might not have EV charging stations on the way to their destination or who simply don't like planning their route. With a plug-in hybrid, you simply use the entirety of your vehicle's electric range and then continue on your merry way using the power generated by the gasoline engine. If you're on the fence about buying an EV, the range anxiety issue might be one of the top things on your mind, especially if you live in an area where you haven't spotted an EV charging station for miles.