EarthTalk Greetings: How much electricity will the plug-in Prius consume when it is released? Will my electric bill skyrocket if I leave my Prius plugged in all night? Will the rise be minor, or will it be significant? Will all of this recharging put a load on the current power grid?
The cost of charging a standard plug-in hybrid overnight is estimated to be less than a dollar by Plug In America, a California-based network of electric car and (self-converted) plug-in hybrid owners. While your electric price may increase by $30 per month as a result of recharging, your gas bill will drop by 80 to 100 percent, depending on your driving patterns and what you were driving before.
Of course, ordinary hybrids cost between $2,000 and $10,000 more than their gas-only equivalents, and plug-in hybrids will almost certainly cost even more because of their larger, better batteries and other modern features. To make up the sticker price difference between a plug-in hybrid and an equivalent-sized gasoline-fueled automobile, it would require years and years of gas-free driving. So, while plug-in hybrids benefit the environment, they don’t save moneyunless you drive hundreds of miles every week, in which case you’ll repay your investment in fuel savings in a few years.
In terms of strain on the existing electricity grid, most experts agree that plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles, even if we all switched over to them at some point, would not jeopardize utilities’ ability to provide power, because they are already scaled up to handle peak loads during heat waves when everyone runs energy-guzzling air conditioning.
Furthermore, the majority of us would charge our cars overnight, which is normally a sluggish period for utilities and during which they could generate significantly more power if customers want it. According to a 2007 research by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the United States Department of Energy, off-peak energy capacity could power roughly three-quarters of all vehicles, light trucks, SUVs, and vans on American roads now if they were plug-in hybrids. Many utilities are improving local electrical distribution networks to accommodate plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, according to Plug In America “They do the same thing when households install more air conditioners and televisions.”
So, if you’re thinking about buying a plug-in hybrid when they become available, don’t be concerned about higher electric costs because you’ll save a lot of money at the pump. Given the present popularity of hybrids on the road, enough of us might choose for the plug-in versions to close the cost gap with standard carsmeaning we might save money “In more ways than one, “save the environment.”
Is a hybrid vehicle more expensive than an electric vehicle?
There are now three types of vehicles that are powered entirely or partially by electricity. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full-electric vehicles are among them. Each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here’s how to figure out which one is best for you.
Hybrids
A traditional gasoline engine is used as the major source of power in hybrid automobiles. An electric motor supplements the gas engine to some extent. A self-charging battery pack powers the motor, which recovers energy from braking and deceleration. Depending on the model, the electric motor may simply provide a boost to the gas engine as needed, or it may be capable of driving the car for a few kilometers on its own.
Depending on the model, fuel savings range from minor to significant. The Hyundai Ioniq, with 57/59 mpg city/highway, and the Toyota Prius, with 58/53 mpg, are the leaders in this category.
The disadvantage is that a hybrid is often more expensive than a comparable conventional vehicle, and an owner may not be able to recoup the additional cost in gas savings over the course of a typical ownership cycle. Hybrids, unlike plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, do not qualify for federal tax credits.
Plug-In Hybrids
A plug-in hybrid, also known as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), has a larger battery that allows for all-electric running over longer distances than a normal hybrid. To obtain full charge, the battery must be tethered to a wall outlet at night, as the name implies. A PHEV runs like a normal hybrid until the battery is depleted to a certain point, with the electric motor aiding the gasoline engine. The Chevrolet Volt and the BMW i3’s “range-extending” variant use a different approach to the technology. Both are primarily driven by an electric motor, but they also have a small gasoline engine that drives a generator to keep the motor running when the battery runs out.
PHEV owners, unlike those who own a fully electric vehicle, never have to worry about getting stuck on the side of the road due to a dead battery. The maximum driving range of a PHEV is simply limited by the amount of gas in the tank.
The electric range and energy consumption of a PHEV vary greatly depending on the model. The PHEV version of the Mini Countryman, for example, is rated to run entirely on battery power for the first 12 miles. The Toyota Prius Prime PHEV, on the other hand, can travel 25 miles entirely on electricity, while the Chevrolet Volt can travel 53 miles on a single charge.
PHEVs are more expensive than conventional hybrids. The Prius Prime, for example, has a sticker price that is roughly $3,800 greater than a regular Prius hybrid. PHEVs, on the other hand, are eligible for a one-time federal income tax credit ranging from $3,500 to $7,500, depending on battery capacity. Furthermore, a few states, most notably California, provide financial incentives to PHEV purchasers.
Electrics
Electric vehicles (EVs) emit no pollutants and are often less expensive to operate than gasoline-powered vehicles. Because an electric motor produces 100 percent of its potential torque instantly, they tend to be quick. However, an EV’s operational range is limited, and it must be charged either at home or at a public EV charging station in order to keep running. The car will stop running once the battery is depleted. This means they can’t be used for long-distance road journeys unless a route is planned expressly around public chargers. With a completely charged battery pack, most EVs can go between 100 and 125 miles, which is suitable for the usual commute.
With a maximum anticipated range of 335 miles on a single charge, the Tesla Model S comes out on top. Meanwhile, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, a compact two-seater, is rated at only 59 miles. Also, keep in mind that a variety of conditions, like as traveling at greater speeds, operating in cold weather, and using extras like the heater or air conditioning, will reduce an EV’s range.
EVs are more expensive than equivalent hybrids and plug-in hybrids. The Ford Focus Electric, for example, is over $11,000 more expensive than the base gas-powered model. The Tesla Model S ranges in price from over $76,000 to more than $136,000, and that’s without options. EVs can, however, qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit to help offset the higher upfront cost. A few governments also provide additional incentives to EV customers.
However, after an automaker sells 200,000 electric vehicles, the federal tax break expires. Tesla’s incentive will be reduced to $3,750 for models purchased between January 1 and June 30, 2019, due to the fact that it has already sold that many electric cars. It will drop to $1,875 for cars purchased between July 1 and December 31, after which it will be discontinued. GM is also on track to sell 200,000 electric vehicles by the end of the year.
EVs, on the other hand, can pay for themselves in terms of cost of operation. Depending on the model, the 2018 crop of EVs will cost an owner between $500 and $750 in power to travel 15,000 miles annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s between $4,000 and $5,250 less than the average 2018 gasoline-powered vehicle would cost to operate over a five-year period. EVs can also be less expensive to maintain than a gas-powered vehicle because they eliminate over a dozen mechanical components that would otherwise need to be serviced on a regular basis. Oil changes, cooling system flushes, gearbox servicing, and air filter, spark plug, and drive belt replacement are among the services available.
Is it true that a plug-in hybrid saves you money?
Plug-in hybrids save money on gas since they run on both electricity and gasoline, plus they save energy that would otherwise be wasted by traditional vehicles.
Plug-in hybrids, like ordinary hybrids, contain a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but a larger battery to store electricity. They benefit from the low cost of power and the energy efficiency of electric motors while maintaining the ease of gasoline’s broad availability and rapid recharging.
Regenerative braking, which recovers much of the energy lost when you engage the brakes, is another way plug-in hybrids save energy. Regenerative braking reduces the vehicle’s speed by converting its momentum into electricity, which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery.
Plug-in hybrids also conserve fuel by employing a start-stop system, which turns off the engine when it would otherwise be idle and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed.
The ability to plug in a plug-in hybrid to recharge the battery is a significant benefit. Running your vehicle on electricity from your outlet is substantially less expensive than running it on gasoline. Operating a plug-in on electricity costs less than half as much as it does on gasoline, based on typical average rates.
A plug-in hybrid’s battery is larger than a normal hybrid’s. As a result, you can use less gas and more power. When the power is out, it functions like a standard hybrid. You don’t have to plug it in to drive it, but recharging it whenever possible will help you save the most money on gas.
Because the motor in a plug-in hybrid is more powerful than that of a standard hybrid, it can be operated in electric-only mode at higher speeds rather than merely at low speeds.
If you’re considering a plug-in hybrid, keep in mind that not all plug-ins are created equal. Some batteries carry more electricity than others, and some can travel longer distances on electricity alone without the use of gasoline. Because saving money with a plug-in hybrid relies on using electricity rather than gasoline, your driving habits, particularly the distance you travel between recharging the battery, can have a significant impact on your fuel expense.
How much does it cost per month to charge a hybrid car?
In that duration, an EV will utilize approximately 394 kWh. Using the U.S. home average of roughly 14 cents per kWh from January 2022, charging an electric automobile would cost about $55 per month.
Are hybrids less expensive than all-electric vehicles?
Aside from rebates, the technical differences between EVs and ICE vehicles turn cost disparities on their heads over the lifetimes of the vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, “Typical total ownership savings for most EVs run from $6,000 to $10,000 over the life of the vehicle,” including the purchase price.
Between hybrids and electric vehicles, most hybrids still cost less to buy than the average EV, though this is rapidly changing: The price of an electric vehicle has dropped dramatically in recent years, according to Quartz. Hybrids have been on the market for a longer time, thus there are a lot more used vehicles to pick from. That shouldn’t stop you from looking for a high-quality used EV, especially when a certified pre-owned 2018 Nissan Leaf can be had for less than $15,000.
This is only going to become more prevalent; according to Bloomberg NEF, battery prices will have reduced sufficiently in just two years for automakers to sell EVs at the same price and profit margin as ICE vehicles without subsidies.
Hybrids, like any other gas-powered car, may travel hundreds of miles before needing to refuel. Because plug-in hybrids rely on gas for longer excursions, they have both all-electric and gas-electric ranges. On a seven-gallon petrol tank, the 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has a 47-mile all-electric range and a 340-mile gas-electric range. The majority of PHEV drivers’ daily driving is done on battery power alone. The capacity to get through the week with just sporadic use of gasoline, especially for those using Level 2 smart chargers at home, leads to amazing fuel economy.
Today’s all-electric car range is incredible, and it’s only getting better. Even the longest driving days can be handled by most EVs without needing to be recharged until they return home. The 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range can go 520 miles on a single charge, covering the distance from New York to Cleveland and beyond, and can be fully recharged at home overnight. In addition, public fast charging networks are rapidly expanding for those infrequent road journeys.
MPG, gas-electric range, and all-electric range are all ways of calculating how much it will cost to keep your automobile fueled.
Fortunately, the answer is far simpler than comparing ranges across different automobile types: electric vehicles are far less expensive to operate “than any other form of vehicle in terms of gasoline consumption. This is true regardless of where you live, who you get your electricity from, or how big your car is. According to a Consumer Reports study from 2020, “In comparison to a gasoline-powered car, a typical EV user who performs most of their fuelling at home should expect to save $800 to $1,000 per year on fueling costs.” The benefits of smart charging are maximized in terms of fuel savings.
Electric automobiles shine once more. EVs require little maintenance because they have so few moving partsno tune-ups, oil changes, spark plug replacements, belt repairs, and so on. Tire care, air conditioning service, brake cleaning and fluid testing, and engine coolant flushing are all part of EV routine maintenance. That is all there is to it. Cost reductions are instantly apparent as compared to the routine maintenance required for ICE vehicles (not including unscheduled repair). According to Consumer Reports, EV owners spend around half as much as ICE vehicle owners during the life of their vehicles. EVs are around 33% cheaper than PHEVs for the first 100,000 miles, and maintenance costs are even less than half that of ICE vehicles. The difference in maintenance expenses between PHEVs and EVs, according to the analysis, tended to level out over the cars’ whole lifespan.
Electric vehicles are a whole different experience: eerily quiet, no noticeable gear-shifting, and incredible acceleration. Most people prefer the smooth, quiet ride of an electric vehicle over that of an ICE vehicle. In fact, according to J.D. Power, EVs account for 82 percent of all electric vehicles sold “Owners “absolutely” plan to buy another EV in the future. Hybrids, like PHEVs, can provide some of the performance benefits of electric vehicles, especially if they use parallel type engines. However, pure electric vehicles shine the best in this aspect.
Summary
EVs are simply a better investment when all elements are considered, including initial price, range, refueling expenses, maintenance, and experience. Their net emissions are lower, they require less maintenance, they cost less over the vehicle’s lifetime, and they’re simply more enjoyable to drive.
Is it worth it to invest in hybrids in 2021?
If you’re thinking of buying a hybrid automobile because you think it’ll help you save money, reconsider.
The answer to many people’s questions about whether hybrid automobiles are worthwhile is probably no.
In most circumstances, buying a hybrid car will cost you more money than buying a gas-powered vehicle.
It’s because most individuals solely consider the cost of gas when deciding whether or not to purchase a hybrid vehicle.
Filling up every week might cost you roughly $40 or more, depending on the price of gas.
We focus on alternatives to avoid the gas station to alleviate the pain at the pump.
The first option that comes to mind is to purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle.
More efficient fuel consumption means fewer trips to the gas station, which saves you money.
When it comes to saving money on your car, the truth is that gas is only one component of the equation.
High Voltage system repair costs may be more expensive.
Although hybrid vehicles require less frequent maintenance, they can be costly when they need to be repaired, particularly if the problem is with your vehicle’s high voltage system. Depending on the battery type and the make and model of your vehicle, replacing a dead or damaged high voltage battery might cost thousands of dollars.
Hybrid vehicles are jam-packed with complicated components, ranging from massive high-voltage battery packs and inverters to electric motors and better cooling systems, in addition to the typical tech placed in ICE vehicles. Not only can these intricate processes increase the cost of hybrid repairs, but not all mechanics have the necessary tools and skills to effectively repair them.
Fortunately, Firestone Complete Auto Care professionals have the skills and knowledge to handle everything from routine maintenance to high-voltage system repairs on hybrid vehicles. Call today to see if your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care provides these high-voltage system repairs.
They may have a higher upfront cost.
You may have to pay a greater price up front if you move to a hybrid vehicle. Despite the fact that the price of this car type is decreasing, it is still more expensive than normal ICE alternatives. Fortunately, tax exemptions and government incentives, as well as lower operating expenses and fuel savings, may be sufficient to offset this initial outlay.
They may have less power when compared to standard ICE vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles are designed for fewer CO2 emissions and better fuel economy, but they are rarely built for racecar-like acceleration and speed. On traditional cars, many of the performance enhancements that impact maximum horsepower are frequently sacrificed.
Because hybrid cars have two propulsion options, for example, space and size are usually adjusted. The result is that hybrid vehicles have slower top-end acceleration than conventional vehicles.
How much money can you save with a plug-in hybrid?
Those who drive a PHEV on a short commute will save the most money on gas; owners who stay close to home may only fill up the tank once or twice a year. According to the EPA, driving a plug-in hybrid can cost as little as $800 per year in gasoline expenditures, saving a driver up to $8,000 over the course of a five-year ownership period when compared to a car from the 2022 model year. Furthermore, PHEVs are eligible for federal tax credits ranging from $4,500 to $7,500, depending on the capacity of the model’s battery pack, which in many cases is enough to offset any up-front cost increase.
How much money will a hybrid vehicle save me?
The expense of having a vehicle, as experienced car owners know, extends much beyond the monthly payment to your auto lender. You’ll also have to think about things like gas pricing, power bills, repair and maintenance, insurance, and so on.
- Electric vehicles cost $485 per year to drive, compared to $1,117 for gas-powered vehicles, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Keep in mind that some places may not have as many electric vehicle charging stations as others, so convenience is important.
- Repairs and maintenance: According to Consumer Reports, because electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have fewer moving parts than fully fuel-powered vehicles, you should expect to spend approximately half as much on maintenancea savings of $4,600 over the vehicle’s lifetime.
- While an electric or hybrid vehicle might save you money in a variety of ways, you should expect to spend extra for insurance. According to a study by Self Financial, insuring an electric vehicle costs $442 more per year than insuring a gas-powered vehicle.
Keep in mind that the cost of owning an electric or hybrid vehicle varies depending on where you reside. Gas prices, insurance requirements, and other factors that differ by area can all have an impact on how much you have to pay for your new automobile.
Another major consideration is the availability of electric vehicle charging facilities. You won’t have to go out of your way to charge your car’s battery or worry about running out on the road if you live in a region with multiple stations. However, depending on where you live and how often you drive, you may need to devote more time and effort to keeping your battery charged.