Charging a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is significantly cheaper than refueling a conventional gas car. The exact cost depends entirely on your local electricity rate and the car's battery size. On average, fully charging a PHEV with a 10-15 kWh battery at the U.S. national average electricity rate of 16 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will cost between $1.60 and $2.40. This electric charge typically provides 20-40 miles of range, after which the vehicle operates like a regular hybrid.
The primary factor is your electricity cost, which varies widely by state and time of day. Charging at home overnight is almost always the most affordable option. Public Level 2 chargers are more expensive, and DC Fast Chargers, while rare for PHEVs, are the costliest.
To understand the savings, it's best to compare the cost per mile. Here’s a comparison based on standard figures:
| Cost Factor | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Conventional Gas Car |
|---|
| Energy Cost (National Avg.) | $0.16 per kWh | $3.50 per gallon |
| Fuel Economy (Avg. Equivalent) | ~30-40 miles per full charge | ~30 MPG |
| Cost per 30 Miles (Energy Only) | ~$1.20 - $1.60 | ~$3.50 |
For a real-world example, charging a Toyota RAV4 Prime (with an 18.1 kWh battery) at home would cost about $2.90 to get around 42 miles of electric range. Driving the same distance on gas at 30 MPG would cost nearly $5.00. Over a year, if you can do most of your daily commuting on electricity, the savings are substantial. The key is to know your utility's per-kWh rate and consider if your provider offers cheaper off-peak pricing.
