![]() ![]() To try to better explain PEVs, it is best to separate PEVs into two types: 1) pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs or “EVs”) which have only a battery and traction motor/ or motors for propulsion (1), and 2) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) which have a combination of an electrically driven motor/ or motors combined with a petroleum (or fossil fuel) based engine (2). The many new variations of PEVs, hybrids, advanced Diesels, and newest generation of advanced gasoline engines add to the confusion of which vehicle type is most appropriate for their needs. Most drivers simply want to reliably, economically, and conveniently drive and refuel their cars. ![]() It is reasonable to assume that most drivers are not, will never want to become, nor should be required to become experts in vehicle powertrain architectures. There are substantial differences in the powertrain architectures, driving characteristics and modes, and the “electric range” of each type. In conversations with other drivers, it is clear that there is considerable confusion about the different types of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Now, with over 30,000 miles on my 2011 Volt, I have learned a great deal about the way this vehicle functions the most favorable usage environments, actual efficiencies, and ongoing maintenance requirements. The hype has died down since the delivery of the first Chevrolet Volts in late 2010. 2020 Nissan Leaf S Plus with an EPA range of 226 miles starting at $38,200Ĭomments or suggestions can be sent to me via a direct twitter message at twitter.Volt User Experience, No Hype, Just the Facts.2020 Hyundai Kona EV with an EPA range of 258 miles starting at $37,190.2020 Chevy Bolt with an EPA range of 259 miles starting at $36,620.2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range model with 322 miles of EPA estimated range starting at $46,990.2020 Tesla Model 3 base model (Standard Range Plus) with 250 miles of EPA estimated range starting at $37,990.Pure EV options in 2020 for long range include: For me, it was over 50 MPG when using the generator.Īnswer: until a sub-$40k electric car offers 400 miles of range and until charging stations are more common, a plug-in hybrid is not a bad choice.īut pure EV options are definitely improving: I often took my Chevy Volt on long trips and appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to deal with the anxiety of finding a charging station (aka range anxiety). I would push back on that by saying plug-in hybrids are eminently practical. Because you’re still driving a “dirty” car, i.e., one with an internal combustion engine (ICE). There is also the added convenience that many Volt owners cite: no need to worry about finding a charging station (and wasting an hour recharging) on long road trips.Įlectric car purists would say no. And it can become a pure electric for many people who drive relatively short distances every day. However, if you spend most of your time driving locally (e.g., in and around Los Angeles like I did) and rely mostly on the battery, it becomes mostly an electric. So, if you spend a lot of time in gas mode - driving relatively long distances - by definition that’s not an electric car. In the case of the Volt, when it switches to its gas-engine-powered generator it’s using gas. 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 32 miles of battery-only range, total range is 520 miles, starting at $39,995Īnswer: it depends on how far you drive every day.2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid: 29 miles of battery-only range, total range is 630 miles, starting at around $26,500.2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: 37 miles of battery-only range, total range is 530 miles, starting at around $33,000.2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 42 miles of battery-only range, total range is 600 miles, starting at $38,100.2020 Toyota Prius Prime: 25 miles of EPA-estimated battery-only range, total of EPA-estimated 640 mile range, starting at $27,900.Toyota and Ford, among others, have some strong offerings. The plug-in hybrid isn’t going away, though. ![]()
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