When comparing Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in terms of overall cost of ownership, several factors come into play including purchase price, fuel and energy costs, maintenance, and potential tax incentives.
Upfront Purchase Cost
- HEVs generally have a lower manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) than PHEVs. This is because PHEVs have larger battery packs to enable electric-only driving ranges, which increase their initial cost. HEVs add some cost over conventional gas models due to their hybrid systems but remain cheaper than PHEVs on average.
Fuel and Energy Costs
- HEVs rely primarily on a combination of gasoline engine and electric motor, improving fuel economy compared to gas-only cars.
- PHEVs can run on electric power for a limited range before switching to hybrid mode. If frequently charged and driven within electric range, PHEVs can significantly reduce gasoline consumption.
- However, some comparisons have shown that depending on electricity rates and driving habits, PHEVs may not always be cheaper to operate per mile than highly efficient HEVs. For example, at higher electricity prices (e.g., California rates), PHEVs like the Prius Prime may cost more per mile in electric mode compared to its hybrid counterpart’s gasoline mode.
- Overall, PHEVs tend to have lower annual fuel/energy costs than HEVs and gasoline vehicles if driven with regular charging.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
- Both HEVs and PHEVs tend to have lower maintenance and repair costs than conventional gas vehicles due to less wear on the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking.
- PHEVs have been found to cost even less to maintain and repair than traditional gas vehicles, with some data suggesting PHEVs can undercut even EVs in maintenance costs after 100,000 miles due to their smaller battery size compared to full electric vehicles.
- Maintenance cost differences between HEVs and PHEVs are generally minor but can favor PHEVs slightly due to less combustion engine use when operating in electric mode.
Overall Annual Cost of Ownership
- An analysis showed that the annual cost of ownership (including fuel and recommended maintenance) for a plug-in hybrid SUV was about $1,648, compared to $2,202 for a hybrid compact SUV and $3,486 or more for gasoline vehicles driving approximately 20,000 km per year.
- This suggests that despite higher upfront costs, PHEVs can be more cost-effective annually than HEVs if driven efficiently.
Summary Table
| Aspect | HEVs | PHEVs |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Generally lower MSRP | Higher MSRP due to larger battery |
| Fuel/Energy Cost | Lower than gas only, no charging needed | Lower if regularly charged, electric driving reduces gas |
| Maintenance Cost | Lower than gas, moderate battery | Lower than gas, possibly slightly less than HEVs |
| Annual Ownership Cost | Moderate | Lower when driven mostly electric |
| Incentives | Some incentives available | Often eligible for more tax credits |
In conclusion, PHEVs typically have higher upfront costs than HEVs but can offer lower overall cost of ownership through reduced fuel/energy costs and competitive maintenance expenses, especially if the vehicle is frequently charged and driven within its electric range. HEVs, on the other hand, provide a lower entry price and simplified ownership without the need for regular charging but usually have slightly higher fuel costs over time. The best choice depends on driving patterns, energy costs in your area, and how often you can charge a PHEV.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-phevs-compare-to-hevs-in-terms-of-overall-cost-of-ownership/
