The maintenance costs of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are generally lower than those of regular (traditional) hybrids and conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Despite PHEVs being mechanically more complex—combining a gasoline engine, transmission, electric motor, power electronics, and a battery pack—their lifetime maintenance and repair costs are surprisingly lower.
Key points comparing PHEV maintenance costs to regular hybrids and conventional cars:
- A comprehensive study by Consumer Reports found that both all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles cost about three cents per mile to maintain and repair, whereas conventional gasoline vehicles cost about twice as much per mile. Over a lifetime of 200,000 miles, the average maintenance cost for PHEVs is around $4,600, compared to $9,200 for traditional gasoline vehicles.
- The lower maintenance cost of PHEVs compared to regular cars (and likely regular hybrids) is attributed to greater use of the electric motor, which has fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance needs. This electric-first driving reduces wear and tear on the gasoline engine and transmission in PHEVs. Regenerative braking in PHEVs also reduces brake pad wear, further lowering maintenance expenses.
- Although not explicitly detailed in the search results, regular hybrids typically have lower maintenance costs than conventional gasoline vehicles due to similar reasons—electric assistance reduces engine load—but PHEVs appear to outperform regular hybrids in this regard because they operate more frequently in electric mode, minimizing gasoline engine use even further.
- One source notes that repair and maintenance costs can vary considerably among makes and models. Electric vehicles generally require less frequent repairs than hybrids or plug-in hybrids, but PHEVs still offer significant savings compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Battery replacement costs, which are sometimes a concern for hybrids, can be significant but are often needed only after many years of use. This applies to both regular hybrids and PHEVs; however, the extended electric driving range of PHEVs means potentially less frequent engine use and associated maintenance.
In summary, PHEVs tend to have lower maintenance costs than regular hybrids and conventional gasoline cars, primarily due to their greater reliance on electric drive that reduces engine wear and brake maintenance. Despite their mechanical complexity, PHEVs offer cost advantages by combining electric propulsion efficiency with gasoline backup, making them economical to maintain over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Sources:
- GreenCars.com
- Chase.com
- MyEVDiscussion
- BravoElPaso.com
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-maintenance-costs-of-plug-in-hybrids-compare-to-regular-hybrids/
