The annual fuel costs for different plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models vary widely depending on real-world usage, driving habits, charging frequency, and vehicle specifics. Here is a summary based on recent data and analysis:
General Findings on PHEV Fuel Costs
- The UK’s best-selling PHEVs cost on average about £500 more annually to fuel than manufacturers’ official claims suggest. This discrepancy exists because manufacturers often use ideal conditions not reflective of typical driving behavior.
- Compared to equivalent conventional petrol vehicles, these PHEVs save owners approximately £593 per year in fuel costs in real-world scenarios, although manufacturers claim savings closer to £1,092 per year.
- When compared to all-electric vehicles (BEVs), PHEVs have notably higher annual fuelling costs—about £672 more per year than electric equivalents.
- Switching from petrol vehicles directly to BEVs yields fuel (electricity) cost savings of around £1,264 per year, which is more than twice the savings from switching to PHEVs.
Variability by Model and Use
PHEVs have a typical electric-only range of 20 to 40 miles before the gasoline engine engages. The extent to which a driver charges the vehicle and uses the electric mode influences the fuel costs heavily. If a PHEV is rarely plugged in and driven mostly on the combustion engine, fuel costs will increase substantially compared to frequent charging and electric driving.
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost Range
According to Consumer Reports and other sources:
- PHEV annual fuel costs depend strongly on charging frequency but generally fall between the fuel cost savings of a conventional hybrid and a full electric vehicle. Exact figures can vary from about $300 to over $1,200 annually, depending on the model and usage patterns.
- Some PHEV owners who charge regularly and drive mostly in electric mode can achieve annual fueling costs closer to the lower end of this range.
Tools for Personalized Estimates
Government and energy sites offer calculators to estimate personalized PHEV fuel costs based on:
- Driving habits and mileage
- Frequency of charging
- Local electricity and gasoline prices
These tools can help a prospective buyer or owner estimate their annual fuel costs more accurately.
Summary Table (Indicative Annual Fuel Cost Differences)
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fuel Cost Difference (vs Petrol) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Saves ~£593 ($700-900) | Depends on charging frequency. |
| Equivalent Petrol Vehicle | Baseline | Higher fuel consumption than PHEV. |
| All-Electric Vehicle (BEV) | Saves ~£1,264 ($1,500+) | Lowest fuel cost option. |
| Manufacturer Claims for PHEV | Claims savings ~£1,092 | Typically optimistic, real savings lower. |
In conclusion, PHEVs offer moderate fuel cost savings compared to conventional petrol cars, but these savings are much lower than those offered by full electric vehicles. Actual annual fuel costs for PHEVs vary greatly depending on how often the vehicle is plugged in and used in electric mode, generally resulting in an average of several hundred pounds or dollars saved annually compared to petrol vehicles, but costing more to operate annually than full electric models.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-annual-fuel-costs-for-different-phev-models/
