The average repair and maintenance costs for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) over their lifespan are significantly lower than those for conventional gasoline-powered cars. Consumer Reports data, analyzed based on ownership up to 200,000 miles, shows that the lifetime maintenance and repair cost for the average PHEV is around $4,600, compared to about $9,200 for a conventional gasoline vehicle. This corresponds roughly to a cost of 3 cents per mile for PHEVs, which is about half the cost per mile of gasoline vehicles, which average around 6 cents per mile.
This cost advantage is somewhat surprising given that PHEVs are mechanically more complex than conventional cars, as they combine both an internal combustion engine and an electric drivetrain along with associated components like power electronics and batteries. However, repair and maintenance costs for hybrids and plug-in hybrids are reported to be stable or falling, whereas the costs for gasoline vehicle repairs tend to rise over time.
Key factors affecting PHEV repair costs include:
- The hybrid battery pack warranty, which in the U.S. covers at least 8 years or 100,000 miles, and in some states and manufacturers extends up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Battery replacement is rare within this period but can be expensive if needed after warranty.
- Certain hybrid-specific components, such as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and power electronics, may require specialized knowledge and can be more costly to repair once out of warranty.
- Routine maintenance and minor repairs for PHEVs are generally not more expensive than for conventional vehicles.
In summary, despite the hybrid complexity and occasional expensive components like batteries, the overall average repair and maintenance costs for plug-in hybrids are about $4,600 over 200,000 miles, or around three cents per mile, which is roughly half of what is typical for gasoline-powered cars. This makes PHEVs among the least expensive vehicle types to maintain over the long term.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-average-repair-costs-for-plug-in-hybrids-over-their-lifespan/
