power is depleted, but it also recaptures energy during braking to extend its range. Sam Abuelsamid, a senior analyst at
Navigant Research, says, “Tere is abso- lutely a shiſt happening from hybrids to battery electrics and plug-in hybrids. Our forecast is for [sales of] hybrids to be relatively flat over the next decade, with electric growth mainly coming from plug-in hybrids.” With more consumers looking to buy
a car with a plug, there are a number of options now available in an increasingly crowded field. Currently, there are 20 PHEV on the market, as well as 17 battery electrics—though not all of the latter models are available in all states. Meantime, the SUV itself is plugging in.
Eric Evarts, editor of
GreenCarReports.com, says, “Electric cars’ market share may look small now, but no fewer than 15 automak- ers are planning to introduce electric SUVs for 2019. SUVs are really what American car buyers want.” At the same time, regulatory changes
mean electric cars will be available in more states, says Evarts. Projections call for rapid expansion of fast-charging networks like Tesla’s Superchargers to become more widespread for all kinds of electric cars in the next three to five years. Battery cars are best suited for people
that drive locally and have a place to put a 240-volt charger. For those that make the occasional long trip, a plug-in hybrid is the better choice. Here are some models worth consid-
ering. All of them are eligible for federal tax credits, as well as some state incentives, though they’re lower for plug-in hybrids. All prices are 2018 manufacturer’s list, before rebates.
Plug-In Hybrids: Batteries Plus a Backup
Toyota Prius Prime ($27,300). Tis updated version of the popular Prius offers 25 miles of electric-only range, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) combined energy/fuel efficiency rating of 133 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), 54 mpg on gas only and 640 miles between either fill-ups or charges.
December 2018 35
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid ($39,995). Te only available hybrid minivan, the Pacifica’s all-electric range is 33 miles, and the gas-only rating is 32 mpg, an MPGe rating of 84, with a combined range of 570 miles.
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid ($24,950). It offers a battery-power range of 29 miles. On gas only, it delivers 52 mpg, with 119 MPGe.
Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid ($64,950). Tis luxury model offers an electric range of 18 miles, with a 62 MPGe and 27 mpg on gasoline. Other models to consider: Honda Clar-
ity, Chevrolet Volt, Cadillac CT6, BMW X5 xDrive40e and Kia Niro.
Zero-Emission EV Contend- ers Available in 50 States
Brad Berman, owner of
PlugInCars.com, says he doesn’t even notice that his car is electric anymore. “It really moves and I drive it just like any car, except that I
never have to go to the gas station. When I pull into my driveway, it takes about five seconds to plug it in.” Chevrolet Bolt ($37,495). Te Bolt beat Tesla to market with an electric car that offered more than 200 miles of range at a price below $40,000.
Tesla Model 3 ($49,000). Te Model 3 is fast, stylish and ultra-modern—with most controls located on the central screen. It delivers a range of 220 miles.
Jaguar I-Pace ($69,500). At a recent media launch event, the I-Pace electric crossover proved highly capable both on and off the road. Its range is 240 miles. Others to consider include the Hyundai
Kona EV, VW e-Golf, Kia Soul EV, Nissan Leaf (especially the Leaf e-Plus) and Tesla Model S. Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author,
freelance journalist and speaker specializing in clean automotive and other environmental topics. Connect at
JimMotavalli.com.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
