Two coworkers have similar commutes. They cover roughly the same distance and sit in the same traffic. Both start looking for a more efficient car.
One has a dedicated parking space and can arrange charging at home. The other parks on the street and would need to fit charging into an already crowded schedule.
Their circumstances could lead them to different vehicles. To compare powertrains, start with where you drive, where you park, and how you would refuel or charge.
Begin with overnight parking
Before comparing electric range, establish where charging would happen.
At home, check electrical capacity, installation requirements, and the time the vehicle normally stays parked. The Department of Energy's home charging guidance explains that Level 1 charging can meet some drivers' daily needs. Level 2 can accommodate longer commutes or shorter charging windows. A qualified electrician can assess the installation.
Work out how much energy you need to replace during the hours available. That helps you choose appropriate equipment.
Without home charging, visit the locations you expect to use. Check vehicle compatibility, opening hours, payment arrangements, and how charging would fit your schedule. The Department of Energy provides guidance on public charging equipment and access.
Workplace or neighborhood charging may suit you. Test the plan before relying on it, including what you would do when your usual location is unavailable.
Understand how a hybrid works
A conventional hybrid combines an engine with electric propulsion. It receives battery energy through regenerative braking and the engine, so you do not plug it in. The Department of Energy explains the components and operation.
This can suit a shopper who wants improved efficiency while keeping a familiar refueling routine. Compare the actual model's price and fuel economy with the other vehicles on your list.
A plug in hybrid adds external charging. It can drive using stored electricity and continue using its engine when needed. Operation varies by model and conditions; the Department of Energy's plug in hybrid overview describes the arrangement.
Suppose your usual driving fits within a candidate's electric capability and you can charge regularly. You have a practical reason to investigate it. If you would rarely charge, compare its gasoline operation, equipment, and price with a conventional hybrid before paying extra.
A battery electric vehicle uses electricity without a gasoline engine. Your charging plan therefore needs to support all your driving.
Compare the cost of the same journey
Translate efficiency figures into the cost of covering a common distance.
Assume gasoline costs $3.60 per gallon. A car averaging 30 mpg would use $12 of fuel over 100 miles. A hybrid averaging 45 mpg would use $8.
Now assume an electric vehicle draws 30 kilowatt hours from the charger to cover 100 miles, including charging losses. At 16 cents per kilowatt hour, the electricity costs $4.80. At 50 cents, it costs $15.
These are hypothetical prices and consumption figures. They show how much the charging rate can affect the comparison.
Use the government's vehicle comparison tool to examine specific models. Apply your mileage and expected energy prices, including the mix of home and public charging you anticipate.
Keep purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and charging installation separate from this calculation. Add them when comparing overall ownership costs.
Rehearse your longer trips
Perhaps most of your driving is local, but you visit family hundreds of miles away several times a year. Work through that route for each finalist.
For an electric vehicle, identify compatible charging locations and likely stops. Consider whether those stops suit your passengers and what alternatives exist if a location is unavailable.
Investigate winter driving as well. FuelEconomy.gov explains how cold weather affects gasoline vehicles, hybrids, and electric vehicles. The effects vary by vehicle and conditions. Cabin heating is an important consideration for electric range.
Focus on journeys you expect to make. Some households are comfortable planning charging stops. Others place more value on keeping their current travel routine. Include that preference in the decision.
Compare the vehicles you would own
A gasoline vehicle may suit your budget, configuration needs, and driving routine. A conventional hybrid deserves consideration when charging is inconvenient. A plug in hybrid may work for someone who can use electricity regularly and wants an engine for other journeys. An electric vehicle may suit someone who can charge where the car already spends time.
Check those possibilities against actual models. Vehicles using the same type of powertrain can differ in cost, space, equipment, and the way they drive.
Once the practical requirements are met, try the response, controls, noise, and seating. You will experience those qualities every day alongside the benefits of the powertrain.
Find My Car Match lets you consider driving needs and refine results by fuel type. Take the quiz, then work through a normal week and your longer trips with each finalist.