Plug-in hybrids are affordable for a greener future

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transit, but their high cost is a hurdle for many. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer a cost-effective alternative during this transition. PHEVs blend a gasoline engine with an electric motor, enabling electric power for daily commutes and gasoline for longer journeys. This dual functionality reduces range anxiety, lowers daily fuel costs and emissions, and is generally more affordable than full EVs, making them accessible to a wider consumer base.

PHEVs aren't limited by sparse charging infrastructure, a common obstacle for full EV adoption. They can be recharged at home using standard outlets, adding convenience. For example, a 2016 Chevy Volt has 55 miles of electric range and 450 miles of total range. This electric range covers most miles driven by Americans. With Alliant’s Nights and Weekends program, charging at home costs $18 compared with $76 at the pump. The 2016 Volt’s current price is $13,000.

PHEVs are a bridge technology toward a greener future, offering immediate environmental benefits, practical usability, and an economical entry to electrified transportation, all vital for a fully electric future.

Eric Johnson

Oxford