Category: PHEV

May 14

Maximize Your Journey with Toyota Prius Prime’s Remarkable Fuel Economy

Unleashing the Power of Fuel Efficiency

If stretching a tank of gas beyond 500 miles sounds ideal, then the Toyota Prius Prime is the vehicle for you. In a world where gas prices are anything but stable, having a car that boasts exceptional fuel efficiency is a significant advantage. The Prius Prime not only meets this need but exceeds it, allowing drivers to travel more than 500 miles on a single fill-up, making it a champion of fuel economy.

Affordable and Efficient: The Toyota Prius Prime Advantage

The allure of the Toyota Prius Prime extends beyond its impressive mileage. Starting at a modest $32,975, this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offers an accessible price point without sacrificing quality. It’s an ideal choice for those who prefer a smaller vehicle footprint but still desire the freedom and efficiency of a PHEV for long road trips or daily commutes.

Driving Dynamics and Cost Savings

Driving the Prius Prime means enjoying significant financial savings alongside advanced fuel technology. The EPA suggests that drivers could save an average of $6,250 in fuel costs over five years compared to other passenger vehicles. This model combines a gas engine achieving 52 mpg and an electric motor that offers 127 MPGe, providing a dual benefit of cost efficiency and reduced environmental impact. With a combined driving range of up to 600 miles, the Prius Prime ensures that visits to the gas station are few and far between.

Performance and Charging Convenience

While the Prius Prime won’t outpace a sports car, its 220 horsepower from a hybrid engine setup ensures a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. Charging is straightforward with a Level 2 charger, which replenishes the battery in about four hours. For those using a standard 120-volt outlet, charging takes longer—up to 11 hours—but is perfectly manageable overnight, making it ready for the next day’s adventures.

The Ideal Plug-In Hybrid Choice

The Toyota Prius Prime not only meets but exceeds the expectations for a PHEV with its affordable pricing, extended range, robust power, and appealing design. It stands out as a top choice for drivers looking to maximize their fuel efficiency while enjoying a reliable, stylish ride that makes long-distance travel worry-free.

This overview provides valuable insights for anyone considering the Toyota Prius Prime as a viable option for maximizing travel distance while keeping running costs low. It highlights the vehicle’s blend of efficiency, affordability, and driving pleasure, ensuring it remains a favored choice in the competitive PHEV market.

Apr 26

Enhancing EV Accessibility: New Charging Stations Transform Apartment Living

Navigating EV Charging Challenges in Urban Living

The transition to owning an all-electric vehicle in an urban apartment setting poses significant challenges due to the scarcity of personal charging stations. Many residents, constrained by the availability of only public charging options, find this lack of accessibility a major hurdle. However, developments are underway as more residential complexes begin to equip themselves with dedicated EV charging stations, easing the reliance on external charging points.

Expansion of EV Charging Facilities in Residential Areas

It is estimated that 20% of American motorists reside in apartment complexes, where the adoption of electric vehicles has been notably slow due to inadequate charging infrastructure. Presently, only a small fraction of these living spaces, under 5%, are equipped with EV chargers, limiting the practicality of owning an electric vehicle. The growing demand for in-house charging solutions is prompting property managers to adopt these technologies to attract and retain environmentally conscious tenants.

Strategic Partnerships to Improve EV Infrastructure

Facing the complexities of installing and maintaining EV charging stations, several real estate companies are now partnering with firms like EnviroSpark, which specializes in the deployment of EV charging solutions across residential properties. These collaborations are proving instrumental in alleviating the cost and operational challenges associated with the adoption of such infrastructure, ensuring tenants have reliable access to charging facilities. This initiative is pivotal in smoothing the transition for residents towards sustainable transportation options, ultimately supporting broader environmental objectives and enhancing tenant convenience.

Enhanced Insights and Outlook on EV Adoption

Home Charging: Central to the EV Experience

Data from the Department of Energy reveals that the majority of electric vehicle owners, approximately 80%, prefer charging their cars at home due to the convenience it offers over public charging stations. The process of charging an electric vehicle at home, although time-consuming, provides a level of ease not attainable with traditional fueling methods. Expanding these home charging capabilities within apartment complexes is critical for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Potential Impact on Electric Vehicle Adoption

The incorporation of comprehensive EV charging infrastructures in multi-unit dwellings marks a crucial advancement for the electric vehicle industry. This enhancement not only makes electric vehicles more appealing but also addresses significant barriers to adoption. As residential complexes continue to integrate these facilities, the landscape of urban electric vehicle ownership is expected to transform, fostering significant growth in the sector and supporting sustainable urban transportation.

Apr 22

Kia Sportage Wins Us News’ Plug-In Hybrid of the Year for Its Affordability

This crossover PHEV could save you money in more ways than one.

What is a “Sportage?” According to Kia, the model name is a combinations of “sport” and the suffix “age” which means, “a state or condition of.” Sportage is the perfect word for the automaker’s most outdoorsy vehicle.

Kia and its distant Hyundai cousins have been absolutely killing it in the electric vehicle segment. So it’s no surprise that Kia just nabbed US News‘ plug-in hybrid of the year.

A white EV is charging in close left side view charging in front of a building
EV charging | Askolds via iStock

The Sportage is not the only PHEV the publication reviewed. The 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge went home with “Best Luxruy Plug-In Hybrid.” But for the regular segment, US News was taken with the Sportage’s affordability.

The most obvious metric of affordability is price. And with a $39,590 MSRP, this crossover is competitive. But it is engineered to save its drivers even more. The Sportage has a hefty all-electric range of 34 miles. That means most commuters will only need to fill up for roadtrips. Even when you are burning gas, the Kia Sportage PHEV gets 35 mpg. That’s one way to stretch your dollars.

The Kia Sportage is not without its flaws. For example, the 2023 Sportage had more owner complaints than most vehicles.

Apr 21

Aston Martin Cars Say Psych to Electrification Push

Aston Martin pulled an old switcheroo on promises to electrify. Instead, the brand will keep building gas-powered GT cars and SUVs.

Some things just work. A Supermarine Spitfire singing its song at low altitude. A cold beer on a hot day. Oh, and a powerful engine pulling Aston Martin GT cars in a posh performance of engine notes and tire chirp. Well, the company’s executive chairman confirmed that the gas-powered Aston isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Lawrence Stroll says luxury performance car marque Aston Martin will continue producing gas-powered cars in the 2030s

Aston Martin cars won’t be ditching its sonorous V8s anytime soon. However, before anti-EV folks tout the death of electric vehicles, the brand is planning on releasing its first electric vehicles in the not-too-distant future. But they won’t be replacing the internal combustion engine (ICE) side of their lineup anytime soon.

Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll (yes, that Stroll) claims that the brand’s faithful aren’t ready to part with the “sounds and smells” of a gas-powered GT car, per Car and Driver. That’s great news for the brand’s fans. What’s more, spy shots suggest that the company might be reviving its 12-cylinder aspirations for the next generation of the marque’s range-topping GT cars.

An Aston Martin DB12 'Super Tourer' car takes a corner.
An Aston Martin DB12 | Aston Martin

Consequently, the announcement isn’t a huge shock. Many of the automakers that established radical all-or-mostly EV production targets by the decade’s end are behind on their goals. Moreover, EV adoption across the industry is losing vital momentum. Stroll asserts there will “always be demand” for ICE cars like Aston Martin’s V8-powered DB12 platform, per Autocar.

Of course, the company still has plans to release four vehicles on its bespoke electric architecture. “We planned to launch at the end of 2025 and were ready to do so, but it seems there is a lot more hype in EVs, politically driven or whatever, than consumer demand, particularly at an Aston Martin price point.”

However, the move to keep ICE propulsion in Aston Martin cars isn’t a total abandonment of green technology. Stroll told Autocar the company “decided to invest very heavily in PHEVs.” As such, Stroll says Aston Martin’s hybrid initiatives will “play out for a long while and we will have an extensive offering.” Most excitingly, the brand’s executive chair says we’ll see a hybridized V12 in the future.

Jul 21

What to Expect from the 2024 Dodge Hornet: Pricing and Features for Every Model

Affordable Performance with the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT

Dodge is breaking new ground with its latest release, the 2024 Hornet, marking a departure from its traditional lineup. The base model, the Hornet GT, is priced at $30,735 and comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It features a striking design with arrow-shaped headlights and a robust grille, complemented by a 10.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an exhilarating driving experience without the luxury price tag.

Top-Tier Features of the Dodge Hornet R/T Plus

For those seeking the ultimate in performance and luxury, the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus is the flagship model, starting at $45,935. This trim introduces a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, combining a 15.5 kWh battery with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine to produce 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 32 miles of all-electric range. The R/T Plus also boasts premium amenities like a power sunroof, wireless charging, and Brembo brakes, making it a standout option for those desiring a high-performance, eco-friendly crossover. With additional packages and options, such as premium paint and the Track Pack, the fully loaded Hornet R/T Plus can reach approximately $51,715, offering a top-tier driving experience.

Jul 11

US: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Set Sales Record In Q2 2023

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) reports that its vehicle sales in the United States during the second quarter of 2023 improved by over 12 percent year-over-year to 24,602. Nonetheless, the year-to-date result remains in the red at 45,540 (down 5.7%).

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi’s only plug-in model – the new 2023 Outlander PHEV – in Q2 noted 1,620 sales (up 298 percent year-over-year), which is the second consecutive quarterly record.

The Japanese plug-in hybrid is not expected to conquer the US market, but it’s doing better than ever, representing 6.6 percent of the brand’s total volume.

The regular Outlander also sells well (14,368 units and a new record in Q2), outselling the PHEV 9:1.

So far this year, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sales in the US amounted to 3,217 (186 percent more than a year ago), and 7.1 percent of Mitsubishi’s total volume.

Let’s note that this is actually not that bad result. For example, the PHEV share out of Toyota sales in the first half of the year was just 1.5 percent (plus additional 0.4 percent BEVs).

Mitsubishi has already beat its 2022 plug-in hybrid car sales (1,961 units) and is on the right path to set a new annual record (the current one is 4,166 units in 2018). 6,000 units should not be a problem, assuming 1,500+ per quarter.

Cumulatively, the company sold over 18,000 Outlander PHEVs in the country, compared to well over 300,000 sold globally (mainly in Europe) since 2013.

Before the end of this decade, Mitsubishi intends to offer more rechargeable models. We heard about several all-electric vehicles by 2028, including pickups and SUVs. It would be great to see some new BEVs, which potentially would enable the brand to truly rebound.

As we understand, the market launch of new BEVs in the US – in partnership with other brands in the broader Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – must be combined with local production, to be eligible for all incentives. That would be a significant investment and potentially will be related to Nissan’s manufacturing plant (Mitsubishi sold its plant in Illinois to Rivian quite some time ago).