Is it cheaper to road trip in a hybrid than to fast charge an EV?

Sometimes a hybrid is cheaper for a road trip, even if an EV will still win out for daily driving .

However, the answer depends on several factors, including fuel and electricity costs, vehicle efficiency, and charging infrastructure.

Cost Comparison: Hybrid vs. EV Fast Charging

Public fast charging stations often charge between $0.30 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For instance, if your EV consumes 35.8 kWh to travel 100 miles, at $0.49 per kWh, the cost would be approximately $17.54 for that distance. The lower the comsumption (in kWh/mi), and the lower the price of electricity, the more favorable it will be to drive electric.

In contrast, a hybrid vehicle averaging 50 miles per gallon (MPG) with gas priced at $3.50 per gallon would cost about $7.00 to cover the same 100 miles. This suggests that, in some scenarios, hybrids can be more economical for long-distance travel. The higher the MPG of the hybrid, and the lower the price of gas, the better the comparison will be for a hybrid.

Factors Influencing Costs

• Electricity Rates: Fast charging rates vary by location and provider. Some networks offer memberships or discounts that can reduce costs.
• Vehicle Efficiency: EVs with higher efficiency (higher MPGe, or lower kWh/mile) can mitigate higher charging costs.
• Gas Prices: The cost of gas will also affect the total price for a hybrid vehicle.

Tips for EV Road Trips

For an EV road trip, evaluate your specific route, vehicle efficiency, and available charging options to help determine the most cost-effective choice for your journey.

• Many charging apps will share the expected cost at each location.
• Some charging networks offer “member” plans that can lower per-kWh costs.
• Charging during off-peak hours can sometimes be cheaper.
• Try to pull into a fast charger when your state of charge is lower than 20% and don’t fast charge past 80%.
• Look for overnight accommodations with inexpensive or free level 2 charging.

While some hybrids may offer cost advantages on road trips due to lower fuel expenses, the everyday savings from recharging an EV at home will outweigh the occasional cost of public fast charging., unless road trips are a regular and frequent part of your life.

Sources:

• https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-much-is-free-ev-charging-worth
• https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-ev

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