[Chis2k]

This may be the last year with the PHEV tax incentive. Wondering if I should buy it now...Don't have access to a charging station or outlet at home for it...but there's some stations a few blocks away (I think they are pay stations...some are free but not sure if these are).

Wondering if I buy one...will the bigger battery collect more regen energy and give more EV time than the HEV? I plan on moving in the next few years to a place that would accommodate the car and charging....but not this year. PHEV owners...how efficient does it run if you don't have access to charging?

Niro HEV Pros: Color I want (Deep cerulian blue), Sunroof, a little cheaper

Niro PHEV Pros: Tax incentive, Plug in capable, a little more power.


HARD CHOICES! LOL

 

[yticolev]

There is no case for the PHEV if you cannot plug in at home or work. The increased power is a wash as it only compensates for the added weight of the PHEV, and mpg suffers because of that weight (having charging at home or work would compensate for that).

 

[olimpiaKIA]

Sounds like the regular hybrid is the best option for you.
Is it confirmed that the tax incentive will go away after this year?

 

[yticolev]

The cap for PHEVs is 200,000 per manufacturer in US sales before the federal tax incentives end. There is not other expiration, but of course the law could be changed at any time. Probably would be a good thing if the law was changed. You have folks like the OP here reasonably considering buying a car that neither they nor society will benefit from (other than possible tax savings).

 

[nguthrie]

Niro HEV Pros: Color I want (Deep cerulian blue), Sunroof, a little cheaper

Niro PHEV Pros: Tax incentive, Plug in capable, a little more power.


HARD CHOICES! LOL

Additional pro for the HEV: better gas mileage since you are not lugging around an extra 200 pounds of battery when not in use. I did the math on the HEV LX vs. the PHEV LX and you have to do ~10% of your miles on full electric for the efficiency to be the same. If you are going to rarely plug it in then I would say don't do it. Also, the HEV has more storage area below the floor of the trunk that will fit a spare tire. The PHEV doesn't have this space since it is filled with battery.

Additonal pro for the PHEV: With the federal plus MA tax credits is was cheaper for m to buy the PHEV than the HEV and it came more features (like auto braking, lane keep assist, smart cruise control)