Which Plug-in Is Best For You

I have a minimum 34 mile daily route and prefer the driving dynamics of full EV power. Yesterday, additional errands in the evening pushed my daily total to 52 miles that with about 90 minutes of opportunity charging in between still allowed for 100% EV.

Bigger battery/longer range is best for me. YMMV

 

This year, they can choose among the following electric ranges (as rated by the EPA):
11 miles/50 mpg: Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
13 miles/46 mpg: 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid
21 miles/43 mpg: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi and 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
38 miles/37 mpg: 2013 Chevrolet Volt

Which Plug-in Is Best For You?
About 25 ev / 50 mpg hv

 

Does anyone make the decision purely by judging the EV range? I doubt it. People look at price, styling, whether it's on sale, the vehicle's size, whether they can afford it, the interior, how much the vehicle costs...

The Plug-in Prius has very bad EV range. It's frustratingly bad. But the vehicle is very reliable and hybrid mileage is excellent.

 

I think they look at EV range first, then at total range just in case they need to make a trip without additional charging. i.e. if the PHEV only held one gallon of gasoline it would be a problem.

After that then it becomes a question of fit and price.

In the future, charging rate will become a more important differentiator as well, as demonstrated by the Tesla models.

 

I would agree with you if you had replaced "anyone" with "many people".
Otherwise, I can confidently say you are wrong as I picked the Volt purely due to the EV range.

 

I looked at EV range first when I was on the market. The PiP immediately fell off my list as the EV range is pathetic. I walked over to the Volt and sat inside it. What the heck happened to the rear middle seat? I then proceeded to Ford and inquired about a C-Max. This was in October so there were no plug in C-Maxes available. I groaned and purchased my Hobson's Choice: A slow ugly smug Prius Plug-in. Fast forward 4 months. Accord plug in has pathetic EV range and no trunk. C-Max Energi has overstated EPA fuel economy. Looks like my PiP is still the only choice for me.

So while I went out looking at EV range first, I had to compromise for the whole package. EV range is in essence the free sample. I won't even look at you otherwise.

 

I think we need to get over our EV anxiety. The goal is to decrease fuel consumption sooner than later. Think about it! According to Fuelly the PIP's (76.8 mpg) small battery pack results in a significant improvement in fuel consumption versus a Gen III (48 mpg).
First step: Offer affordable PHEVs (= small battery). Result significant drop in fuel consumption.
FYI: some of use do not Need big batteries to get MPGs above 100 miles in a PIP.

Next step: Use advances in battery technology to further reduce cost & increase EVrange.