Plug-in Hybrid Economy Calculator
Understand how your driving habits translate into electric and gasoline miles for plug-in hybrids. Estimate energy costs, emissions, and savings compared with a traditional car.
Used to calculate savings compared to a conventional car.
Electric miles per month
1,050 mi
Gasoline miles per month
0 mi
Electricity usage
294 kWh
Gasoline usage
0 gal
Monthly energy cost
$41.16
Monthly emissions
117.6 kg CO₂e
Monthly savings vs gasoline car
$81.34
How to Use This Calculator
Enter driving habits
Input your typical daily mileage to estimate monthly electric and gasoline miles.
Add vehicle efficiency data
Use manufacturer ratings for electric consumption and gasoline MPG, plus current energy prices.
Compare against a gas vehicle
Enter the MPG of a comparable gasoline car to quantify savings and emissions reductions.
Formula
Electric Miles = min(Daily Miles, Range) × 30
Electricity Use = Electric Miles × (kWh/100 ÷ 100)
Gasoline Use = (Daily Miles − Range) × 30 ÷ MPG
Emissions = kWh × 0.4 + Gallons × 8.89
Example: Driving 35 miles daily with 40-mile electric range uses 840 electric miles and 60 gasoline miles per month, costing ~$37 for electricity and $5 for gas, saving ~$60 over a 30 MPG car.
Update emission factors for your local grid or low-carbon fuels.
About the Plug-in Hybrid Economy Calculator
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) bridge the gap between EVs and conventional cars. Their environmental performance depends on how often drivers plug in and their commute length. This calculator quantifies energy split, emissions, and savings.
When to Use This Calculator
- Vehicle shopping: Compare PHEV operating costs to gasoline alternatives.
- Fleet planning: Estimate savings for corporate or municipal fleets.
- Energy analysis: Combine with utility rate plans to optimize charging schedules.
- Climate accounting: Calculate emissions for sustainability reporting.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Behavior-driven: Reflects your actual charging and driving habits.
- ✅ Cost-aware: Includes electricity and gasoline prices for budget planning.
- ✅ Emissions insight: Uses standard factors with option to customize.
- ✅ Benchmarking: Shows savings over a conventional vehicle with one click.
Common Applications
Utilities: Model PHEV load profiles for managed charging programs.
Dealerships: Provide customers with personalized operating cost estimates.
Commuters: Evaluate whether installing home charging will pay off.
Tips for Best Results
- Charge fully whenever possible to maximize electric miles.
- Use time-of-use rates to lower electricity costs.
- Track real-world efficiency (kWh/100 mi, MPG) to refine inputs over time.
- Include maintenance savings and incentives for a full cost-of-ownership comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my commute exceeds electric range some days?
Increase daily miles to reflect those longer trips or average them over the week for a balanced estimate.
How do seasonal temperatures affect results?
PHEVs often use more energy in winter. Adjust efficiency numbers or run separate scenarios for different seasons.
Can I include home solar charging?
Set the electricity price to your solar levelized cost or zero to simulate zero-emission charging.
Does regenerative braking change gasoline miles?
The MPG in hybrid mode already accounts for regenerative braking benefits. Use real-world MPG if available.