Plug-in vehicles drive further every day than gasoline vehicles

Nissan Leaf in Melbourne

According to a US Energy Department study concocted with charging station maker Ecotality, plug-in vehicle owners are, on average, driving more than gas-powered vehicle owners are driving their cars. Plug-in vehicle drivers are also getting more comfortable charging those vehicles outside of their homes.

Chevy Volt drivers are, on average, logging over 41 miles per day in their cars. Nissan Leaf owners are logging 30 miles per day in their cars. Compare this to the 28.9 miles a day for the average vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.

Of course, this has something to do with plug-in vehicles being purchased as commuter vehicles because the more someone used to drive in an ICE vehicle, the more they can save with a plug-in vehicle.

Plug-in vehicle drivers charged their vehicles away from home about 33% of the time in the third quarter of 2012, compared to only about 22% of the time earlier in the year.

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4 Comments on "Plug-in vehicles drive further every day than gasoline vehicles"

  1. with a 150-300% savings in transportation over gas, EVs are a no brainer. We always plan to use the LEAF for the longest commute of the day to save our pennies. Only a handful of times (not counting family outings) where we had to use the Prius

  2. I too find myself taking the Volt whenever possible. Our Volt only stays home for two reasons. First is the long trips, where the hybrid will use a little less gas, and second, hauling things too big for the Volt when I have to break the pickup truck out of hibernation. It is amazing how much _will_ fit in the back of a Volt!

  3. I believe this matches my behavior for which I attribute two factors. 1) Lower cost per mile to drive. My gas car is spending more time in the garage as I prefer my Leaf for around town drives. And, 2) public charging locations are not yet as widespread as and I am more than happy to travel several miles out of my way for a free quick charge.

  4. Sandymikalow | April 22, 2015 at 1:10 am |

    We us the 2012 Leaf we just bought the most by far. It is quiet, comfortable, and we need to pay for it by saving gas. Last month we made our payment (less the added electric cost) by not driving the gas rigs. I really like my free car! I do hope we can do that every month.

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