© Volvo Cars of North America
Full Electrics and Plug-In Hybrids
As auto manufacturers strive to meet more stringent corporate fuel-economy standards, many are turning to electrification as part of the solution. Whether a mild hybrid with a smaller displacement gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, a plug-in gas/electric hybrid that can run on electric power alone for a limited time, or a pure electric vehicle fueled only by electricity, many new models include electric motors. Today nearly every carmaker offers some form of plug-in vehicle, with more than 30 models that are either purely electric or a plug-in hybrid.
© General Motors
MPGe Rating
Every new liquid-fueled vehicle in the U.S. has a label that shows the city, highway and combined miles per gallon (MPG, or mpg) ratings for the vehicle, calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For vehicles that do not use liquid fuels — including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids operating on electricity, and compressed natural gas vehicles — the EPA developed a new rating to compare vehicles using different fuels in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe, or mpge).
© BMW of North America
What is MPGe?
Similar to an mpg rating, mpge reflects the number of miles a vehicle can travel using the amount of its fuel type that equals the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline. Electric vehicles receive only mpge ratings, but plug-in hybrid vehicles receive both mpge and mpg ratings. The mpge rating shows fuel consumption when traveling only on electric power, with the mpg rating for gasoline (or other liquid fuel) engine power. Here we list both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids based on mpge combined ratings, in ascending order.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e 4Matic Plug-in Hybrid
43 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $66,300
Mercedes-Benz added the GLE550e 4Matic Plug-in Hybrid to the midsize SUV GLE lineup for the 2016 model year. The GLE550e is powered by a direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, for a total combined output of 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Electricity gets stored in a lithium-ion battery for an electric-only range up to 12 miles and a top speed of 80 mph in electric mode. The GLE550e receives an EPA rating of 43 mpge combined when powered by electricity, and a rating of 20 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy / 21 mpg combined when powered by gasoline.
© Porsche Cars North America
2017 Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid
46 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $79,900
The Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 333 horsepower combined with a 95-horsepower electric motor, for a total system output of 416 horsepower with peak torque of 435 lb-ft available between 1250 and 4000 rpm. Power is delivered through an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission and Porsche Traction Management active all-wheel drive. The Cayenne S e-Hybrid will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top track speed of 151 mph. In electric mode, the Cayenne S e-Hybrid will travel up to 14 miles with a top speed of 78 mph. Rated at 46 mpge combined, the Cayenne S e-Hybrid is rated at 21 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy / 22 mpg combined when powered by gasoline.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2017 Mercedes-Benz C350e
51 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $46,050
The C350e was the second plug-in hybrid offered by Mercedes-Benz after the S500e, and the first with a 4-cylinder engine. The C350e is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and an electric motor that produces 80 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Total system output is 275 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque with the hybrid module with the electric motor and a second clutch between the gas engine and the electric motor incorporated into the 7-speed automatic transmission. Electric-only range is 9 miles at up to 80 mph. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 28 mpg city/ 32 mpg hwy/ 30 mpg combined.
© Volvo Cars of North America
2017 Volvo XC90 AWD PHEV
54 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $67,800
The plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s premium 7-seat SUV, the XC90 AWD PHEV is powered by Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine which delivers a combined 400-horsepower with a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged gasoline engine in the front and an electric motor at the rear delivering 65 kW and 177 lb-ft of torque. The XC90 AWD PHEV will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a top track speed of 130 mph and an all-electric range of up to 14 miles. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 24 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy/ 25 mpg combined.
© BMW of North America
2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e
56 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $63,200
The plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s midsize premium SUV arrived for the U.S. market in the fall of 2015 as the first plug-in hybrid from the BMW brand. The X5 xDrive40e gets motivation from BMW’s 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission for a total system output of 308 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Intelligent all-wheel drive is standard. The lithium-ion battery offers an electric-only range of 14 miles and propels the plug-in X5 from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 23 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy / 24 mpg combined.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2017 Mercedes-Benz S550e Plug-in Hybrid
58 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $96,600
The Mercedes-Benz flagship S-class sedan added the S550e Plug-in Hybrid as its first plug-in model when it went on sale in the summer of 2015 in California, and is available nationwide for 2017. The 2017 S550e draws power from a direct-injection 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 combined with a 85 kW electric motor for total output of 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 7G-TRONIC transmission. The driver can choose between four operating modes: Hybrid, which is the default; E-Mode, which is electric-only at speeds up to 80 mph with an estimated range of 12 miles; E-Save, which keeps the battery fully charged for later use; and Charge, which uses the gasoline engine to charge the battery to increase electric range for later use. Increased resistance on the accelerator pedal lets the driver know that additional pressure will start the gas engine. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 24 mpg city / 30 mpg hwy / 26 mpg combined.
© General Motors
2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In
62 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $75,095
This spring Cadillac added the plug-in hybrid version of the new CT6 flagship sedan that debuted as a 2016 model. The CT6 Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 31 miles on electric power only, with a total range of 440 miles. The hybrid system consists of a 2-motor electric variable transmission teamed with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine creating a combined 335 horsepower and 432 lb-ft of torque. The CT6 Plug-in Hybrid offers a high level of luxury equipment and high-end features include a rear-seat infotainment system, enhanced night vision and a rear camera mirror. The CT6 Plug-In is the top-level trim in the CT6 lineup. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 23 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy / 26 mpg combined.
© BMW North America
2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance
64 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $89,100
BMW adds a plug-in hybrid to its flagship 7-Series sedan for 2017, powered by 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission for total system output of 322 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Permanent all-wheel drive is standard and the 740e xDrive iPerformance will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with an all-electric range of 14 miles at up to 87 mph. The eDrive button offers AUTO eDrive, MAX eDrive and Battery Control. AUTO eDrive is the default mode, which controls the most efficient gasoline and electric operation; or the driver can select MAX eDrive for electric-only driving, but the gasoline engine is still available by pushing the accelerator to kick-down. With Battery Control, the driver can set the level of battery charge from the generator function for later electric driving. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 25 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy / 27 mpg combined.
© BMW of North America
2018 MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4
65 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $36,800
MINI’s all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels, with an electric motor producing 87 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque driving the rear wheels. Total combined system output is 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, allowing this MINI Cooper plug-in to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The all-electric range is 12 miles at up to 77 mph. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 28 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy / 27 mpg combined.
© BMW of North America
2017 BMW 330e iPerformance
71 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $44,100
BMW’s legendary 3 Series added the 2017 330e iPerformance in the summer of 2016, powered by a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged 4-cylinder with an electric motor. The TwinPower engine produces 180 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor contributes 87 horsepower and peak torque of 184 lb-ft. The combined system output is 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque — good for acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with a top track speed of 140 mph. The 330e iPerformance offers pure-electric driving at speed up to 75 mph with an all-electric range of 14 miles. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 28 mpg city / 34 mpg hwy / 30 mpg combined.
© BMW of North America
2018 BMW 530e iPerformance
72 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $51,400
The all-new 2018 BMW 5 Series includes the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, the fourth iPerformance model and the first to be offered in both sDrive rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive versions. The 530e iPerformance is powered by the same gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain as the 330e, with a combined system output of 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and an all-electric range of 16 miles. The EPA rating for the rear-wheel drive 530e on gasoline power is 27 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy / 29 mpg. The all-wheel drive 530e xDrive has ratings of 27 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy / 28 mpg combined.
© BMW of North America
2017 BMW i8
76 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $143,400
BMW’s high-performance plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8 looks like a futuristic concept car that delivers performance to challenge today’s sports cars. The rear wheels are powered by a 228-horsepower 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, while the front wheels get motivation from a 129-horsepower electric motor. Combined output of 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque moves the AWD i8 from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The i8 doesn’t look like anything else on the road with its sleek silhouette, big wheels, narrow grille and crazy aerodynamic angles at the rear. The unique scissor doors lift and pivot upward toward the front, and the doors don’t swing out much farther than standard car doors. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 28 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy / 28 mpg combined.
© Audi of America
2017 Audi A3 e-tron
83 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $38,900
The Audi A3 e-tron is Audi’s plug-in hybrid based on the A3 Sportback, the only A3 Sportback model sold in the U.S. market. The A3 e-tron is powered by a hybrid system that combines a 1.4-liter TFSI engine with a permanent magnet-driven electric motor for total system output of 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The e-tron offers an all-electric range of 16 miles and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. Four driving modes are offered including Hybrid, which selects the best power source based on speed and performance; and Sport, which uses all available power from the gasoline engine and electric motor. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 33 mpg city / 36 mpg hwy / 34 mpg combined.
© FCA US
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
84 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $42,895
Chrysler introduced the minivan more than 30 years ago, and now it is the first automaker to offer a minivan as a plug-in hybrid: the new Pacifica. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid combines the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine of the standard Pacifica and adds two electric motors. The Pacifica Hybrid can travel up to 33 miles on stored electricity with a total combined range of 570 miles. One motor drives the rear wheels and a second motor generates power. The innovative eFlite electrically-variable transmission includes a one-way clutch that allows the generator to direct power to the wheels when necessary. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 32 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 32 mpg combined.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2017 Mercedes-Benz B250e
84 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $39,900
The Mercedes-Benz B250e is an electric-drive 5-seat 5-door hatchback powered by a 132 kW electric motor producing 177 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The B250e will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Electricity is stored in a high-performance lithium-ion battery stored underneath the vehicle so that the B250e features the interior space and cargo capacity similar to other B-Class models sold in other markets. To optimize range, top speed is limited to 100 mph and the EPA-estimated driving range is 87 miles. The B250e can be charged with any standard power outlet and with 240V can charge to a range of 60 miles in less than two hours. A range-extending charge function allows the maximum charge level for the battery to be increased for the next charge cycle, which can provide up to 17 miles of additional range.
© Tesla Motors
2017 Tesla Model X AWD
93 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $94,013
The Model X is Tesla’s third model following the original two-seat Tesla Roadster and the Model S sedan. An all-electric SUV that seats up to seven, the Model X can be configured with different motor and battery combinations for an array of fuel economy, performance and driving range ratings. All Model X versions are all-wheel drive with two electric motors, one delivering power to each axle. Model X 60D, 75D and 90D offer a 60, 75 or 90 kWh battery pack respectively, with a 193-kW motor for each axle. The Model X 75D receives the best fuel-economy rating at 91 mpge city / 95 mpg hwy / 93 mpg combined and the 60D has the lowest range at 200 miles. The P100D and P90D retain the 193-kW motor for the front axle and add a 375-kW motor for the rear axle with 100 and 90 kWh battery packs. The P100D will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 second and offers the highest range at 289 miles, with the EPA rating dropping to 81 mpge city / 92 mpg hwy / 86 mpg combined.
© Ford Motor Company
2017 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid
95 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $27,120
A tall 5-door hatchback, Ford’s C-MAX falls somewhere between a smaller version of a minivan and a crossover. The high-roof design and fold-flat second-row seating offer a lot of versatility, while the plug-in hybrid drivetrain adds great economy. The C-MAX Energi powertrain combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electronic continuously variable transmission and a 68-kW electric motor to offer 20 miles of pure electric driving and a total range of 570 miles. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 41 mpg city/ 38 mpg hwy/ 39 mpg combined.
© Ford Motor Company
2017 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid
97 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $31,120
Ford’s midsize Fusion sedan received a facelift for the 2017 model year, including the Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid. Employing the same powertrain setup as the C-MAX, the Fusion Energi includes a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, an electronic continuously variable transmission and a 118-horse electric motor, which draws power from a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. Total output for the advanced hybrid powertrain is 188 horsepower with an all-electric range of 22 miles and a total range of 610 miles. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 43 mpg city/ 41 mpg hwy/ 42 mpg combined.
© Hyundai Motor America
2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
99 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $34,600
For 2017 the third-generation of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers a plug-in version with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter engine producing 143 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a transmission-mounted 50 kW electric motor of total system output of 202 horsepower. The electric motor is more powerful than the Sonata Hybrid and the 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack is 5-times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery for a pure electric range of 27 miles and total range of 590 miles. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 38 mpg city / 40 mpg hwy / 39 mpg combined.
© Kia Motors Corporation
2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
103 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $35,210
The first plug-in hybrid model offered by Kia, the 2017 Optima Plug-In Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with the electrical power of a transmission-mounted 50 kW electric motor to provide fast and easy transition between full-electric, gasoline and hybrid modes. Electricity is stored in a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack with approximately 60 percent more power output than the battery pack in the previous Optima Hybrid. The Optima Plug-In Hybrid delivers a range of 29 miles in EV mode, with a total driving range of 610 miles. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 38 mpg city / 43 mpg hwy / 40 mpg combined.
© Tesla Motors
2017 Tesla Model S
104 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $69,500
The Model S is Tesla’s high-performance all-electric luxury sedan offered with either rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. The rear-drive Model S is powered by a 285-kW motor with either a 60 kWh, 75 kWh or 90 kWh battery and has a driving range of 210 miles or 249 miles. All-wheel-drive versions have two 193 kW motors, one for each axle with four battery choices: 60 kWh (218-mile range), 75 kWh (259-mile range), 90 kWh (294-mile range) and 100 kWh (335-mile range). The Model S 90D receives the highest EPA rating at 102 mpge city/ 107 mpge hwy/ 104 mpge combined. High-performance all-wheel-drive versions use the 193kW motor for the front axle and a 375 kW for the rear with either a 90 kWh and 100 kWh battery. The Model S P100D will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
© Kia Motors Corporation
2017 Kia Soul Electric
105 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $32,250
Kia’s first mass-market all-electric vehicle debuted for the 2015 model year. The Soul Electric is powered by an 81-kW electric motor producing 109 horsepower and 210 l b-ft of torque. Electricity is stored in 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery with a total range of 93 miles. Recharging a fully depleted battery takes only four hours with a 240-volt outlet or up to 24 hours with a standard 120-volt source. New for 2017, a 50-kW output DC fast charger offers a 94 percent charge in under an hour, which provides 87 miles of range.
© General Motors
2017 Chevrolet Volt
106 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $34,095
The second-generation Chevrolet Volt derives power from a two-motor electric drive that is 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter than the previous generation’s power unit, while producing 294 lb-ft of torque for an all-electric range of 53 miles. The Ecotec 1.5-liter gas-powered range extender generates electricity to power the electric motors for a total range of 420 miles. The new Volt can be recharged on a 240-volt fast charger in just 4.5 hours, or on standard 120-volt power in approximately 13 hours. The Volt is rated at 106 mpge when running on electricity alone, and the EPA rating for gasoline power is 43 mpg city / 42 mpg hwy / 42 mpg combined.
© Ford Motor Company
2017 Ford Focus Electric
107 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $29,120
The all-electric version of Ford’s compact Focus is upgraded for 2017 with a total range of 115 miles on a full charge — a significant improvement over the previous model’s 76 miles range. The Focus Electric is powered by a 107-kW electric motor with 143 horsepower on tap and a top speed of 84 mph. With a DC fast-charging station, the Focus can get 75 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2017 smart fortwo electric drive
107 mpge combined (est.)
Starting MSRP: $23,800
The smart fortwo city car is ideally suited for electric power, and the arrival of the redesigned 2017 smart fortwo includes a new electric version with more power and an improved range. The 2017 fortwo electric drive features an 80-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels with 118 lb-ft of torque — a 23 percent increase over the previous model. Estimated driving range is 70–80 miles and the 7 kW onboard charger will recharge the battery to 80 percent in 2.5 hours with a 240-volt power source — twice as fast as the previous model. The smart fortwo electric drive is offered in both coupe and convertible versions — the only electric-drive convertible currently on the market.
© BMW of North America
2017 BMW i3 REX
111 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $48,300
BMW’s electric i3 has been on the market since 2014, offered as both a pure-electric battery-electric vehicle, or BEV, and as a plug-in gas-electric hybrid with a range extender, or REX. The i3 REX is powered by a 125kW AC Induction motor with a 97-mile all-electric range from the power stored in the 94 amp-hour battery. When needed, the 600cc 2-cylinder engine generates electricity for an additional 80 miles of range. The EPA rating for gasoline power is 36 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy / 35 mpg combined.
© FCA US
2017 Fiat 500e
112 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $32,995
The electric version of Fiat’s subcompact 500, the 500e is powered by an 82-kW electric motor producing 11 horsepower with a driving range of 84 miles and fuel economy of 112 mpge combined. The 500e features an electronic shifter with pushbutton transmission mode selector. The 6.6 kW onboard charging module will recharge the battery in less than four hours when connected to a Level 2 (220/240-volt) power source.
© Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
112 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $22,995
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by a 49-kW electric motor producing 66 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Electricity is stored in a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery for a driving range of 59 miles. The battery can be recharged to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes with a Level 3 DC quick charger, 7 hours with a Level 2 system, or up to 22 hours from a 120-volt source. The i-MiEV has a remote system that activates the air-conditioning, heater and timer battery charging.
© Nissan North America
2017 Nissan LEAF
112 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $30,680
The Nissan LEAF is the best-selling all-electric vehicle in the world, with more than 238,000 sold worldwide as of fall 2016, and more than 100,000 sold in the U.S. For 2017 the 30-kWh battery pack is standard, extending the driving range to 107 miles — a 27 percent increase over the previous model. The LEAF is powered by an 80-kW electric motor producing 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque. The battery can be quick charged to 80 percent in about 30 minutes and a full charge takes 6 hours with a Level 2 240-volt system.
© General Motors
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
119 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $36,620
Chevrolet’s all-new compact electric vehicle, the Bolt EV offers an impressive 238-mile range that exceeds all the other electric vehicles on the market except for much more expensive models from Tesla. The Bolt is powered by a 150-kW electric motor producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque for acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Electricity is stored in a 60-kWh lithium-ion flat battery pack the length of the Bolt’s floor. A 7.2 kW onboard charger is standard for charging from a 240-volt wall box and will provide 50 miles of range in two hours. An available DC Fast Charging system will charge the battery to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.
© Volkswagen of America, Inc.
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
119 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $28,995
For 2017 the Volkswagen e-Golf receives a new 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, increasing the driving range to 125 miles — a 50 percent increase over the previous model. The electric motor is also upgraded to a 100-kW unit producing 134 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. The e-Golf will now accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds with the top speed increased to 93 mph. A 7.2 kW charger is standard for both SE and SEL Premium trims, which will charge the battery in less than six hours with a 240-volt charging station. The optional DC fast charging (standard on SEL Premium) will recharge to 80 percent in an hour at a DC fast-charging station.
© BMW of North America
2017 BMW i3 BEV
124 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $42,400
The pure EV version of BMW’s i3 is powered by the same 125kW electric motor producing 170 horsepower as the plug-in hybrid version. The i3 BEV is offered with two battery choices: a 60 amp-hour battery offers a range of 81 miles with a fuel economy rating of 137 mpge city / 111 mpge hwy / 124 mpge combined; the 94 amp-hour battery increases the range to 114 miles, while the fuel economy rating drops slightly to 129 mpge city / 106 mpge hwy / 118 mpge combined. The i3 features an aluminum frame with a carbon-fiber body, low center of gravity and quick acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just over 6 seconds.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2017 Toyota Prius Prime
133 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $27,100
Prius Prime is Toyota’s plug-in with a new design and an improved hybrid system that increases the all-electric range to 25 miles and improves the fuel economy rating to 133 mpge. Prius Prime derives power from a new version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which uses a larger 8.8 kWh battery pack and, for the first time, includes a dual-motor generator drive system that uses both the electric motor and the generator to drive the car. The battery can be fully charged in 2 hours using a 240-volt power source, or in approximately 5.5 hours using a standard household outlet.
© Hyundai Motor America
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
136 mpge combined
Starting MSRP: $22,200
The current fuel-economy champ for all plug-in models is the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, rated at 136 mpge combined. Powered by an 88-kW electric motor with a 28-kWh battery pack, the Ioniq Electric can travel up to 124 miles on a full charge. Using a 100-kW fast charger, the Ioniq can be charged to 80 percent capacity in about 20 minutes, and can be fully charged in four hours using 240-volt power source. With 118 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of instant torque on tap, the full EPA fuel-economy ratings are impressive at 150 mpge city / 122 mpge hwy / 136 mpge combined.
© Tesla Motors
2018 Tesla Model 3
EPA mpge rating: NA
Starting MSRP: $35,000
The Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable car yet from Tesla: a 4-door 5-passenger sedan that started production in July 2017, and will soon be in the hands of those at the top of the reservation list, since Tesla CEO Elon Musk already has his. According to Tesla, the Model 3 will deliver a range of 215 miles and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
