It is VERY true that the PHEV and or the range extended EV are susceptible to differing driving styles and patterns much more so than traditional cars. Some people can benefit a lot from these cars and others not so much. Real study is worthwhile to maximize the benefit which they offer. One choice may be much better for me than it is for you and the reverse may be just as true,

The Ford Energi’s rating is simply 21 miles (not 18) but there’s only one rating but like the Prius it could go in to blended mode under a variety of driving circumstances (such as “flooring it” or 85 mph and higher for example).

The Volt (2013 and newer) is EPA rated at 38 miles (not 35, that was 2011-2012) and being the EV type power train design, when charged it will NEVER use the engine as a result of driving style nor speed (up to the governed 101 mph max). 78% of commuters drive less than 40 miles a day, so the Volt is the most accommodating. However, the PIP or CMAX may be better matched for those with shorter commutes, still 51% (Energi) and 29% (PIP) of commutes!

With good driving habits in moderate temperatures, each of these vehicles can exceed their EPA EV range, sometimes by as much as 25% or more (Many Volt drivers get over 50 miles range)

When all three vehicles are depleted, they all get between 40 and 50 mpg EPA on gas, the Volt being the lowest rate and the Prius the highest – your results may vary. However, unless someone takes A LOT of long trips, this is mostly irrelevant to overall efficiency compared to how well the particular vehicle fits your daily drive and lifestyle, not to mention ability to charge again during the day.

Worthy to not that charging at work, even from a regular outlet, can effectively double the range of each of these vehicles, giving you even more choices. Even the Volt can be full charged from a 110 outlet during a typical ~9 hour work day, giving an effective daily EV range of 76 miles.

This beautifully simple car does depend upon a computer based “Hybrid Synergy” control system which has proven itself to be very reliable over the years. And the car is very economical. Since I have many short trips which are mostly EV, I am averaging 168 mpg of gasoline which includes the EV miles and simply blows me away. The electricity part (about half) costs me just over 1 cent per mile, so this is an economical car to drive for me. I expect a healthy part of the premium which paid for the car to be returned this way and I really enjoy not paying and paying for gasoline.

The experience of driving is not the same. The Volt is more like a pure EV. The PHEV is tuned for economy. They get better economy in comparable driving. But how you drive makes a HUGE difference. Much is made of the EV only range. The Prius PHEV is rated at 11 miles. The Ford PHEVs at about 18 miles and the Volt at about 35 miles. As a Prius PHEV owner, I do not see this a a large difference. This is because, while I use some gasoline, I use very little. It turns out that gasoline is better for heating the car and more economical for highway driving. And large EV range requires heavy batteries which are deadweight after they are drained of charge.

You really need to look carefully at the PHEV choice and compare it to your driving needs. The Prius PHEV suits my needs best. But that might not be true for you.