1. What is the Plug-in Hybrid Cost Calculator?

The Plug-in Hybrid Cost Calculator estimates the total ownership cost of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by combining electricity costs, gas costs, and vehicle costs. This helps potential buyers compare the total cost of ownership with conventional vehicles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Electricity\ Cost \) — Total cost of electricity used for charging
• \( Gas\ Cost \) — Total cost of gasoline used
• \( Vehicle\ Cost \) — Purchase price or lease cost of the vehicle

Explanation: The equation sums up all major cost components associated with owning and operating a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

3. Importance of Cost Calculation

Details: Accurate cost estimation is crucial for making informed decisions about vehicle purchases and understanding the long-term financial implications of owning a plug-in hybrid.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all costs in your local currency. For accurate results, use actual or estimated values based on your driving patterns and local energy prices.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What currency should I use?
A: You can use any currency as long as you're consistent across all input fields.

Q2: Should I include maintenance costs?
A: This basic calculator doesn't include maintenance, but you could add them to the vehicle cost for a more comprehensive estimate.

Q3: How do I estimate electricity costs?
A: Multiply your vehicle's kWh/100km by your electricity rate and annual kilometers driven.

Q4: What time period does this cover?
A: The calculator can be used for any time period (monthly, yearly, or total ownership) as long as all costs cover the same period.

Q5: Are tax incentives included?
A: No, you would need to subtract any applicable tax incentives from the vehicle cost.