Hybrids/EV Buying Guide

EVs have one of three kinds of plugs. Tesla uses NACS (North American Charging Standard) for both Level 2 and DC fast charging. Many other automakers plan to use this kind of plug on newer vehicles. For DC fast charging, most non-Tesla EVs made before 2025 have an SAE/CCS combo plug. With a converter, CCS (Combined Charging Standard) can be used by Tesla models, and some Tesla chargers can be used by CCS cars. The Nissan Leaf uses CHAdeMO, which isn’t used by any other new EV sold in the U.S. and is not compatible with other plugs.

Because they have smaller batteries, PHEVs take less time to charge at a Level 2 outlet than a pure EV. Many PHEVs can also be charged overnight at regular household 120V outlets using a mobile charging cable that comes with the car. Most PHEVs cannot be charged at DC fast chargers.

You’ll need a professional electrician to install a Level 2 charger. Expect to pay about $500 to $1,200 for the work, plus $500 to $700 for the wall-mounted charging unit. A wiring upgrade may be needed in older homes and could cost thousands more. There are federal, state, and local incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of installing a charger at home. Some automakers and power companies also offer discounts.

Most EV charging takes place at home. If you’re taking a longer trip, however, you’ll benefit from one of the 32,000 public DC fast-charging stations across the country. Many of these are designed for Tesla vehicles. More DC fast chargers are being built, and most are available near major highways. PHEVs can just go to a gas station when on a trip.

Because public charging stations aren’t as common (or as reliable) as gas stations, apps such as A Better Route Planner are necessary to help you find a working charger on your route and let you know how busy it is. Once you’re there, apps associated with the charging provider, such as Electrify America or EVGo, allow you to activate the charger and pay for the electricity you use.

Tesla owners have access to a network of Tesla Supercharger DC fast-charging stations, and we have found that they make topping up a Tesla seamless, convenient, and relatively quick. Owners of other EVs rely on a patchwork of chargers that aren’t always convenient to access and may not be in working order. Tesla has begun allowing other EVs to charge at some of its Superchargers and says it plans to open more.

Some new and used EVs and PHEVs qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. But how much you’ll save depends on whether you buy or lease, where a car was made, how much the car costs, and how much you earn. Our guide helps break down your savings.

If you’re planning on taking road trips or want to go long distances between charges, these are the vehicles that can get between 250 and more than 400 miles on a single charge.

There are many reasons why EV ranges drop in cold conditions. In our winter testing, we found that cold weather saps about 25 percent of range when cruising at 70 mph compared with driving in the same conditions during mild weather in the mid-60s.

Hybrids are some of the most reliable vehicles on the market. But PHEVs and EVs lag behind gas cars. Our experts share why.

EVs have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, so you’ll spend less on routine maintenance. But you’ll still have to pay attention to your tires, suspension, and other wear-and-tear items.

There are more and more electric cars on the market every year. Some come from legacy automakers, others from new startups. We take a look at new models that will be available in the near future.