Plug-in? Hybrid? What will your next car be?

Between the hybrids, the new plug-ins and the all-electrics that will be introduced this year, there are a lot more choices available when you buy a car.


Driving a plug-in car

The new plug-ins have a shorter driving range before recharging is necessary, but they cost a lot less to drive than hybrids.

 
Mfgr's suggested Price*
Average mpg of gas equivalent
Annual fuel cost
Miles on a charge

Nissan Leaf
(all electric)

$27,700

93

$612

73

Chevy Volt
(plug-in with gas backup)

$31,645

99

$648

35

*After rebates


Driving a hybrid

Nearly all auto companies now offer hybrids, which currently provide a much greater driving distance than the plug-ins.


 
City mpg
Highway mpg
Annual fuel cost

Toyota Prius

51

48

$1,026

Honda Civic Hybrid

44

44

$1,165

Lexus CT 200h

43

40

$1,221

Ford Fusion Hybrid FWD

41

36

$1,313

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid FWD

41

36

$1,313

For a complete list, see www.fueleconomy.gov.

Charging a plug-in




Charging a plug-in will be easier than going to a gas station


 

Hybrids will reach 10% of market share by 2015, with an additional 1 million plug-ins

 


History repeats itself


100 years ago, a battle raged over whether cars would be electric, hybrid or gas powered. With the invention of the electric starter, low-cost gas won. But electric and hybrid may be the ultimate winners.

 

We’re greening our fleet




Since 2007, KCP&L has added three all-electric trucks that were assembled in Missouri.

They are emissions free and have an estimated 100-mile range before recharge.