An image of the cover of the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Handbook for Consumers.

Updated handbook outlines how plug-in electric vehicles compare to conventional vehicles

Have you considered buying a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) but wanted to know how they stack up to conventional vehicles? With PEVs like the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S, Chevy Volt, and Toyota Plug-in Prius on the road, there is a configuration and range option to meet any driving need.

Enter the Clean Cities Plug-In Electric Vehicle Handbook for Consumers, a guide developed specifically to answer the most common questions about electric-drive vehicles. The handbook also points to additional resources to help you make the best decision about whether an electric-drive vehicle is right for you.

The handbook is now available online.

Some of the topics covered in the handbook include:

  • PEV Basics — Find descriptions of all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the features that differentiate them, as well as driving range and the factors that affect it

  • PEV Benefits — Discover the high fuel economy and low emissions you can achieve with PEVs, how to pay a lower fuel cost (including reduced electricity rates in some areas), and the diversity in fueling locations

  • Buying the Right Vehicle — See how to determine your requirements, find which PEVs are currently available, and calculate your vehicle cost (weighing higher upfront cost against lower operating costs and incentives)

  • Driving and Maintaining Your Vehicle — Learn about the maintenance requirements for PEVs, battery life and warranties, and safety testing and standards

  • Charging Your Vehicle — Learn about the types of electric vehicle supply equipment, the impacts on battery charging time, typical charging rates, how to find charging stations, and charging at home.

In a world of fluctuating petroleum prices and growing environmental concerns, PEVs present an affordable and convenient transportation solution. In addition, the number of available PEV models and the public charging station network that support them are expanding rapidly. To keep up with new PEV developments, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center and FuelEconomy.gov.

  • Kathryn Ruckman, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • For more information:
  • Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
  • technicalresponse@icfi.com
  • 800-254-6735