Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) vs. electric car: running cost
A Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) is cheaper to run: about $552 a year versus $802 for an electric car at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $250 difference.
| Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) | Electric car | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3,300 W | 7,200 W |
| Watt range | 1,440–3,500 W | 1,440–11,500 W |
| Typical use | 30 miles a day | 37 miles a day |
| Energy per year | 3,068 kWh | 4,460 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 59¢ | $1.30 |
| Cost per day | $1.51 | $2.20 |
| Cost per month | $46.00 | $66.86 |
| Cost per year | $552 | $802 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1,335 | $1,940 |
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What drives the difference
- Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid): The Prius Prime gets about 40 electric miles at roughly 0.25 kWh per mile from the battery; default assumes 30 electric miles a day.
- Electric car: An average EV uses about 0.30 kWh per mile from the battery, about 0.33 kWh at the wall with charging losses; 37 miles a day is about 4,500 kWh a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Charges in about 4 hours with slightly lower losses.
See options on AmazonMore efficient than a 120 V cord and charges overnight on off-peak hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) or an electric car?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric car costs about $802 a year versus $552 for a Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid). That's $250 more, or 1.5× as much.
How many watts do Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) and electric car use?
A Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) typically draws 3,300 W (range 1,440–3,500 W). An electric car draws 7,200 W (range 1,440–11,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.