If you use a hybrid electric car, will your electricity bill go WAY up when you charge your car?

Question

I'm wondering if the cost of your electriciy bill will go up a lot when you start charging your new hybrid car (such as a Prius)? Does it completely offset the MPG savings in gasoline? Do you break even? Does it cost MORE in electricity?

Answer 1

Hybrid electrics don't get plugged in.

Hybrids use an electric motor that's bolted in between the engine and transmissoin. During acceleration it helps the car get up to speed. When braking the polarity of the magnets are reversed, turning the electric component into a generator and assisting with the braking of the vehicle. So when you slow down it is re-charging the battery pack.

Answer 2

Actually, you don't plug in a Prius.  It charges on its own.

Answer 3

No.  BUt if you have solar panels it doesnt matter!!

Answer 4

The bill is supposed to be (way) less than the amount of gas it would take.  Coal (used to make the electricity) costs less than oil (used to make gas).  Nuclear, wind, etc. competes with coal.

Answer 5

Normally you don't plug in a Prius, although a few have been converted into plug-ins.  At any rate, if you were to plug in an electric vehicle to charge it, plug it in overnight.  Electricity costs 3x less at off-peak hours, like at night (when there is less demand).

Answer 6

Most if not all hybrid cars are re-generated by the gas burning propulsion engine itself and the braking system.  Not a plug in here

Answer 7

it costs about 6 cents now for 4 hours of electric, then you can always attach a solar panel to your home for recharging along with a take along one for when you park

Answer 8

There are no plug-in hybrids available right now.  All hybrids recharge the batteries while driving via various methods like regenerative braking.

Eventually there will be plug-in hybrids (such as the Chevy Volt and plug-in version of the Prius), but they won't increase your electric bill too drastically.  Electric cars and plug-in hybrids cost about 2 cents per mile to recharge.  Cars that run purely on gasoline cost on the order of 10 cents per mile to refuel (for gas at $3/gallon).

In other words, your electric bill will go up (by about $20/month if you drive 1000 miles per month), but your total fueling bill will be cut by 80%.

Answer 9

Hybrids don't get charged via a plug.