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PHEV Charging Cost Calculator

A plug-in hybrid splits its miles between electricity and petrol. This calculator uses the EPA-published utility factor for your model — and lets you switch home charging off to see what happens if you never plug in.

Electricity: EIA Form 861M, June 2026Petrol: EIA weekly, week ending 2026-09-07DC fast charging: $0.47/kWh (network average)Rates updated: June 2026

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$87.24 / month

Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid · Plug-in hybrid · 1,000 miles/month

Per mile: $0.087
Per year: $1,046.88
Efficiency: 3.19 mi/kWh
Energy used: 195 kWh/mo
Fuel used: 7.9 gal/mo

How this is worked out

monthly cost = miles ÷ efficiency × price × (1 + charging loss)
  miles            = 1,000
  home rate        = $0.1942/kWh  (80% of charging)
  public DC rate   = $0.4700/kWh  (20%)
  charging loss    = 10%

The home charging switch is the whole question

Plug-in hybrids are scored by the EPA with a utility factor: the share of miles the car is expected to drive on electricity. With a charger at home, that share is real. Without one, the car runs almost entirely on petrol — and because it carries a battery it is usually no more efficient than a conventional hybrid.

Turn off Home charging available above and the result is recosted on petrol alone. That is the honest answer to "should I buy a PHEV if I cannot charge at home?".

Frequently asked questions

What is the EPA utility factor?

The EPA's estimate of the proportion of miles a plug-in hybrid will drive on electricity, based on real-world driving and charging data.

Is a PHEV worth it without home charging?

Rarely on fuel cost alone. Switch the home charging control off to see the difference for the model you are considering.

Does this include the petrol part?

Yes — petrol miles are costed at the model's charge-sustaining MPG at the fuel price you set.

Do you include installation of a home charger?

No — running cost only.

Can I share my result?

Yes, via the URL.

Is this a quote?

No, an estimate.

Data sources. Vehicle efficiency: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov (2026 model year). Electricity prices: U.S. EIA Form 861M (residential, June 2026). Fuel prices: U.S. EIA weekly retail (week ending 2026-09-07). All figures are estimates, not quotes.