An Online User’s Guide for Plug-in Hybrids and Electric Cars
If you have questions about electric-drive cars, then you’ve come to the right place. Think of this section as an online user’s guide. You’ll learn how the cars work; how to refuel them; and how they’ll impact the environment and the electric grid.
Still have questions? Let us know. At your request, we'll conduct the research to provide the most complete and accurate answer to your question in the form of a new article.
For Beginners
The longest journey begins with a single step. Take yours into the world of plug-in cars by reading our introductory articles. Plain English answers to the essential questions.
For Shoppers
So, you're convinced that an EV or PHEV is going to be your next ride - at least in theory. Check out our articles to help you understand the economic and practical realities of buying and owning a plug-in hybrid or electric car.
Essential Plugins 101 Articles
The Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Charging Networks
A comprehensive guide to the top electric vehicle charging networks (with info about access and costs), as well as background information and high-level recommendations.
The Basics of Electric Vehicle Public Charging
Most electric vehicle owners charge their cars at home overnight. But charging on the road allows you to drive more than the range of a single charge. To cover the basics, we’ll explore the types of charging, how to find public charging stations, and the best way to plan a trip.
How Much Will Electric Vehicle Buyers Pay for Additional Range?
Range costs money, right? Now, with the looming launch of the Tesla Model S and its numerous range variations, Tesla is truly putting a price tag on range and basically asking buyers "How much are you willing to spend?" Is $10,000 too much for 70 miles of additional range? Is $20,000 acceptable for 140 miles of added range?
Video: Department of Energy Primes Electric Vehicles
This brief video, presented by the US Department of Energy, explains the basic benefits of owning a plug-in vehicle. In less than three minutes, the DoE informs us that plug-ins reduce emissions, slash fuel consumption and make perfect sense for most commuters here in the US.
Need an Electric Car Charging Station? Here Are the Companies That Are Building Them
As we get closer to the launch of electric cars around the globe, several players have cropped up in the U.S. EV charge station arena. Who are they and what do they have to offer? Find out here.
All Discussions
Have Kids? Three Family-Friendly Electric Cars To Consider
Honda Fit EV Article · 19 comments
Nikki Gordon-Bl... says:
Despite what friends and family might tell you, however, you don’t need a big gas-guzzling car to raise a family....
2013 Nissan LEAF Dials Down EV Torque
Nissan LEAF Article · 10 comments
Nikki Gordon-Bl... says:
When Nissan launched the 2013 all-electric LEAF, the company boasted the new car's improvements over the previous model...
Dreaming of EV Instrumentation Built with the Driver in MInd
Article · 7 comments
Laurent J. Masson says:
Electric vehicle sales are on the rise, but it's still a long road before they are mainstream. The batteries have to...
Public EV Charging: Think Before You Plug In
Article · 18 comments
Nikki Gordon-Bl... says:
Upon finding an EV-only parking space with attached charging station, most electric car and plug-in hybrid owners will...
LA Car Dealer Sets up Free Community EV Charging
Article · 11 comments
Brad Berman says:
Earlier this week, LAcarGuy’s Toyota of Hollywood and Toyota Santa Monica became the first automotive dealership to...
2002 Toyota RAV4 EV for sale
Nissan LEAF Discussion · 35 comments
aarond63 says:
I wanted to get some feedback from as many people as possible in this forum. We took a 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV in for trade...
Toyota Video Campaign Puts "Normal" Prius Plug-in Into Hands of Newbies
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Article · 7 comments
Zach McDonald says:
In a new series of web videos released last week, Toyota highlighted the "normal"-ness of the Prius Plug-in by dropping...
Five Must-Have Features for Tesla's Affordable Mass-Market Car
Article · 16 comments
Jim Motavalli says:
The next Tesla is targeted as a $30,000 plug-in for everybody, and it's the one that can establish the company as a...
Announcement: Plugshare and Recargo Merge
Article · 3 comments
Brad Berman says:
Recargo, Inc. and Xatori, Inc., the companies behind the two leading EV charging locater apps, today announced they are...
Emergency charging thru portable Generator
Nissan LEAF Discussion · 4 comments
newEVEnthusiast says:
I was wondering if it is first possible & then practical to charge Leaf (in emergency) using a portable generator...