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.
Browse Guides by category
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
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.
Electric Car Driving Range
Concerns about plug-in vehicles becoming stranded by running out of battery power while traveling have been dubbed "range anxiety." Understanding the realistic range of a plug-in vehicle will go a long distance in relieving this anxiety.
Public Charging Stations
While most plug-in car owners are likely to primarily charge at home, public charging stations will enable you to charge your vehicle when driving around town. To maximize convenience, most of these charging stations will be at the places where you normally park for a length of time anyway—at parking garages at lots, government office buildings, and at retail locations such as big box stores, movie theaters and restaurants. Many will be free.
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.
A Guide to Home Charging of Plug-in Cars
The majority of plug-in vehicle owners are expected to primarily charge their vehicles at home because of its obvious convenience. Here's an overview guide to home charging—the time it takes, the equipment you'll need, and how to get started.
All Discussions
Good-Natured Misinformation About Electric Cars More Damaging Than Attacks
Article · 25 comments
Brad Berman says:
PluginCars.com has done a lot of reporting about direct anti-electric-car venom. EV-Haters, YouTube ranters and...
Kansas Representative Pitches 1 Cent Per Kilowatt-Hour Tax on Plug-in Vehicles
Article · 11 comments
Brad Berman says:
Officials in Kansas are concerned that if too many of the state's residents switch to electric or plug-in hybrid...
Tesla Video: Model S Will Be Best Sedan on the Planet
Tesla Model S Article · 31 comments
Brad Berman says:
In a new promotional video released today by Tesla Motors, the company confirms that it will introduce the Model S...
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Set at 95 MPGe
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Article · 19 comments
Eric Loveday says:
Toyota will reportedly update its fuel economy figures for the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid ahead of the vehicle's March...
Electric Car Owners Poised for Bottom-Up Movement in 2012
Article · 37 comments
Brad Berman says:
As the end of 2011 approaches—painful or not—we need to take a step back and start assessing the successes and failures...
What It Takes to Get 100 Miles of Range in My Electric Car
Nissan LEAF Article · 21 comments
Brad Berman says:
After driving my all-electric Nissan LEAF like a madman for the past few months, I decided to see how far I could go...
Mitsubishi to Launch Electric Mini Truck in 2012
Article · 8 comments
Eric Loveday says:
According to Reuters, Mitsubishi Motors is developing an electric mini truck, potentially its third vehicle in an...
LEAF Owner Denied Charge at Local Nissan Dealership
Nissan LEAF Article · 82 comments
Zach McDonald says:
This week, contributors at MyNissanLeaf Forum expressed mild outrage over an incident involving a LEAF owner and staff...
Plug-in Car Sales Get Off to Slow Start in 2012
Chevy Volt Article · 33 comments
Eric Loveday says:
January was not a strong month for plug-in vehicle sales in the US. Nissan reported sales of the all-electric LEAF at...
ECOtality: Electric Car Charging Leader Admits to Falling Behind
Article · 22 comments
Jim Motavalli says:
With major government grants and retail partners, ECOtality is a big player in the charging space. It's Level 2 Blink...