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.
- Seven Things to Know about Buying a Plug-in Car
- Five Basic Rules about EV Public Charging
- The Ultimate Guide to Car Charging Networks
- Eight Factors Determining Total Cost of Ownership of an Electric Car
- Quick Guide to Buying Your First Home EV Charger
- Federal and Local Incentives for Plug-in Hybrids and Electric Cars
- Plug-in Economics
- Measuring Efficiency in a Battery-Powered Car
- Read all Shopper articles ...
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
General Motors Research Project Could Take Control of Charging for Volt Owners
Chevy Volt Article · 8 comments
Brad Berman says:
As reported yesterday by Scientific American, General Motors is considering a new aspect of a research project in...
Tesla Model S Comes Of Age, Gets First Recall
Tesla Model S Article · 4 comments
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield says:
Certain Tesla Model S luxury sedans will be recalled in the coming weeks due to a minor manufacturing fault with the...
Video: Watch the Tesla Model X Falcon Doors in Action
Article · 10 comments
Eric Loveday says:
In new videos, Tesla CEO Elon Musk describes one of the most unusual features of the Model X. Though some question the...
The Tesla Model X Viewed from European Eyes
Article · 13 comments
Laurent J. Masson says:
They've gone from one extreme to the other, from the very small Roadster to the roomy SUV but there's a big question...
Tesla Model X Electric Crossover Revealed
Article · 43 comments
Brad Berman says:
The much-hyped Tesla Model X was revealed last night at Tesla's Los Angeles design center. The electric Model X is...
Electric Car HyperCharging Is Hyperbole, For Now
Article · 7 comments
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield says:
In recent years, we’ve seen a consistent escalation of charging speed levels. First, there was the Japanese-built...
Eight Rules of Electric Vehicle Charging Etiquette
Article · 4 comments
Brad Berman says:
1EV Spots for EVs
It’s absolutely never acceptable for an internal combustion car to park in a spot designated...
Five Things About Tesla’s Future You May Have Missed
Article · 10 comments
Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield says:
Ten days ago, Tesla C.E.O. Elon Musk talked at length at Tesla’s annual shareholders’ meeting about the firm’s...
Southern California Honda Dealerships Sell Out of Fit EV Following Price Cut
Honda Fit EV Article · 14 comments
Zach McDonald says:
The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that a recent series of price cuts from automakers aimed at increasing the...
Ford: No Updates for Focus Electric, Too Niche
Ford Focus Electric Article · 7 comments
Zach McDonald says:
Ford will not update its Focus Electric for the 2014 model year. Ford director of global electrification Nancy Giola...


