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‹ Analysis & Projections

Annual Energy Outlook 2012

Release Date: June 25, 2012   |  Next Early Release Date: December 5, 2012  |   Report Number: DOE/EIA-0383(2012)

Issues in focus

Table 11. Comparison of operating and incremental costs of battery electric vehicles
and conventional gasoline vehicles
Characteristics Hybrid electric
vehicle (Prius)
Plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle (Volt)
Plug-in electric
vehicle (Leaf)
Fuel efficiency (mpg equivalent) 45 38 (charge-sustaining mode) 94 (charge-depleting mode) 99 (charge-depleting mode)
Annual vehicle miles traveled     12,500
Percent vehicle miles traveled electric only 0 58 100
Fuel savings vs. conventional gasoline ICE vehicle (at $3.50 per gallon)a $1,169 $2,036 $3,314
Fuel savings vs. conventional gasoline ICE vehicle (at $6.00 per gallon)a $2,004 $4,340 $7,071
Incremental vehicle cost (2010 dollars) relative to cost of 35-mpg conventional gasoline ICE vehicleb $7,000 $20,000 $20,000
a5-year net present value of fuel savings, assuming 35 mpg for ICE, 7% discount rate, and $0.10 per kilowatthour electricity price.
bDoes not include Federal, State, or local tax credits.