add a larger battery pack that, with a full charge, allows the vehicle to run for an extended period solely on electric power, with the best capable of going 30 miles or more without using a drop of gas. Those having modest commutes may rarely use any liquid fuel at all. After the battery is depleted to a certain point a PHEV operates like a conventional hybrid, with the vehicle’s range limited only by the amount of gas in the tank.
Unfortunately, six out of the top 10 PHEVs we found for 2023 require premium-grade fuel, which boosts their operating costs by an average $0.75 per gallon.. Small cars with diminutive engines, many of which are turbocharged for added acceleration, can achieve fuel economy ratings of around 40 mpg these days and without any added hardware expense.
To help fuel-conscious new-vehicle shoppers make informed buying decisions, we scoured the Environmental Protection Agency’s fueleconomy.gov database to come up with separate lists of the 10 most energy-efficient ICE-powered cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles for the 2023 model year.
Also included are the EPA’s estimated costs to run the rated model for 15,000 annual city/highway miles at current national average gas prices and electricity rates for home charging. A driver’s actual out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on local energy charges; a PHEV or EV’s range on a charge depends on factors that include vehicle speed, ambient temperatures and use of accessories.
That said, here are the biggest energy savers in each of the aforementioned vehicle classes for the 2023 model year according to the EPA:Mitsubishi Mirage G4:33/42/37 mp;. 2.0 liter engine and CVT transmission; $1,450 fuel cost/year32/41/36 mpg; 1.6 liter engine and CVT transmission; $1,500 fuel cost/year32/41/35 mpg; 2.0-liter engine and 10-speed automatic transmission; $1,500 fuel cost/yearVolkswagen Jetta:Kia Forte:31/36/33 mpg; 1.