Best electric & hybrid cars

Looking for alternative fuel vehicles? Check out the EVs and hybrids in your area.

Shop eco-friendly cars

Best eco-friendly cars

Best EVs Best Hybrids for the money

What's the difference between an EV, hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid?

Electric vehicles (EVs)
  • Runs solely on electricity
  • Long charging times compared to gasoline
  • Produces zero tailpipe emissions
  • Average driving range between 200-300 miles
Shop EVs
Traditional hybrid
  • Gasoline engine pairs with small electric motor and battery
  • Electric motor assists gas engine for better mileage
  • No charging needed; battery recharges while driving
  • Refuels like a regular gas-only car
Shop Hybrids
Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs)
  • Middle ground between hybrids and pure EVs
  • Larger battery for longer electric-only driving range
  • Plugs in for 20-50 miles of electric-only driving
  • Gas engine takes over when electric battery is low

Should I buy an electric car or plug-in hybrid, and what are the associated costs for charging and maintenance?

When deciding between an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid, consider your driving patterns and access to chargers. EVs are exclusively battery-powered, while a PHEV has electric-only range for shorter distances and a gasoline engine for longer distances.

Electric cars offer zero emissions and lower maintenance costs with fewer moving parts — no oil changes, fewer brake repairs due to regenerative braking and simpler cooling systems. PHEVs combine electric motors with gasoline engines, requiring traditional maintenance for their combustion components plus battery care.

Charging costs vary significantly by location and electricity rates, typically ranging from $0.08-$0.27 per kilowatt-hour at home for electricity, making electric operation generally cheaper than gasoline. For EVs, it’s important to have Level 2 home charging, which can be expensive to install (between $1,000-$6,000 in our experience).

For a PHEV, it’s still important to have home charging, though a standard plug is often suitable versus the more expensive Level 2. Why plug in a PHEV? Because without charging, it often has worse fuel economy than a traditional hybrid thanks to the extra weight they carry from a larger battery than a typical hybrid.

Read full article

FAQ

What’s the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, and which is right for me?

Traditional hybrids combine a gas engine with an electric motor that recharges automatically while driving — you never plug them in. The electric motor can drive the car briefly at low speeds before the gas engine activates. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) feature larger batteries that can be charged from an electrical outlet, allowing for extended electric-only operation between 20-50 miles. Once the battery depletes, they function like conventional hybrids, making them versatile for various driving scenarios.

PHEVs are ideal if you want to experience electric driving without range anxiety. They're perfect for those with short daily commutes who occasionally take longer trips. You'll maximize benefits if you have home charging capability and commit to plugging in regularly.

Traditional hybrids suit drivers seeking improved fuel economy without changing habits or needing charging infrastructure. They're simpler, usually less expensive and require no new routines. PHEVs offer a gentle transition to electric driving while maintaining the security of gasoline backup, though you must charge a PHEV to get the full benefit because they’re often less efficient than a conventional hybrid without charging to use their electric-only range.

Read full article

What are the important EV terminology?

When shopping for an electric vehicle, understanding key terminology can help you make an informed decision:

Range:
The distance an EV can travel on a full charge, typically measured in miles. Most modern EVs offer 200-plus miles of range.
Level 1 charging:
Standard household outlet charging (slowest, often unsuitable for most EVs)
Level 2 charging:
Dedicated home charger requiring installation (medium speed, recommended for EV ownership)
DC fast charging:
Rapid public charging stations (Fastest speed, best used for road trips and occasional charging)
Kilowatt-hour (kWh):
The unit measuring battery capacity, equivalent to gallons of gas in a traditional vehicle’s gas tank size. In the same vehicle, more kWh typically means more range.
Kilowatt (kW):
A unit of power used to measure charging power (350-kW DC fast charger, 7.7-kW home charger). Also used as a power rating for an electric motor, similar to horsepower.
Miles per gallon-equivalent (mpg-e):
An excellent means of comparing the efficiency of battery-electric vehicles to each other, if not to gas-powered ones.
North American Charging Standard (NACS):
The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is Tesla's charging port design that has become increasingly available in non-Teslas and supports Tesla’s Supercharging DC fast charging. It’s smaller and lighter than the SAE J1772 Combined Charging System (CCS) that most non-Tesla EVs have traditionally used in the U.S. for DC fast charging.

Read full article

What are the best new hybrid cars for the money?

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the best hybrid for the money, dethroning 2024's Toyota Corolla. This rating is calculated by dividing the EPA's combined mpg by the base price and multiplying by 1,000, focusing solely on non-plug-in 2025 hybrids.

Class winners include the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (compact car), Toyota Camry (mid-size sedan), Toyota Prius (hatchback), Toyota Crown (full-size sedan), Ford Maverick (pickup truck), Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (subcompact SUV), Kia Sportage Hybrid (compact SUV), Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (mid-size SUV) and Toyota Sienna (minivan). The Elantra Hybrid leads with 54 mpg combined and a $26,645 price tag, while the Prius follows with an impressive 57 mpg combined rating.

Toyota dominates the list with five category winners, while Hyundai secures three top spots. Most winners face close competition in their respective classes, with the Toyota Crown being the exception as the only mainstream-brand full-size hybrid sedan available. The list focuses strictly on efficiency per dollar without considering equipment levels, quality or ownership costs.

Read full article

What are the cheapest new electric cars?

Here are 11 of the cheapest EVs currently available, with their starting prices listed from least to most expensive. Prices include destination fees, but not any sales tax, tax credits, rebates or incentives.

  1. Nissan Leaf: $29,635
  2. Fiat 500e: $32,495
  3. Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,470
  4. Chevrolet Equinox EV: $34,995
  5. Toyota bZ4X: $38,520
  6. Hyundai Ioniq 6: $39,095
  7. Subaru Solterra: $39,915
  8. Ford Mustang Mach-E: $39,990
  9. Kia Niro EV: $41,045
  10. Nissan Ariya: $41,265
  11. Tesla Model 3: $43,880

Read full article

FAQ

What should I know about buying a used electric car, and what are the most important things to check on a used EV?

Used EVs can offer significant bargains due to steeper depreciation, but here’s what buyers should focus on:

  • EVs experience gradual range degradation, which typically amounts to 10%-20% capacity loss over 10 years. Regularly driven EVs tend to maintain better battery health than seldom-used ones.
  • Pre-purchase inspections remain essential, though finding EV-qualified mechanics may be challenging.
  • Warranty coverage varies significantly between manufacturers and model years, with some warranties not transferring to subsequent owners.
  • Perks like free charging, telematics features and subscription-based capabilities may not transfer to new owners.
  • Services like Recurrent can provide battery health reports to help buyers make informed decisions about used EVs.
  • Resale value considerations should account for rapidly evolving EV technology and expiring warranties.

Read full article

Is it worth considering a used electric car purchase to save money now that the federal tax credit has ended?

With the federal tax credit for new electric vehicles no longer available, used EVs present an attractive alternative for budget-conscious buyers. Pre-owned electric cars typically come with significantly lower price tags than their new counterparts, helping offset the absence of tax incentives.

Used EVs offer substantial savings on operating costs compared to gas vehicles, with lower "fuel" costs and reduced maintenance expenses due to fewer moving parts. However, battery degradation remains a consideration when purchasing used, as older EVs may have diminished range compared to when new.

The used-EV market offers increasingly diverse options as more models enter the secondary market. For shoppers prioritizing affordability while still wanting to experience electric-driving benefits, a pre-owned electric vehicle can represent smart value despite the expiration of federal incentives.

Read full article

Should I consider a certified pre-owned electric car over a used one?

When shopping for an electric vehicle, certified pre-owned (CPO) models offer significant advantages over standard used options. CPO electric cars undergo rigorous multipoint inspections and typically include extended warranty coverage specifically for EV components, including the battery — often the most expensive part to replace.

While CPO vehicles command a price premium (usually 5%-15% higher than comparable used models), they provide peace of mind through manufacturer-backed warranties and reconditioning. This can be especially valuable for EVs where battery health and charging system integrity are critical concerns.

Used EVs may offer lower upfront costs but come with greater uncertainty about battery condition and remaining range capacity. Without specialized diagnostics, it's difficult to assess these vital components.

For most shoppers, the CPO premium is worthwhile for the additional protection and assurance when investing in EV technology.

Read full article

How much can I expect to pay for a used hybrid or plug-in hybrid car?

When shopping for a used hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle, pricing varies significantly based on several factors. Used standard hybrid models like the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Hyundai Ioniq hybrid typically range from $15,000-$25,000 for recent model years (2018-22) in good condition.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) generally command higher prices due to their advanced technology. Models like the Toyota Prius Prime, Honda Clarity and Chevrolet Volt typically fall between $20,000-$35,000 for newer used examples.

Premium hybrid and PHEV options from luxury brands like Lexus, BMW and Volvo can range from $30,000-$50,000 on the used market.

Factors affecting pricing include:

  • Vehicle age and mileage
  • Battery condition
  • Features and trim level
  • Local market demand
  • Fuel prices (which influence hybrid popularity)

Always check battery health when purchasing a used electrified vehicle, as replacement costs are substantial.

Read full article

Which used hybrid cars are most available for purchase?

Looking for a used hybrid? Toyota dominates the market with the RAV4 Hybrid leading availability in Cars.com’s national listings. The iconic Prius ranks second, followed by the Camry Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid rounding out the top five.

For plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Jeep Wrangler 4xe leads, followed by the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Toyota Prius Prime.

Price-conscious shoppers might consider that PHEVs typically remain on the market longer (the Chevrolet Volt averages over 100 days listed), potentially offering better negotiation leverage.

Toyota's hybrid dominance reflects its long-term commitment to the technology, while the growing inventory of used hybrids provides more options for buyers seeking fuel efficiency without the full EV commitment. Popular models also benefit from wider dealer support, better parts availability and stronger owner communities.

Read full article

Used EVs and hybrids near you

See more cars near you

EV and hybrid news

honda-prologue-elite-2025-eterior-front-angle-oem
Featured

Some Honda Prologue Deals Disappear, But Price Drops by $7,500

The limited-time offers on the 2026 Honda Prologue EV have expired, but a $7,500 price drop has taken their place. Get full pricing details on Honda's electric SUV. Read more

Here’s What Subaru Debuted at the 2026 New York Auto Show

Subaru's electrification efforts continued at the 2026 New York auto show, with a new hybrid version of one of its bestselling models and an all-new EV. Read all the details on the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid and 2027 Subaru Getaway electric SUV.

See Every Photo We Took of the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker's Interior

The new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is a longer version of the Solterra, or you could also think of it as an Outback EV. Tour the electric Subaru SUV’s interior in our photo gallery on Cars.com.

See Every Photo We Took of the Tesla Cybertruck's Interior

From the door handles to the shifter to the blinkers, everything about the Tesla Cybertruck is unique; read about the Cybertruck's interior and take a virtual tour at Cars.com.
See all news

Electric cars by popular city

Hybrid cars by popular city

Shop electric cars by make

Shop hybrid cars by make

Shop electric cars by body style

Shop hybrid cars by body style