Why is plug-in hybrid not popular?
J. D. Power says the average transaction price for a PHEV compact SUV—factoring in credits and incentives—is $48,700. For hybrids, which do not receive tax credits, that number is $37,700. For EVs it’s even lower: $36,900. So PHEVs are more expensive and less popular than EVs, hybrids and pure ICE vehicles. Whether PHEVs are worth it depends on your situation Even now, in 2025, you might come to the conclusion that buying (or keeping) a PHEV makes sense, especially if: You need flexibility (electric + fuel) because of mixed driving conditions or there being limited charging infrastructure near you.
Are plug-in hybrids worth buying?
So, if you don’t drive very much each day, a PHEV is like owning an EV, you will rarely use gas, and if you sometimes take longer trips, the combination of gas and electric technology gets you excellent fuel economy. The only time a PHEV does not make sense is for those who don’t bother to charge them overnight. Plug-in hybrid-electric cars offer both gas-only and electric-only driving—even at relatively high speeds.