The annual fuel costs for plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, which can fuel with gasoline and electricity, are next lowest, and are heavily influenced by the electric range of the vehicle.
Hybrid-electric vehicles, which are fueled only with gasoline, generally use their technology for maximizing fuel economy; however, because some models use their hybrid systems to boost performance rather than to increase fuel economy, not all hybrid vehicles have low fuel costs.
Conventional gasoline vehicles for MY 2019 have estimated annual fuel costs ranging from $1,000 to $4,100—the widest range, with the most vehicle models available.
All annual vehicle fuel costs are rounded to the nearest $50. Annual fuel cost estimates are based on combined city/highway fuel economy, 15,000 annual miles, and the following fuel prices: $2.55 regular gasoline; $3.00 premium gasoline; $2.85 diesel; and $0.13 electricity per kilowatt-hour. These prices vary widely by region, with regular gasoline an average $3.86 per gallon currently in the San Diego region, and EV charging rates (SDG&E) ranging from $0.09/kWh up to $0.26/kWh for winter months (1 November - 31 May) depending upon time of use. Summer rates for SDG&E can go up to $0.54/kWh.
