no risk you'll run out of juice? Well then, let's talk plug-in hybrid

electric vehicles or PHEVs. And so we're all on the same page, plug-in hybrids are

just hybrid cars with extra batteries that can be charged with a normal

household outlet or a 240 volt charger to allow some degree of pure electric

travel. With a growing roster of moderately priced plug-in hybrids to

choose from, we decided a comparison test was an order. So, let's get ready to use

less gasoline. The least expensive entry in our test is the Hyundai Ioniq. Its

value-rich position is reinforced by a $4,500 federal tax credit and Hyundai's

10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. With a fully charged battery, the EPA

predicts 29 miles of electric only driving, but during a plodding LA commute,

we knocked out 38.4 miles before the ionics 1.6-liter engine had to intervene.

With the engine involved, the Ioniq Plug-In is rated at 52 combined mpg.

Consider us dazzled. The power train's 139 horsepower total output proved ample for

normal commuting, though overtaking on the freeway took some patience. That

extra time let us appreciate the Ioniq's well calibrated six-speed automatic

transmission, a pleasing contrast to the continuously variable transmissions

found in most hybrids.

Over a route that spanned much of California, we wished for a quieter cabin

and extra support from the driver's seat, otherwise we like the Ioniq's agreeable

demeanor and standard niceties like heated seats, dual zone automatic climate

control, and a seven-inch touchscreen with modern Smartphone integration. In fact,

after this test, one of our editors added the Hyundai Ioniq plugin to his shopping

list. For a car reviewer that is strong praise. Compared to the Ioniq, the 2018

Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid seems pricey, but that price premium comes with

notable advantages. Foremost are a 42 mpg combined rating and an EPA-estimated

electric range of 47 miles that we handily eclipsed. And in congested traffic

with occasional sprint's to 65 mph we achieved 56.2-electric miles.

A higher speed test still yielded 46 miles before enlisting the 1.5-litre engine's

help. Note, a normal 120-volt outlet will charge the Clarity in 12 hours, but

use a 240-volt charger and that time drops to a mere 2.5 hours. Delivering 212

total system hp, the Clarity is the most powerful car in our test. It's

also the heaviest, so acceleration lands in the adequate range. For tinkerers,

there are multiple drive modes that favour gasoline or electric propulsion

along with driver selectable regenerative braking intensities.

Speaking of, the regenerative brakes and hybrid cars often feel unnatural, not so

in the Clarity whose mostly normal brake feel was the best of the bunch. That

sense of normalcy permeates all aspects of the Clarity, from its refined driving

manners, to its comfortable nicely outfitted 5-passenger cabin. While

the priciest entry in our test, the 2018 Clarity's premium is somewhat offset by

a $7,500 federal tax credit. It's also a Honda, which bodes well for reliability

and resale values over the long haul. In our estimation, the Clarity isn't just

superbly efficient, it's the closest thing in this group to a normal sedan,

and we mean that as a big-time compliment.

Driving at freeway speeds, we covered 26.2 electric miles in this Toyota Prius

Prime. Add maddeningly slow traffic to the mix, and matching or exceeding the

29-mile EPA estimate should be no problem. Perhaps more interesting is the Prime's

comparison-topping 54 mpg combined fuel economy ratings. We achieved 54.3 mpg

in real world conditions so that EPA rating is no joke. During our

test ride quality and handling proved more than acceptable, but if you plan to

Prime there are some downsides. No fifth seat is one, tepid acceleration is

another, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a third. We'll add that

the optional 11.6-inch touchscreen looks neat, but it reflects light to the

driver's eyes at certain sun angles. Some folks on our team also preferred

the more conventional dash layouts found in the Honda and Hyundai. That said, with

a supple ride a comparatively low starting price, a $4,500 federal tax

credit, Toyota's epic resale values and styling that you will love unless you

hate it the Prius Prime is an easily defendable

plug-in purchase, especially if you favor hybrid efficiency over electric range.

Let's close things out with the plug-in hybrid that started at all, the Chevrolet

Volt, whose EPA certified 53-mile electric range tops our comparison.

Through a soul-sucking stop and go commute,

we managed 53.3 miles before the Volt flipped on its gasoline engine. With that kind

of range gas free commuting is an achievable reality. Out strip the

batteries range, and you'll still enjoy an EPA-estimated 42 combined mpg.

Volt has range and efficiency on its side, but it's also a nice car. Our elite

test squad praised its handsome interior, smartly arranged controls and standard

Apple CarPlay, though one of our editors experienced multiple infotainment

crashes. Tisk, tisk. Also, sitting in the middle seat is a bad idea for most

humans, and the Volt skews towards the expensive side of the spectrum with a

base MSRP near the Clarity's. But like the Clarity the Volt is eligible for a

sweet $7,500 federal crédit. Just keep in mind that Chevy is

creeping towards their 200,000 vehicle limit for that federal electric vehicle

incentive, so if you crave ultimate electric range with a gasoline safety

net, and you love Chevy, get your bolt while the getting's good. And that is a light

spritz of electrified automotive knowledge. If you're ready to take the

plug-in hybrid plunge our full comparison is yours to enjoy when you do.

Remember, it's hard to buy a bad car these days, but it is easy to buy the

wrong car. Whether you're shopping plug-in hybrids or almost anything on

wheels, Kelley Blue Book is here to help.