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Sportage hybrid: plug-in vs. battery?
Hi everyone. Just joined this thread and seriously looking at Kia Sportage EX hybrid. I also own a 2022 telluride gasoline powered and after almost 3 years of ownership have been very happy with reliability and low maintenance costs. My 2010 Ford Escape has finally reached its end and I like the Sportage looks and especially its price/value. I want to consider the hybrid but wanted to hear from the audience regarding plug in vs. regular battery hybrid models and approach.
Thanks
HerbyM
Thanks
HerbyM
Replies
I went with the HEV because I want to be able to go camping in remote places - places I haven't seen any chargers. I've had it for 5 months and have been quite pleased. I can get 47 MPG under ideal conditions and seem to get around 30 when towing my teardrop camper. I'm leaving today on a 16-day camping trip, so let's see how it does on the road.
They are basically the exact same car, except the plug-in has a larger battery and can be charged. So for the large extra cost of the plug-in, you have to be able to drive it often locally, charge at home and have electricity rates that are significantly less than the gas equivalent (a full 13.8 kW charge = approx.1 gal gas). Only you can determine if the plug in is cost-effective. The PHEV also gets approx. 10% worse gas mileage on the highway and it doesn't have room for a spare tire in the cargo area.
I went with the PHEV, it seems to get about the same MPG on long highway trips, but those trips around town are a lot less costly. If you make frequent trips of less than 35 miles round trip around town, the plug in will be your best bet. It even comes with a level 1 charger which works well for me when away from home. I have an EV6 also and use the level 2 charger at home.
I have 2024 Sportage plug in hybrid. Just wondering has anyone discussed on the forum about leaving gas in the tank for long periods of time. We are retired and I have been only running in EV mode for the 4 months that I have had the car. The tank has been full since I bought it but I’m old school and always used some kind of additive in my home engines when they were going to sit unused for a long periods of time. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated.
Depends on how much your electricity costs. For me it’s a push. Would never, ever make that $6K extra cost back, so a waste of money when it’s essentially the same car as the HEV, otherwise.I went with the PHEV, it seems to get about the same MPG on long highway trips, but those trips around town are a lot less costly. If you make frequent trips of less than 35 miles round trip around town, the plug in will be your best bet. It even comes with a level 1 charger which works well for me when away from home. I have an EV6 also and use the level 2 charger at home.
Your instincts are correct. Gas doesn’t stay fresh as long as it used to. But I’m sure you can Google and figure it out!I have 2024 Sportage plug in hybrid. Just wondering has anyone discussed on the forum about leaving gas in the tank for long periods of time. We are retired and I have been only running in EV mode for the 4 months that I have had the car. The tank has been full since I bought it but I’m old school and always used some kind of additive in my home engines when they were going to sit unused for a long periods of time. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated.