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A range of new and growing options exist on the car dealer lot when it comes to hybrid and electric vehicles, but if you’ve been following the headlines lately, decisions made by major automakers reflect a market tilting more hybrid than EV. Ford just announced it’s delaying an EV pickup and in the short-term focusing more on its North American hybrid lineup.

“EV euphoria is dead,” with the idea of “consumer choice” back in among car companies from Ford to General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, which are all scaling back or delaying their electric vehicle plans. GM’s EV sales remained insignificant in the most recent quarter.

But finding the best bang for your buck can be complicated. These decisions often turn on factors such as upfront cost, driving habits, how long you plan to own the car, likely costs over time and even what area of the country you live in.

The answer isn’t always straightforward even amid headlines screaming hybrid. Here are some tips to help car buyers make the right decision.

Figure out how much you drive

Before you start comparing costs, it makes sense to think about how you plan to use the vehicle.

Are you just driving five or 10 miles to work and back each day, or are you planning on taking the car on long road trips? If you drive long distances frequently, consider the availability of fast-charging stations along your route. If fast-charging stations are scarce, as they are in many areas of the country, you might be better served with a hybrid where you just pull into a gas station and keep driving, said Sandeep Rao, lead researcher for Leverage Shares, which offers investment funds including several focused on the stocks of EV and traditional automakers. 

The federal government’s initiative to create a vast charging network across the U.S. hasn’t yet materialized on a widespread basis. Instead, the focus has been on pockets of the country like California, the New York tri-state area, Florida and Texas, but the vast majority of people live in between these places. “Most Americans don’t have access to EVs because there’s not enough charging infrastructure,” Rao said.

He also said to consider how long you plan to own the vehicle, the car’s potential service needs and what nearby options exist for maintenance. Other factors include your home set-up. Do you have the right conditions to charge an EV quickly and conveniently? And what would the upfront costs be to upgrade your system to allow for faster charging, if desired?

Do the math on upfront cost, EV vs. hybrid

If it’s still a toss up between an EV and a hybrid, next consider upfront costs.

The average price of the top-ten best selling electric vehicles in the U.S. is about $53,758, with an average of $48,430 for the low-end version of each model and $64,936 for the high-end version of each model, according to Find My Electric, an independent EV marketplace. Prices for these 10 EVs range from $26,599 for the Chevrolet Bolt EV to $99,000 for the most expensive version of the Rivian R1S, according to its data.

By contrast, the average starting price for a hybrid car is $33,214, according to iSeeCars.com, a car search engine. If you have specific models in mind, the Department of Energy offers a tool to compare up to four vehicles at once. You can also compare different models based on fuel efficiency. 

Search for available auto rebates and incentives

If you’re leaning toward an EV, but still find the upfront cost daunting, look for possible rebates. There are subsidies from the federal government — up to $7,500 maximum — but it’s getting harder to qualify for as more manufacturers are becoming ineligible, Rao said. 

Also look for state and local incentives. Buyers can visit the Electric for All website, maintained by the nonprofit organization Veloz, to search for incentives such as vehicle tax credits and rebates, charging rebates, local utility incentive programs and other special driving perks for going electric.

“Depending where you live, you might be able to walk off the lot with an EV that’s similar in price to a hybrid or internal combustion vehicle,” said Steve Christensen, executive director of the Responsible Battery Coalition, a nonprofit coalition of companies committed to the responsible management of the batteries.

Consider a plug-in hybrid

Another option people could look at is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, which offers an attractive option for those who are transitioning from gas and diesel-driven cars to battery-powered vehicles, Rao said. 

The biggest differences between full hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are the size, cost and purpose of their electric batteries, according to an online Q&A from Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. Also, a plug-in hybrid’s electric battery can be recharged at home or a public charging station whereas a full hybrid car uses its gas-powered engine to recharge.

If you are considering a plug-in hybrid, the Department of Energy has a calculator that can help estimate personalized fuel use and costs based on your driving habits, fuel prices, and charging schedule.

Focus on overall cost of ownership, not just upfront costs

Generally, the upfront costs of an EV will be higher, but you still might be better off over time.

For example, smaller EVs like compact cars or sedans with a range of about 200 miles break even with a similarly sized traditional hybrid in five years or less, according to a recent University of Michigan study. And that’s without incentives, said Maxwell Woody, a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan and lead author of the study.

However, larger vehicles like midsize SUVs, pickup trucks or other vehicles with a larger, up-to 400-mile range battery do not break even with hybrids, even if incentives are applied, the study found. It’s worth noting that the data is based on a longer history of battery prices, which have decreased dramatically in recent years, and are expected to continue falling, so electric vehicles generally will perform better in the near future, Woody said.

Doing the math on a plug-in hybrid is more complicated because the cost to run the car can vary widely on how much you charge versus refueling with gas. If you operate it all-electricity for city driving, for instance, your costs could be close to an EV, Woody said. If you take it on long trips, the costs for refueling could be more similar to a gas vehicle, he said.

When considering the overall cost of ownership, be sure to factor in maintenance costs, said Albert Gore, executive director of ZETA, an industry-backed coalition that advocates for full EV adoption. He points to a study by Argonne National Lab that shows scheduled maintenance costs per mile are significantly lower for an EV versus a traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

Also be sure to compare apples-to-apples in terms of features, model, year, quality and use cases, Woody said. For example, someone considering a Nissan Leaf, which is fully electric, might look at the comparable data for a Honda Civic hybrid, he said.

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Enel and Mars ink a milestone Texas solar agreement

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Enel and Mars ink a milestone Texas solar agreement

Enel North America and food and snacks giant Mars have signed a massive clean energy deal that will power up Mars’s operations with Texas solar.

The two companies completed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the full output – all 851 megawatts (MW) – of three Texas solar farms. Together, those plants are expected to deliver 1.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. That makes this Enel’s largest corporate PPA worldwide.

Michele Di Murro, CEO of Enel North America, said the deal “shows how renewables are among the fastest and most affordable solutions to meet the nation’s energy needs. Through these agreements, we’re adding clean capacity to the Texas grid while supporting a leading manufacturer’s sustainability goals.”

For Mars, the move goes beyond just greening its own factories. Kevin Rabinovitch, global VP of sustainability at Mars, explained that this PPA “lets us bring demand for all the electricity used in our value chain to the clean energy market in a highly efficient manner. The more demand we create together, the faster we can build the future we all want.”

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All three solar farms will use sheep grazing to manage vegetation, a dual-use practice Enel has scaled through the largest solar grazing agreement in the US.


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Finance a new EV for less: EV deals with 0% interest this September

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Finance a new EV for less: EV deals with 0% interest this September

Lease deals get all the headlines, but 75% of new car buyers still finance their cars, indicating that they want to own their vehicles once the payments are done. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been holding out for relief from sky-high payments, a wave of new EVs are now available with 0% financing — making it one of the best months yet to buy a new EV.

Every month, Electrek readers looking for great deals on a new EV flock to our lease deal posts. Recently, however, the comments have been asking another crucial question: what about EV deals for the people who want to buy, instead of leas?

You asked, we listened. This roundup is for that 75% of new car buyers who choose to finance their cars instead of lease — so here’s a list of all the 0% financing deals on EVs you can get in September, 2025.

As I put this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. In the end, I decided to present these deals in alphabetical order, by brand name (make). And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!

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Acura ZDX


Acura-ZDX-EVs-donated
2024 Acura ZDX; via Acura.

New for the 2024 model year, the Acura ZDX uses GM Ultium battery and drive technology, but the styling, interior, and infotainment are all Honda, delivering GM-level parts support with Honda-level fit, finish, and quality. Add in standard Apple CarPlay support, 0% financing for up to 72 months, and $7,500 customer cash through September 30th, and the ZDX becomes easily one of the best sporty crossover values on the market.

Chevy Equinox EV


Chevy-Equinox-EV-Ford
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV; via GM.

With an impressive combination of affordability, practicality, and advanced features, the Chevy Equinox is a standout EV. And with an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles and a starting price under $35,000, it’s no wonder they’re flying off dealer lots.

For well-qualified buyers, Chevrolet is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months through GM Financial through September 30th. That offer can be paired with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit (which you can claim at the dealer), along with up to $1,250 in additional discounts for Costco members, depending on membership level.

Dodge Charger


Electric Dodge Charger; via Stellantis.

Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with some extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest muscle car on the dealer’s lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood.

For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger with up to 670 battery-backed horsepower. And if you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with a $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months — and that’s before any dealer discounts.

Ford F-150 Lightning


2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Is Cheaper To Lease Than Its ICE-Powered F-150 Sibling
F-150 Lightning pickup; by Ford.

America’s best-selling electric truck offers V2x technology, a nationwide dealer network, a universe of aftermarket accessories, and a look that blends into the crowd. This month, this proven pickup adds 0% interest financing for up to 72 months. Ford Pro customer can get access to advanced telematics and, in some cases, even get help sourcing additional grants and rebates, too.

GMC Hummer EV


2024 GMC Hummer EV
2024 GMC Hummer EV

The biggest of GM’s Ultium-based EVs are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick accelerationplus on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members. So, if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.

GMC Sierra EV


2025 GMC SIERRA EV DENALI
GMC Sierra EV Denali; via GMC.

In addition to offering a solid Powerwall alternative, these big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s “three letter bandit” commercial brand are just as impressive as their Hummer stablemates, but one-up the Hummers with heavy-duty towing prowess and the added capability of bidirectional charging baked in. And, like the Hummer, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of Denali and AT4 model Sierra EVs with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members.

Honda Prologue


Honda Prologue EV prices
2025 Honda Prologue Elite in Snowfall Pearl, via Honda.

Like the Acura ZDX at the top of this list, the Honda Prologue was blends the excellent GM Ultium EV platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay to create a winning combination. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the top-selling electric crossovers — and to move out as many as possible before the $7,500 federal tax credit goes away, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 60 plus up to an additional $2,000 in Honda Loyalty or Conquest cash.

Hyundai IONIQ 6


hyundai-Samsung-SK-LG-EV-alliance
Hyundai IONIQ 6; via Hyundai.

The last of the streamliners, the IONIQ 6 has influences from Ferry Porsche and Raymond Loewy without looking like a copy of either. In addition to being a future classic, it’s efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of rangecan charge just about anywhere, and (now through the end of the month), can be financed with 0% interest for up to 48 months or $7,500 in customer bonus cash on all trims.

If you’re flexible on color, Hyundai dealers with “aged inventory” will give you an extra $1,000, for $8,500 total incentive dollars on your IONIQ 6.

Jeep Wagoneer S


Jeep's-electric-SUV-dirty
Jeep Wagoneer S; via Stellantis.

The Jeep Wagoneer S is a slick, capable, street-oriented EV that’s been inexplicably saddled with a sloping roof and spoiler that eats away at the electric SUV’s ultimate utility (that’s the “U” part), but if you can get past that minor caveat, this first-ever battery-powered Jeep is ready to deliver. With $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months before dealer discounts through September 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best EV deal going.

Kia Niro EV


2025-Kia-Niro-EV-prices
2025 Kia Niro EV; via Kia.

Kia is doing a phenomenal job moving its supercar-baiting EV6 and ultra-capable EV9 family trucksters, but the under-mentioned and underrated little Niro EV seems like it could use a little help. To that end, Kia is offering 0% interest financing or up to $7,500 customer cash on select examples of the little urban runabout now through September 30th.

Nissan Ariya


Nissan Ariya EV Deals
Nissan Ariya; via Nissan.

I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months or up to $10,000 Customer Cash (that’s not a typo) undecided EV buyers could do a lot worse than to give the Ariya a chance to win them over.

Polestar 3


Polestar's-electric-SUV-cheaper
Polestar 3; via Polestar.

Sleek, Scandinavian, and seriously quick, the Polestar 3 is the lovechild of Swedish brand Volvo and Chinese brand Geely’s billions. As such, it delivers both Scandinavian style and high-tech substance with dual-motor power, a minimalistic, luxurious cabin, and Android Auto baked right in. The Polestar 3 was designed to turn heads while keeping daily driving effortless, and through the month of September, it’s sure to turn even more heads with 0% financing for up to 72 months through Polestar Financial Services and a $10,000 Clean Vehicle Incentive in some markets.

Put it all together, and the Polestar 3 stands out as one of the most compelling premium EV SUV deals of the month.

Subaru Solterra


Subaru Solterra EV; via Subaru.

The first-ever electric Subaru had a rocky start (no pun intended), but this off-road-ready sibling of the Toyota bZ4X seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and left-leaning granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your inflatables out to the pond. Add in 227 miles of range, some big discounts, and 0% financing for up to 72 months, and this should be a great month for electric Subaru fans to drive home in a new Solterra.

Volkswagen ID.4


Volkswagen-ID.4-lease
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.

One of the most popular legacy EVs both in the US and Europe, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and zippy around-town handling. Everyone I know who has one loves it, and VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.

This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months or up to $5,000 customer cash. You’ll need to do some math to see which offer works best for you.

Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirectCarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 15SEP2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard lines of “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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A SWTCH and FLO agreement just made EV charging a lot easier

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A SWTCH and FLO agreement just made EV charging a lot easier

EV charging networks SWTCH Energy and FLO have signed a roaming agreement that lets drivers charge on either network with just one app, removing the need to juggle multiple accounts or payment methods.

One of the biggest frustrations for EV owners is charging network fragmentation. Using multiple apps and memberships makes it clunky and time-consuming for drivers to plug in, especially on road trips. This new agreement gives drivers access to tens of thousands of chargers on SWTCH and FLO’s networks.

If you’re using the SWTCH or FLO app, you can now see and use chargers from both networks. Your existing payment method works across the board, and expanded charger visibility makes trip planning easier. That should mean a smoother, more consistent experience.

SWTCH CEO Carter Li said, “SWTCH users now have access to more than 70,000 chargers across North America. We’re creating the seamless, integrated charging ecosystem that drivers deserve.” FLO CEO Louis Tremblay added that FLO’s roaming agreements already give its members access to more than 110,000 public chargers, and teaming up with SWTCH further strengthens that coverage.

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Both companies already have roaming deals with other charging networks in Canada and the US.

Read more: FLO’s new Ultra DC fast chargers can charge EVs to 80% in 15 minutes


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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