Expense on Honda Prologue: $29 for 240 miles, while Honda Civic Hybrid achieves 530 miles for $37. It appears the cost advantage of electric vehicles has seemingly diminished in this comparison.
The Honda Prologue, a new entrant in the electric vehicle (EV) market, is built on General Motors' BEV3 platform and boasts an impressive motor that can produce up to 288 hp, making it a formidable choice for those seeking a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) EV.
However, the ownership experience of the Prologue may not be as rosy as one might expect, particularly for residents in California. Utility companies, such as PG&E, have been identified as a significant factor affecting the Prologue's ownership experience due to their rate structures and spiking peak-hour costs. For instance, PG&E charges approximately double their off-peak rates from 4-9 PM, making home charging more expensive than fueling a hybrid in certain areas. Peak residential electricity rates under PG&E can rival the cost of filling up a diesel Sprinter.
The reality of EV ownership can diverge sharply from the aspirational lifestyle projected in electric vehicle ads. Owning an EV requires managing one's entire energy life, including factors like where one lives, utility charges, and battery storage costs. In California, which has some of the highest electricity prices in the U.S., these factors can make home charging more expensive than fueling a hybrid with gasoline.
The Prologue's 85 kWh Ultium battery is located low in the chassis for balanced weight distribution, and the vehicle spans approximately 192 inches in length, with a 121.8-inch wheelbase, 78.3-inch width, and 64.7-inch height. The FWD versions of the Honda Prologue deliver up to 296 miles EPA-rated range, while AWD trims offer roughly 273-281 miles per charge. The Prologue also offers dual charging capabilities: up to 11.5 kW AC charging for home use and up to 155 kW DC fast charging.
Commercial charging can cost around $30 for 225 miles, which is functionally identical to gas pricing. However, some early owners have reported public charging issues, with drivers unable to initiate charging at functioning stations, described as a key usability concern.
In summary, while the Prologue’s electricity usage per mile might be efficient, the combination of California’s elevated residential electricity rates and the cost of installing a Level 2 charger can make home charging more expensive than fueling a hybrid in those regions. The financial comparison between charging an electric vehicle at home and fueling a hybrid is significant, and EV ownership involves a rational assessment of whether the benefits still outweigh the costs, given one's specific circumstances.
[1]: Source for residential electricity rates in California [3]: Source for Level 2 charger installation costs [5]: Source for the cost comparison between home charging and fueling a hybrid in California
- Despite the impressive performance of the Honda Prologue, the high residential electricity rates in California, such as those offered by PG&E, can make home charging more expensive than fueling a hybrid with gasoline, potentially impacting the financial feasibility of electric vehicle ownership.
- The choice between financing a hybrid or charging an electric vehicle at home in California requires a careful consideration of factors like utility charges, installation costs, and convenience, as the costs associated with home charging can rival or even surpass the cost of fueling a hybrid.
- As technology advances and car manufacturers like Honda introduce innovative electric vehicles like the Prologue, personal-finance and lifestyle decisions become increasingly influenced by factors such as electric vehicle charging costs, efficiency, and the accessibility of commercial charging stations.
