Do you ever notice how goofy most hybrid/electric vehicles always seem to look? Is it really that difficult to make a fuel efficient vehicle that doesn’t look like it’s straight out of the Jetsons cartoon? Not for Kia!
Confession: I have been scared of hybrid vehicles because I had no idea how to charge them. And I honestly thought they were gutless. Oops!
The brand changing the hybrid world is Kia and I’ve had fun getting to know the 2017 Optima PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid). This is the car that I’ll be cruising around in for the next three months, learning all there is to learn about the benefits of having a fuel efficient car. And since we’re on the topic of benefits, let’s name a few perks of owning a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in California.
Some Perks of HEV Vehicles in California
You will find many reasons to love an HEV vehicle, but in case you needed more of a reason to purchase one, check out the list below of some of my favorite perks of HEV vehicles in California:
HOV Lanes: California law allows single-occupant use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOVs) lanes by certain qualifying clean alternative fuel vehicles. The current Kia vehicles Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, and the Kia Soul Plug-in Hybrid. You can learn more here.
Free Hotel Parking & Charging: A number of hotels in California are extending hybrid, plug-in and alternative fuel vehicle perks to their customers. Check with hotel when making reservations.
Farmer’s Insurance: Farmers Insurance offers 10% discount on all major coverages for those who drive hybrids.
Traveler’s Insurance: Travelers Insurance offers up to a 10% discount on most major coverages for those who drive hybrid vehicles.
Rebates: The CVRP, funded by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Resources Board (ARB) and administered statewide by CSE, provides rebates of up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicles. See the CVRP website for an important notice regarding funding.
Kia Optima PHEV
The Kia Optima PHEV looks nothing like the Jetson mobile, but instead looks like a trendy car that I’m totally into. Charging it for the first time wasn’t as painful as I had imagined (thanks to my husband for teaching me how to do it). And this thing sure is peppy!
Fuel Economy:
When in electric/gas mode, the Optima PHEV gets around 103 MPGe, and gets about 40 MPG in gasoline mode only. With those numbers, you’re estimated to save about $3250 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average new vehicle. Those are truly numbers to brag about.
I will be sharing many more stories about my experience with the new Optima PHEV in the coming weeks, so be sure to stay tuned to my Instagram page, Twitter page, and blog.
