[Isaac Zachary]

What's the most sensible solution? What's the pros and cons overall?

Plug-in hybrid as only car:

Pros:

• Can drive around town on electricity and not have to worry about long distances.
• Having one car can reduce total ownership costs.
• You may not need more than a normal 120V outlet to charge from.

Cons:

• Car has two drive trains that could break down, and you wouldn't have an alternative vehicle besides renting.
• Can't take advantage of multi-vehicle insurance.
• There are very few plug-in hybrid models to choose from.

EV and ICEV as two cars:

Pros:

• Again, you can drive around town on electricity and not have to worry about long distances.
• Although overall cost would likely be higher than just one car, you can put fewer miles on each car, using them for what they're designed best for.
• You can take advantage of multi-vehicle insurance.
• The vehicles could be very different. For an example, the ICEV could be a pickup or SUV.
• If your daily miles aren't too far, you might be able to get by with just a 120V outlet for charging.

Cons:

• Have to purchase, maintain and park two vehicles.

EV only:

Pros:

• Having one car can reduce total ownership costs, maybe.

Cons:

• You have to get a more costly EV so you can drive farther, or be willing to take public transportation like bus or plane.
• The charging infrastructure isn't great and won't be for a while, at least in most places.
• All the other one-car disadvantages I've mentioned, unless you have two EV's.