As long as you have an engine, a 2.5L with industry-leading 41% thermal efficiency on RAV4 Prime, you really don*t have to worry about using the heating and cooling like the EV does. With current gas price $3.29 / gal. in California, it*d take many years to recoup the additional cost on a normal hybrid. But plug-in hybrid is a totally different story. The electricity used to charge the PHEV is much cheaper. And PG&E in Bay Area also gives 50% off overnight to the customers if you meet certain requirements charging the EV. PHEV offers the best of both worlds. You don*t need to worry about the driving range and long charging time limited by the EV, and still PHEV gives you excellent gas mileage. Gas saving on Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is real. Friend*s 2017 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid has only stopped at the gas station ONCE for 9 gallons of gas in his 3+ years of ownership!