Buying an electric car can feel like a leap of faith. Will you be able to get around gas-free, or will you wind up stranded on the side of the road or need to constantly stop to slowly recharge your battery? Plus, if you want seven-passenger seating, your only pure-electric option is the $85,000 Tesla Model X.
Fortunately, there’s a middle ground: the plug-in hybrid. A good plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will let many drivers commute to work or run errands without burning any gasoline, yet also provide a gas engine for emergencies or road trips. One such PHEV is the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8, which the company updated this year with a higher-capacity battery and other upgrades. Like other XC90 models, the T8 is beautiful yet functional — with elegant styling, a magnificently appointed interior, and three adult-size rows of seats. But only this one lets you avoid using an ounce of gasoline under the right conditions. Prices start at $67,000 before tax incentives.