Good hybrid vehicles combine a most fuel efficient engine with electric motor and battery of an electric vehicle, giving you the option to switch between the two kinds. Smart drivers use the electric motor to drive in cities, and the gas engine for inter-city trips.

Choose a hybrid with bigger battery packs. For example, the Chevrolet Volt has a 18.4-kWh battery pack, which provides more than 50 miles of driving in electric mode. Bigger battery packs give you more flexibility in using the vehcile, helping you fulfil your environment-friendly duties.

Remember, vehicles work about two to three times more efficiently when running on electricity rather than gas.

To know the amount of incentive you will receive from the government, visit the FuelEconomy.gov page on plug-in hybrid credits.. Basically, the size of the incentive is based directly on the size of the battery in the car.  

The best plug-in hybrid: Chevrolet Volt (true electric car feel, fuel efficient over longer trips, less pricey because of incentives)

The second best plug-in hybrid: Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (more room for passengers, decent trunk)

The best roomy plug-in hybrid: Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid (space for seven)

The plug-in hybrid with the best range:  BMW i3 REx (72 miles range, pricey)