Moreover, based on an electric rate of 9 cents per kilowatt hour, electric propulsion costs a rough equivalent of 75 cents a gallon to travel the same distance of a gasoline engine vehicle.  It is reasonable to assume a person who drives 15,000 mile annually could save a $1,000 in fuel costs alone.  When lesser maintenance and a higher resale value are factored, the return on investment is attractive.  Additionally, when air quality and national security issues are considered, it is hoped the market will appreciate both the near and long term savings of plug-in hybrids.