The driving characteristics of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) were investigated so as to determine the scope of the average daily mileage for domestic automobile through surveys and discover the rules of PHEV fuel consumption. Meanwhile, the expected costs and expenses related to PHEV were analyzed. Finally, the cost effectiveness of PHEV at different pure electric driving range were analyzed by the economic benefit analysis method, and the best economic benefit point for the pure EV range of PHEV was determined.