About Plug-in Hybrids

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)is exactly what its name suggests: it’s a hybrid car with a battery pack that can be plugged in to charge it up. Like conventional hybrid models, PHEVs have both a petrol or diesel combustion engine and an electric motor.

However, the battery pack that powers a PHEV’s motor is larger than that in a standard hybrid, giving it the advantage that it can run for longer on pure electric power alone.

Ranges are typically 20 to 30 miles, but some of the latest PHEVs have an official pure electric range of more than 50 miles. This means they can complete most shorter urban journeys on electric power, emitting zero tailpipe emissions, but you don’t need to worry about topping the batteries up to complete longer drives because the conventional engine automatically kicks in and takes over the driving when the batteries are depleted.

At present 19 of the UK’s 35 mainstream car manufacturers offer PHEVs as part of their line-up, and many more also offer some form of hybrid or electric vehicle.

According to official figures, 66,877 plug-in hybrid cars were sold in this country in 2020 – a massive 91% increase on the previous year. This is only likely to grow in the coming years, as we countdown to 2030, when sales of conventional petrol and diesel cars will be banned.

You shouldn’t confuse a plug-in hybrid car with a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or mild hybrid vehicle (MHEV). A PHEV is the only hybrid that can be plugged into the mains. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), often shortened to hybrids, or referred to as ‘self-charging hybrids’ in some advertisements, are powered by electricity and a petrol or diesel engine.

Unlike a PHEV, a HEV cannot be plugged into the mains, as the engine is still the main power source. The battery is significantly smaller, so you shouldn’t expect to achieve any more than a couple of miles of pure electric range at low speeds.

A mild hybrid vehicle (MHEV) features a small battery pack with an integrated starter-generator, which is designed to improve efficiency and to deliver a tiny boost in acceleration.

Fuel economy is improved and there’s a small reduction in CO2 emissions, while some models feature tech that allows the engine to switch off when coasting.

There are plenty of advantages of running a PHEV - it may be pricier than a conventional-engine alternative, but you’ll pay no or very little road tax, no congestion charge in big cities like London, and if you keep the batteries topped up and only do shorter journeys it’ll cost at least 50% less on fuel. Charging points can be found on sites such as ZapMap.

There are, however, many drivers who aren’t ready to take the plunge. A plug-in hybrid alleviates range anxiety and removes the reliance on the public charging network.

Once the battery has run out, you simply use the petrol or diesel engine as normal before filling up at a conventional filling station. This safety net could be useful for drivers embarking on longer journeys.

There’s no doubt that there’s never been a better time to lease a pure electric vehicle. A good public charging network, realistic range estimates of around 250 miles, and affordable lease and finance deals combine to make EV ownership a realistic prospect for an increasing number of people.

There are, however, many drivers who aren’t ready to take the plunge. A plug-in hybrid alleviates range anxiety and removes the reliance on the public charging network.

Once the battery has run out, you simply use the petrol or diesel engine as normal before filling up at a conventional filling station. This safety net could be useful for drivers embarking on longer journeys.