Making the switch to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) car can make a lot of sense for those looking to significantly reduce their monthly outgoings.
Indeed, by combining the zero-emission savings of electric power for short journeys with the reassurance that comes with having a petrol-powered combustion engine on hand for longer ones, PHEVs are an excellent way to save on your fuel costs.
With this in mind, it is little wonder that interest in PHEVs is booming, leading to a slew of brand-new plug-in hybrid models arriving in Vertu showrooms in recent months.
If you’re curious about maximising your PHEV’s electric range, or wondering how well a hybrid would suit your routine, read on to see how to make the most of a hybrid car.
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Top Tips for Maximising your PHEV’s Electric Range
- Regular Recharging – If you have the facility to do so, it pays to ensure your battery is regularly recharged, such as overnight, so you’re not simply using the engine to lug around an empty unit. If so, you’re getting no EV benefit with an empty battery, and it can put added strain on the engine, leading to inefficient fuel economy.
- Do Your Sums – It’s important to consider your regular journeys with a PHEV. If your daily drives cover similar routes – such as the school run, the commute to work or heading to the shops – then it is easier to calculate your weekly mileage. From this you can figure out whether your routine falls within the EV range of your PHEV. For instance, if your Monday to Friday commute is no more than 50-miles day, it is very possible to go five days driving with electric power only (provided you recharge overnight). No emissions, no fuel cost.
- Be Mindful of Real-World Range – For the purpose of this ranking, we are listing the ten models with the longest EV-only range as quoted by the manufacturer. It should be noted that each car on sale is put through the same standardised tests to reach that EV-only range figure, which is an accurate way of measuring the cars against one another. However, be mindful that it is impossible to replicate every condition, so real-world range (the range you will get day-in, day-out) is likely to vary.
- Don’t Forget the CO2 and Fuel Economy Savings Too – Different cars have different PHEV approaches that might include settings that will see both the engine and electric motor being leveraged at the same time for greater efficiency. For the most part though, by having the capacity to drive a car on electric power only, you should see – on average – a big improvement in fuel economy and much lower CO2 emissions too.
Omoda 9 SHS
With up to 90 miles of electric range, the Omoda 9 makes a convincing argument for those considering the switch to a hybrid car.
With its striking, modern design, a suite of driver assistance and safety features, as well as a standard equipment list that puts other manufacturers to shame, the Omoda 9 delivers on both style and substance.
Omoda’s super hybrid system gives instant, EV-like torque, with the reassurance of the 1.5-litre engine backing it up, offering the best of both worlds and an electric-only range that can cover multiple days without any petrol usage.
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Volkswagen Golf eHybrid
The Volkswagen Golf eHybrid is perfect if you’re a fan of a humble hatchback, wanting high efficiency without full electrification. And if you’re after a hotter hybrid hatch, you’ll be glad to know there’s a GTE version, too.
The premium, sophisticated and connected atmosphere inside is aided by a 12.9-inch touchscreen display, an intuitive digital cockpit and customisable ambient lighting, as well as the comfort of ergonomic seats.
The Golf starts up in electric-only mode, offering instant torque from standstill and switching effortlessly between the 1.5-litre engine and 19.7kWh battery when needed. Altogether, the Golf eHybrid is both familiar and exciting.
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Audi A3 TFSI e
Designed with a compact exterior, spacious interior and intelligent tech throughout, the Audi A3 is made for feel-good adventures, and with 88 miles of electric range, Audi can easily back that claim.
You can melt into the comfort of heated front sport seats, with electric lumbar support, knowing that the three-zone climate control minimises the risk of passenger arguments. Additionally, remote climate preconditioning is included as standard, getting the cabin comfortable before you’ve even set foot inside.
On top of the 1.5-litre petrol engine and 19.8kWh battery, the car has a compact but sporty look, with muscular front and rear bumpers, as well as a rear sloping Sportback roofline adding a tastefully premium touch.
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Chery Tiggo 9
Hybrid performance, a sharp, modern design and refined comfort – the Chery Tiggo 9 outperforms a number of its rivals, reaching up to 87 miles of all-electric range.
The Tiggo 9 takes both safety and comfort seriously – 10 airbags and 16 driver assistance features keep you and your passengers safe at all times, allowing you to relax into your heated, 10-point massaging seats and breathe in the purified cabin air.
Underneath the sleek, modern silhouette, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine works together with a 34.4 kWh battery, engineered for long-lasting reliability. With the 71 kW DC fast-charging capability, you can top up quickly during busy days, getting from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 PHEV is the most powerful and most efficient version of their best-selling SUV. It’s safe, spacious and versatile – everything you could ever want from an SUV, and with 85 miles of electric range, quite an impressive one at that.
Traditionally chunky and upright, the RAV4 hits the sweet spot - at 4.6 metres long and boxy in shape, it offers a spacious interior and 446-litre boot, big enough for a family of four and all the luggage, but avoids being too cumbersome on the roads.
Efficient and effortless on the move, the RAV4’s high-performance engine is available with front-wheel drive or go-anywhere all-wheel drive, carrying any and all cargo around with up to 309 brake horsepower.
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Skoda Superb iV
The Skoda Superb iV was designed from the outset to accommodate the new plug-in hybrid system, featuring a large 25.7kWh battery and completely redesigned electronics, to optimise range and efficiency.
Despite the increase in battery size, the Superb retains all the qualities expected of a Skoda, including the space – proven by the unbelievable 510-litres of boot capacity – practicality, and sector-best rear legroom.
The new Superb has a dramatic increase in range on the previous model, with the battery, almost twice the size of the previous generation, now claiming up to 84 miles of all-electric driving. Additionally, the Superb can now be charged from 10-80 in just 26 minutes. All in all, quite deserving of the nomenclature.
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Jaecoo 8 SHS
With an all-electric range of 83 miles, the sophisticated Jaecoo 8 has made a big impact since landing in the UK – and to make things even more interesting, it’s a 7-seater.
Inside, the Jaecoo 8 blends SUV ruggedness with premium, modern aesthetics - massaging seats and a cooled wireless charging pad take the stress out of long journeys, while the dual 12.3-inch curved displays make connectivity simple and seamless.
With the latest Super Hybrid System, the car drives like an EV, just without the range anxiety. For extra peace of mind, a comprehensive battery pack protection system works to safeguard the battery against collision, fire, water and freezing conditions.
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BYD Seal U DM-I
The Seal U DM-I is an honourable mention as a standout PHEV, effortlessly combining a sleek, ocean-inspired appearance with fresh, modern technology, innovative power and the upright height that makes an SUV so appealing.
Within the Seal U’s cabin, the multifunctional seats and generous rear seating provide plenty of legroom and relaxation for everyone, while the panoramic sunroof overhead adds an airiness to the cabin, further increasing the spacious feeling.
BYD’s Super Dual Mode technology, Electric Hybrid System and ultra-efficient Xiaoyun engine come together with their rigorously tested Blade Battery to create a highly efficient car, reaching up to 77 miles of all-electric range on the comfort trim level, and getting up to 699 miles of combined range.
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