Best Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) 2022: The Complete Guide For The UK

Always choose a lower emission PHEV over a higher emission petrol or diesel car. And where possible, always choose a zero-tailpipe emission pure electric car Vs a plug-in hybrid electric car!

There is not doubt, in that, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have played an important role, and will continue to play a key role, in the migration from polluting internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles to zero-tailpipe emission pure electric cars, formally known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

For those new to electric vehicles (EVs), below is a very brief introduction:

Type Of Electric Vehicle (EV)	Description
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)	Mild hybrids use both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor. These cars are also known as ‘self-charging hybrids’. The vehicle uses regenerative braking (recuperated electric energy) to improve the fuel efficiency (mpg) and to reduce tailpipe emissions (CO2 g/km). However, mild hybrids cannot be charged by an external power source (i.e. EV charger). The recuperated electric energy is also used to boost the the combustion engine enhancing acceleration. Automotive manufactures (OEMs) like Toyota are one of the pioneers in developing and introducing mild hybrid vehicles. The ubiquitous Toyota Prius mild hybrid is an excellent example. Toyota also helped popularise the use of mild hybrids in the premium segment via its wholly owned Lexus brand.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)	Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) aim to achieve the same objectives like a MHEV i.e. increase fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. However there is much difference between a PHEV and a MHEV. The PHEV has a larger electric motor and onboard EV battery that is used to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE), but also to propel the vehicle. In a MHEV, the small onboard electric motor does not propel the vehicle. PHEVs come is varied EV battery sizes, but in general, most PHEVs have an EV battery size below 20 kWh. A plug-in electric car is capable of up to 25 miles zero-tailpipe emission electric miles. However, some PHEVs are capable of even longer electric miles. The Volvo XC60 PHEV is a good example of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Moreover, a PHEV EV battery is charged by using an external power source to include a domestic 3-PIN plug or a dedicated EV charger.
Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)	A battery-electric vehicle is more commonly referred to as a pure electric car. The EVs are ‘pure’ in that, the vehicle only uses electric power for propulsion i.e. a BEV does not have an internal combustion engine. It is easy to recognise these zero-tailpipe emission green cars, as they are silent (except for the artificial noise) and do not have a tailpipe! The electric vehicles have a much larger onboard EV battery than a PHEV. The EV battery on a BEV can be as large as 120 kWh, though an average in 60 kWh. In any case, most BEVs have an EV battery larger than 30 kWh. BEVs also use regenerative braking to improve the vehicle efficiency and electric range. However, the main source for the EV range is the EV battery, which can only be charged using an external power source, like an EV charger. BEVs can vary in range, depending on a number factors. However the more recent BEVs can have a range between 100 miles to 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. As an example, the all-electric VW ID.3 has a range up to 336 miles.

Top Reasons To Buy A PHEV

It is a widely known fact, in that, the average distance of a trip in the UK is a mere 12 miles. An average vehicle in the UK will travel between 8k and 10k miles per annum i.e. less than 30 miles per day. The newest eco-friendly PHEVs on the market will average between 20 to 30 zero-emission electric miles on a fully-charged EV battery. Perfect for the daily needs of most individuals and families in the UK! You can lease fantastic plug-in hybrid electric cars via e-zoomed at fantastic prices. Simply follow this link!

To Reason To Own A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
1). Improved fuel efficiency i.e. higher mpg!
2). Lower fuel costs i.e. higher savings compared to a convention internal combustion engine (ICE) only vehicle.
3). Reduced tailpipe emission: improved local air quality and better for the environment.
4). Cheap to drive on electric mode: 3 pence to 5 pence per mile compared to up to 20 pence per mile on petrol or diesel cars.
5). Higher vehicle performance (torque and acceleration) and smoother drive.
6). Lower noise in electric model.
7). Practical and versatile for short and long distance trips.
8). Easy to charge at the convenience of your own home or office.

Electric Cars: The Basics

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: