It’s worth remembering, though, that any electric car could cover more than 30 miles per charge, so it’s wise to think about the suitability and price of electric alternatives when looking at a PHEV. So, plug-in hybrids are best suited to drivers with a very specific set of needs.ĭrivers who rarely travel more than 30 miles in a day in theory could rely entirely on electric power with a PHEV, without ever needing to fill up with petrol. However, having the weight of a petrol engine and fuel tank, plus an electric motor and battery pack, means that plug-in hybrids can be less efficient than equivalent electric cars. In most cases, fully charged plug-in hybrids can travel up to around 30 miles on electric power alone before the petrol engine takes over and the car runs just like a normal hybrid car. Plug-in hybrid models offer impressive claimed fuel economy by having an electric motor and large battery, which, when charged, reduces the strain on the petrol engine.

Plug-in hybrid technology is becoming increasingly common across the board, with a majority of manufacturers producing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of current models, or even introducing new ranges dedicated to hybrid and electric tech - as is the case with the Hyundai Ioniq.

Like the idea of being able to drive on electric power alone, but aren’t ready to give up the security of having a petrol engine, too? A plug-in hybrid could be a good option for you, though with an increasing number of electric cars offering a real-world range of more than 300 miles, it’s also worth considering whether electric alternatives are more suitable for you.

List of plug in hybrid vehicles 2019