What is the future for plug-in hybrids?
Indeed, sales of PHEVs are fairly healthy, with 11. Plug-in Hybrid Electric variety in April 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (not a bad figure given PHEVs were always a somewhat niche powertrain type in the UK). Not enough range and high prices may be keeping American buyers away from plug-in hybrid vehicles. More buyers are choosing regular non-plug-in hybrids or are going completely electric. PHEVs are more popular in Europe, but it’s pretty much the same story with a lot higher hybrid and EV sales.One of biggest cons:” Plug-in hybrids pollute almost as much as petrol cars, report finds. New research has shown that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emit just 19 per cent less CO2 per kilometre on average than petrol and diesel cars in Europe, significantly undermining the claims of carmakers.Instead, automakers are increasingly turning to traditional hybrids that don’t have a plug and extended-range electric vehicles, which also ease anxiety about needing to recharge but with less cost and complexity.They’re more expensive to buy than traditional petrol or self-charging hybrid cars. There’s a premium to pay for PHEVs. They’re much pricier than petrol cars, and somewhat more expensive than full hybrids.
Which is better, a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid?
Whilst both types of hybrids are extremely efficient for urban driving, if you find the idea of manually charging inconvenient, you may be suited to a regular HEV. But, if you want the option to go on longer journeys emission-free, or you have a longer commute, PHEVs could be an excellent choice. Plug-in hybrid cars can run for longer on electric power alone than standard hybrids – usually up to 50 miles – but their range isn’t as long as pure electric cars. PHEVs usually have a larger battery but smaller fuel tank than hybrid cars.As long as you keep the battery and fuel tank topped up, the best plug-in hybrids can be very cheap to run. On the other hand, PHEVs are often pricier to buy than petrol/diesel counterparts.Why Choose a Plug-in Hybrid in 2025? Plug-in hybrids can be a great stepping stone between combustion engines and fully electric driving. Here’s when a PHEV might suit you: You do short trips daily but still need to make long journeys now and then.The Best Overall Plug-in Hybrid Car: Toyota Prius PHEV The Prius has always been the go-to option for this type of car. Just like the Tesla Model 3 is the iPhone of EVs, the Toyota Prius PHEV is the default choice for anyone who’s looking for an affordable gas-powered car that can also be charged at home overnight.
Which is better, plug-in hybrid or full hybrid?
As a result, the battery within a plug-in hybrid car tends to be bigger than in a hybrid car so that it can hold more electric charge. This allows plug-in hybrids to run mainly on electric power, only using fuel on longer journeys where charge may run out. Depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, your typical hybrid car battery will last 8 to 10 years or around 100,000 to 150,000 miles.Similarly to an EV, a PHEV battery must be plugged in to charge. However, the range is lower than in fully electric cars, typically up to 50 miles. This makes plug-in hybrids better suited for short journeys. Finally, the system using the least amount of battery power: full hybrid.Average Cost: A hybrid battery replacement cost can range from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. It’s important to note that these are approximate costs, and we recommend contacting our service department for an accurate quote based on your specific vehicle.The Lifespan of a Hybrid Battery Hybrid batteries last for between 8 to 15 years, or around 100,000 to 150,000 miles (approximately 160,000 to 240,000 km). CUPRA plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) come with an 8-year or 100,000-mile (160,000 km) battery warranty, whichever comes first.