![]() Related Interested in buying an EV? Here’s where to start and what to look for Types of hybrids on the market Plus, they give buyers high fuel economy and the ability to go places where electric charging stations can’t. Hybrid vehicles are an attractive and financially savvy alternative to EVs. Thankfully, there are in-between options for those not ready to go all-in on electric but who want to be environmentally conscious. There is currently no Audi equivalent to the fast-paced Golf GTE.Roadtrippers who are in the market for a new car may be debating whether or not an all-electric vehicle will give them enough freedom to travel without range anxiety and meticulous planning, which can put a damper on any great adventure. The A3 TFSI e and Volkswagen Golf TSI eHybrid share many of the same mechanical parts, however the Golf promises slightly better figures of 306mpg and 21g/km. It’s powered by an electric motor and a 1.4-litre petrol engine, and it has a six-speed automatic gearbox too. Where a Toyota Prius or BMW i3 can feel a bit alien, the A3 feels like home from the moment you sit down for the first time. Perhaps the strongest aspect of the A3 TFSI e in the eyes of many drivers is the fact you'll find very few differences between it and a petrol or diesel-powered A3. It's capable of covering up to 41 miles on electric power alone, which will be enough for many who rarely commute outside of their local area. The Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e offers the low-running costs associated with hybrids, but it still delivers the usual refinements you’d expect from an Audi. Used deals from £16,499 Fuel economy 283mpg This means only the electric motor drives the wheels - the petrol motor doesn't, instead it charges the battery, like an in-car generator.įortunately, the engine doesn't affect the i3's spacious and airy interior, which maximises the benefits of the compact underpinnings of an electric car. This means that the car runs on electric power for around 90 miles, at which point you'll hear the thrum of the motor starting up. The extra charge provided can keep you going for another 90 miles or so, at which point you either need to recharge the battery or fill up the small fuel tank. It works a little differently from most other hybrids because the 650cc motorbike engine is primarily used to charge up the battery when it gets low. New BMW i3s are only available as electric cars, but in the i3's first few years on sale the company also offered a 'Range Extender' (REx) version, which included a small petrol engine. If that sounds like you, read on for the best plug-in hybrid models that offer a good blend of value, fuel economy and practicality. So the question to mull over is whether you’re likely to plug the car in regularly and do lots of short trips - where you can make the most of battery power - plus enough long journeys that are too long for an equivalent electric car to comfortably manage. However, those who typically travel much further than 30 miles, are unlikely to get the best possible efficiency from a plug-in hybrid, as most journeys will be predominantly carried out on petrol power, with all the weight of the electric motor and battery to carry around, but little electric assistance. ![]() 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. ![]()
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