Should I replace my diesel car with a hybrid or electric vehicle and, if so, which one?

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Should I replace my diesel car with a hybrid or electric vehicle and, if so, which one?

I own a Skoda Yeti diesel, which I have used for towing a caravan for the past six years. Due to our advancing years, we have decided to give up caravanning and no longer need a diesel car. We will probably pass the Yeti onto a family member and are now in the position of trying to decide on a replacement, but there is no rush. In the electric car range, the Kia e-Niro looks to be the front runner, but are like the proverbial hen's teeth. The Jaguar I-Pace is lovely but out of my price bracket. We need a car that can do mainly local journeys but can also cope with a regular 130 mile trip to Cumbria but (hopefully) without an hour's stop to charge it. Should I hang onto the Yeti for a while and wait for a wider choice of electric cars or can you suggest a suitable alternative such as a hybrid?

Asked on 5 November 2019 by Ron

Answered by Andrew Brady

A Kia e-Niro sounds like a good choice and should easily be able to cover a 130 mile trip to Cumbria but, like you say, actually getting one is tricky. A Hyundai Ioniq Electric would be another strong choice, with an official range of 194 miles. Also consider the MG ZS EV - it's an affordable electric crossover, officially capable of covering 163 miles on a full charge. Alternatively, it might be worth waiting for the new Volkswagen ID.3, which will go on sale next year: www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/new-cars/2019-09/volkswa.../

Tags: hybrid or diesel? electric cars battery range hybrid cars diesel or electric?

Similar questions

Is buying an electric car for commuting realistic at the moment?

My daily commute is a 180-mile round trip on a variety of motorway sections, roundabout filled dual carriage ways and B roads. I currently drive a 2009 Citroen C5 diesel automatic. Tax is a whacking £350...

We do mostly short trips with some caravan holidays. Would a diesel hybrid suit our needs?

At the moment we have a 180,000 mile diesel Volkswagen Golf for the short runs we do and a 60,000 mile diesel Honda Civic Tourer for the long runs and caravan trips. Every year, we do four caravan (1300kg)...

I did a 250-mile, 7-hour trip in my diesel car. How would an electric car have coped?

Last bank holiday Monday, I travelled the 260 miles from Edinburgh to the North Midlands in my diesel Hyundai. I still had enough fuel for another 250 miles, but the journey took seven hours instead of...

Related models

Jaguar I-Pace (2018 on)

One of the most enjoyable cars of its type to drive, lots of standard equipment provided, good driving range of almost 300 miles between charges.

Volkswagen ID.3 (2020 on)

Easy and relaxing to drive. Impressive range (especially from the ID.3 Pro S). Improved interior from 2023.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016 - 2022)

Easy-going nature. Good interior quality. Smooth electric powertrain.

Kia e-Niro (2018 - 2022)

Desirable electric SUV. Spacious. Impressive range up to 282 miles.

MG ZS EV (2019 - 2024)

Nothing else beats it in terms of value for money. 273-mile range on the latest models. Practical and surprisingly well-finished interior. Seven-year warranty.