Ask Honest John Question of the Week: Which is best - EV, plug-in hybrid or self-charging hybrid?
Fri, 05 Jul 2024
Dear Honest John,
"Is there a straightforward, idiot's guide to the differences between hybrids and electric cars and the comparative running costs? My head hurts."
- KJ
Dear KJ,
Unlike the relatively small differences between petrol and diesel cars, EVs, plug-in hybrids and self-charging hybrids have different characteristics, have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of driving they are required to do and the resultant running costs, and that doesn't even take into account the purchase price.
For example, a pure electric vehicle charged at home will be significantly cheaper to run, but broadly speaking will be more expensive to buy initially, and if you regularly cover long distances you will need to use public charge points which can be expensive.
Plug-in hybrids are something of a compromise between a pure EV and a conventional ICE vehicle, allowing you to use pure electric power for short journeys. Again, if you can charge at home they offer the potential for low running costs, but if you don't have this facility then you are paying extra for a pure EV function that will have limited use if you can only recharge the battery from brake regeneration or directly from the petrol engine.
Self-charging hybrids don't offer as much pure EV range because you can't plug them in and have to rely on the regeneration methods mentioned previously. On the upside they are broadly speaking cheaper to buy than the other two options.
Ultimately it is a matter of looking at how you will use the vehicle, what your access to charging facilities is like and whether this is a private or a business vehicle. In short, we'd recommend a pure-electric car if you can charge at home and don't plan to drive the length of the country regularly.
Plug-in hybrids make more sense for business users (due to tax savings) but they work well if you can plug in at home and mainly use the car for a short commute but wish to travel further afield occasionally. Conventional 'self-charging' hybrids are a better option if you can't charge a car at home.
Which plug-in hybrid cars have the longest electric range?
