Needless to say, there are a lot to choose from at the moment. So we’ve picked out some of the latest to hit the market.
BMW X2 Plug-in hybrid
BMW, like so many other manufacturers, is in the process of electrifying a whole host of its core models. The X2 crossover is one of the latest, benefiting from a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which is linked to an electric motor and batteries.
BMW says it should be able to travel for up to 35 miles on a single charge, while topping up the batteries completely will take around five hours via a three-pin socket.
Ford Kuga PHEV
Ford might have been a little behind the curve with its quest for electrification, but it is picking up the pace. Take the Kuga PHEV. It’s an electrified version of the firm’s ever-popular SUV, bringing the practicality people want, with far lower running costs than normal.
The combination of 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor means the Kuga kicks out an impressive 222bhp, yet will return 35 miles of electric-only range.
Mercedes-Benz E300 de
In a change from the normal, Mercedes-Benz has used a diesel engine as its starting point for a hybrid powertrain, linking this with an electric motor and batteries for the best-possible economy figures.
A 13.5kWh battery provides enough power for 34 miles of electric-only range, while the E300 de’s CO2 emissions figures are impressively low at 41g/km.
Range Rover Velar P400e
The Velar is one of Range Rover’s latest cars to benefit from a plug-in hybrid powertrain, following on from a number of other vehicles in its line-up that now boast electrified setups. With 398bhp the plug-in hybrid Velar is impressively punchy, while the switch between electric and petrol power is barely noticeable.
If you want one of the classiest-looking PHEVs around, then the Velar is the car for you.
Renault Captur E-Tech
Renault might be deploying mild-hybrid technology across its range of vehicles to improve economy and emissions, but only a handful actually get a full-fat plug-in hybrid setup. The Captur is one such vehicle, boasting a 1.6-litre engine linked
to two electric motors and a 9.8kWh battery.
Renault claims a 31-mile electric-only range and up to 188mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 34g/km ensuring it’s an appealing option with company-car drivers.
Suzuki Across
The Across shares much of its underpinnings with Toyota’s recently introduced RAV4, meaning its powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and batteries resulting in a total output of 302bhp – making it Suzuki’s most powerful car to date.
As well as being able to go from 0-60mph in under 5.8 seconds, the Across will also return an impressive 46 miles on battery power alone.
Volkswagen Touareg R
Taking the title as the most powerful production Volkswagen to date, the Touareg R is a car that shows plug-in hybrids needn’t be without a performance edge. A petrol V6 links with an electric motor and batteries, allowing the Touareg R to go from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Volkswagen claims it’ll return up to 94.2mpg while travelling up to 28 miles on electric power alone. A full charge will take around eight-and-a-half hours via a three-pin plug.
