Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars 2021 (and the PHEVs to avoid) | What Car?

#pluginhybrid #whatcar #bestcars2021

Want an electric car but not quite sure it'll fit your lifestyle? A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could be a brilliant alternative for you. And the great news is, there are plenty to choose from. But which are the best? Watch to find out.




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[boyanbc]

I got 2016 VW Passat GTE. I do charge it as much as I can and I do about 1500-1600 km with its 50 litre tank. I do mostly up to 50-60 km a day with once a week 110-120 km ride (mostly on the highway). So pretty phenomenon for such large car if you ask me

[simonthomas]

Been driving a Kia Optima PHEV estate for the last 18 months. Incredibly frugal with up to 70km pure electric range if you drive carefully. Supreme build quality. Fluid transmission system. Extremely comfortable. If you only cover medium distance every day, you never need to fill it up! Just remember, these are heavy vehicles and you will sacrifice a bit of boot space compared to non PHEV models. Our Optima’s boot is around 40 litres smaller than the normal version.

[prastoo]

Info I need for PHEV:
1- how long on electric only
2- mpg/l/100 km on gas only
3- can it charge battery when on gas only (not with Regen or coasting).

[TurfSurf]

Right now, I think PHEV is the best option for short city travel and long distance travel at the same time. After the battery technology catches up and charging network fully build up, full electric will dominate. PHEV is just a transitional design that serve its purpose.

[wleacock]

I have the 2021 x5 45e and got almost 80 mpg on my first tank of gas and expect to break 100 mpg on my second tank. For local driving it is great, so long as the owner can plug into a level 2 charger every night. The driving experience is outstanding for a mid sized SUV, plenty of power and the handling is surprisingly good, especially in sport mode. The technology is top notch, it is a wonderful vehicle.

[stephentwarner]

You missed the best of all - Toyota RAV 4 PHEV. 50 mpg+ with a flat battery, 40 miles on battery alone if you drive it properly, with plenty of anticipation. And boy, does it go!

[keweadventure]

I am a two years owner of Prius Prime, best car ever. Gasoline engine alone still give 47 MPG.

[davidpaxton]

I have always thought myself a petrol head and never thought I would be anything else until I drove my son’s BMW 330e. It was so good that I went out and bought one. Performance in electric only mode up to 50 mph is brilliant. You have to drive one of these to understand what the instant torque of a electric motor feels like - brilliant. At higher speeds when the motor kicks in its very quick - similar to the Impreza WRX I once had.
I have had a wall charger fitted, and have only visited a petrol station twice in almost 2000 miles. I am getting over 99.9 miles per gallon - the computer only goes up to 99.9 mpg.
You have to try one of these BMWs, if you do I am sure you will never want a normal petrol or diesel car again.
My son has now got a BMW 530e which is even better!!

[paulg]

Typical What Car, putting the Prius plug-in in the ‘ones to avoid category’ without researching the facts. For the first 20, 000 miles I actually achieved 234 mpg, although that required routinely plugging it in and mainly local journeys.
Despite the common misconception that many journalists go along with (largely, I suspect, as a result of their ‘churnalism’) not all plug-in’s mpg figures fall off a cliff when the battery drains. On long journeys my Prius routinely achieves 80mpg when starting with an empty battery.
Also, the handling is excellent despite the wonderful ride the 15” wheels provide. Granted, tyre noise is on the high side and space is compromised by the batteries. Toyota are masters at hybrid technology and the transition from electric motor to ICE is seamless. If the engine is noisy it’s being driven by a What Car 20-something boy racer in Power Mode!
It’s important to bear in mind that the engineers’ main brief was to produce probably the most efficient hybrid car in the world - and this they have achieved. That it drives so well is a bonus.

[smarte.r.]

Mini Countryman Cooper SE - mine has claimed 34 miles range.. winter 16-18 summer 24-26... performance claimed 0-60 6.6 actual 0-60 5.2 stupidly fun car 1.5 3cylinder engine with four wheel drive capability... comfy and fun and different ..

[benchnorthants]

Purchased a used 2018 330e June 2022 it's all the car I need.
Taking around 2 hours to fully charge.
It's doing a 30 mile trip on electric so it's more than covering the work commute.
It's quiet and refined.
On longer journeys its easily doing 70 to the gallon.
Definitely recommend

[Ian-eefs]

I've bought a used BMW 330e and I've got to say its pretty close to perfect even thought the electric range is bullshit. I get 25 miles in electric mode but thats enough for my commute and I charge it at work, bonus

[no-oneman.]

Disagree about the Prius. I've had two of them. When the battery is depleted it will easily achieve 65 mpg plus. Quirky plus reliability. Drivers seat could be more comfortable my only complaint.

[paulblackwood]

So disagree on the outlander. The 2.4 model is excellent and easily gets 55km on battery.
I would choose it ahead of pretty much all your list when you consider the price

[JV-]

A250e, CLA250e ?? 60-70km real range, 7.4kW AC and 24kW DC charging. Best aerodynamics, good efficiency. You can’t reach this with comparable BMW, Skoda, VW, Audi etc.

[anderspersson]

There s been a lot of hype for the new RAV4 Toyota PHEV. And instead you talk about the old Prius? Great electric range, dependable och practical allegedly. You dont agree?

[garyr]

For those who are looking for real economy, don't have the cash for a new car, the used Volt market is good. I bought a 2017 model in April, am getting from 50 to 60 miles on electric, depending on temperature and driving conditions, and a steady 40 mpg on gasoline. Size can be an issue, it's not a big car, but for a couple it's great. If the on-board computer can be believed, the historical mileage is 178 mpg.

[zeeshansoc]

Toyota RAV4 PHEV is the best has 200+ hp on EV mode and 306hp combined with more than 42miles range 0-60 in less than 6s

[harshvardhanagrawal]

I have driven BMW 330e for about 1.5 years and 18000 kms. On a full tank with a full battery the car could do 600 kms if you do not cross 120kmph. Since I live in Germany and drive on the Autobahns, I would get around 350-400kms which is also pretty neat. However in other European countries for example Netherlands or Switzerland where the maximum limit is 130 kmph, this car is really very fuel efficient. In fact if you drive at 100 kmph, it can go upto 700 kms on a full tank which is just awesome.

One more thing about this car is that it charges itself back when you are driving. I always used the Sports mode on the highway to conserve energy and pure electric in the cities. Also, whenever on the highway I saw a downhill I would switch to pure electric which would actually be a free ride for a few kms.

However why is the Audi Q3 TFSI e not in this list?

[dgbucko]

I have had my Prius Phev nearly three years and mostly drive motorways and have averaged 85 mpg (uk). If I don't bother charging it, I get 65 mpg. Not sure how you have defined best here. It is smooth and packed with features and is a way nicer drive than the normal Prius hybrid. Will look at the Skoda at No.1, but the rest are expensive to buy and run. Looks like I will be sticking with the Prius.