Most of us have heard of hybrids over the last few years, but now there’s a new type of car that we’re about to start hearing a lot more about. They’re called PHEVs, which stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The principle isn’t all that different from a hybrid; these also combine conventional combustion engines with electric power.
What sets the PHEVs apart is that they use much larger batteries to store the electricity that can be used to power the car and this gives a much longer driving range using just electric power. These batteries can also be charged up by plugging the car into a charge point just like a pure electric car, such as a Nissan Leaf for example. In most cases the car’s own internal combustion engine can also be used to act as a generator to provide electricity to charge the battery, as well as being used in conjunction to boost power, essentially giving the car two motors. Here are five of the most interesting examples of the breed.
Volkswagen Golf GTE
Imagine having near-Golf GTI performance with the possibility of being able to get 188mpg. Sounds crazy, but that’s what the Volkswagen Golf GTE promises. It combines a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver super low emissions without any significant performance sacrifice.
Power: 204hp
Torque: 350Nm
CO2 emissions: 35g/km
Combined economy: 188mpg (1.5 litres/100km)
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV could be right up your street. In PHEV guise it is limited to just being a five-seater, but there is still plenty of space inside and it features a 463-litre boot. Its higher driving position and automatic transmission make driving a doddle not the mention being able to get around town using just the electric power.
Power: 204hp
Torque: 385Nm
CO2 emissions: 44g/km
Combined economy: 148.7mpg (1.9 litres/100km)
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Volvo XC90 T8
Big SUVs don’t come more impressive or stylish than the latest Volvo XC90, and as if the Swedish car making wasn’t making people envious enough it has also released a PHEV version. The T8 refers to the powertrain, which is made up of a 2.0-litre petrol engine up front and a 60kW electric motor. With these combined the XC90 has impressive performance and still room for seven passengers.
Power: 400hp
Torque: 640Nm
CO2 emissions: 59g/km
Combined economy: 104mpg (2.7 litres/100km)
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BMW 330e
Believe it or not BMW has had hybrids in its range for a number of years now, but they lacked the added benefit of a PHEV system until recently. The BMW 330e is due to arrive in 2016 and packages the latest battery and drivetrain technology into a regular looking 3 Series saloon. It costs less than a 316d and comes with the potential of super low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, adding further to its appeal, especially with business and fleet buyers.
Power: 252hp
Torque: 420Nm
CO2 emissions: 44g/km
Combined economy: 148.7mpg (1.9 litres/100km)
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Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid
Yes, even Porsche has gotten in on the PHEV act, offering both the Cayenne SUV and the four-door Panamera with hybrid options. It remains largely similar in appearance to the rest of the Panamera models but is singled out by luminous green brake callipers and letters across the boot lid. In addition to its lithium-ion battery power there's also a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, ensuring that this is no slouch.
Power: 416hp
Torque: 590Nm
CO2 emissions: 71g/km
Combined economy: 91.1mpg (3.1 litres/100km)
