What is a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)?
A Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is perfect for those who want to travel further in electric mode. It’s got a bigger battery than a Self-Charging Hybrid, and can give you a 30-mile electric range. When that electric range is depleted, the car automatically switches to Self-Charging Hybrid mode.
Reasons to drive a Kia PHEV
There are plenty of benefits to owning a Plug-In Hybrid car, here are some of our favourites.
Flexibility
If you aren’t quite ready to go fully electric, a plug-in hybrid is a perfect compromise. You get around 30 miles of electric driving, but you always have the petrol engine for longer trips.
Low emissions driving
When in electric mode a plug-in hybrid produces zero emissions. As most of your driving will be on battery power, this is particularly helpful for improving air quality in urban areas.
Cheap to run
Electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel, so when running on battery power, your journey may cost less than a third of what it would in a combustion-engine car. There are tax incentives, too. VED is lower for PHEV drivers, and for company car drivers BIK tax is also reduced. There’s even a grant available that puts £350 towards your home charger.
Vehicle eligibility and grant figure correct as at June 2020. UK sales only (excludes Channels Islands and Isle of Man). Grant scheme may be withdrawn and eligibility/amounts may change at any time without prior notice.
Charge at home
In the UK, the vast majority of electric car charging is done at home. This is usually the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge. Get home, plug in, and wake up with a full charge. Brilliant! To charge from home, it is best to get a home charge point installed. A dedicated home EV charger will charge your car much faster than using a three-pin plug – up to three times quicker! It’s safer, too. You may be eligible to receive a contribution towards the cost and installation (up to a maximum of £350) of a home wall box with the government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).
Relaxing drive
When running on battery power, PHEVs are incredibly quiet inside, making for a relaxed atmosphere. Driving is easy too because electric motors produce maximum torque at all revs, so acceleration is instant.
How does a Plug-In Hybrid work?
A PHEV works in a similar way to a Self-Charging Hybrid– there is a petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a battery. In a Plug-in Hybrid, the battery is much larger than in a Self-Charging Hybrid. This means the car is able to travel around 30 miles on battery power alone – more than enough for the UK average daily commute – but it can also call on the petrol engine for longer trips.
Like a Self-Charging Hybrid, the battery can be charged whilst driving, but for the full benefit, you will need to plug in. Charging a PHEV should take less than three hours. Put this all together and you can enjoy miles of low-cost, all-electric driving while still having a petrol engine for those rare long-distance trips. Perfect.
What’s it like to drive a Plug-In Hybrid?
Relaxing and rather fun actually. When running on battery power, PHEVs are very responsive, because, unlike combustion engines, electric motors produce maximum torque at any rpm. Acceleration is instant. Most charging in the UK is done at home, but If you want to top up on the go, there are more than 7,000 public charging locations in the UK. Or, you can simply let the petrol engine take over when you run out of charge. All you have to worry about is driving as you normally would while reaping the benefits of improved fuel economy and lower emissions
Our Plug-In Hybrid Cars
The All-New Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The all-new Sportage Plug-in Hybrid has been carefully engineered to minimise any impact on passenger and luggage space. The high-voltage battery is placed centrally, ensuring a balanced weight distribution and an interior space that is practical, comfortable and versatile. The state-of-the-art Sportage battery also features a new high-tech management unit that constantly monitors the state of the battery.
Niro Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
The Kia Niro PHEV offers a roomy, premium interior that’s brimming with technology, all in the body of a stylish crossover. It has an electric range of 36 miles – more than enough for most journeys – and achieves 201.8mpg, while producing just 29g/km CO2.
XCeed Plug-In Hybrid
The radical crossover coupé is high off the ground, with a long bonnet and a fast sloping silhouette. 18" wheels enhance the athletic profile of the XCeed, while LED lights and 'Ice Cube' LED daytime running lights shine at the front. The sporty bumper and closed tiger-nose grille are both stunning and aerodynamically effective.
Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The epitome of luxury travel with comfortable seating for seven, premium materials and impressive high-tech equipment. Inside, the Sorento is brimming with technology – from large high-definition touch screens to a comprehensive range of advanced safety features. All of which help make driving safe and pleasurable.