Like electric cars, most PHEVs have a pre-conditioning feature that automatically warms the cabin, demists the windows and brings the battery up to its most efficient operating temperature ready for a pre-set departure time.
If it’s still plugged in, it will be drawing that energy from the mains instead of depleting its electric range.
4. Be gentle
Most cars respond well to smooth driving, but hybrids (including PHEVs) are especially sensitive to a heavy right foot.
Hybrids can coast for short distances with the engine off if they’re not working too hard, even if battery is depleted, and that’s great for motorway efficiency. However, they will also lean on the engine while accelerating or on steep inclines, as that’s what produces most of the power.
Be gentle with the throttle, look ahead and slow down early to use the regenerative braking instead of the friction brakes. That way, you will get more range from your battery and the hybrid system can make better use of its two power sources – both of which will save fuel.
5. Be selective with public charging
It isn’t always cheaper to drive a PHEV on battery power. Public charging costs vary, but Zapmap claims an average fee of 51p per kWh at ‘slow’ AC chargers – the type you find at supermarkets, shopping centres and hotels. That’s 12p per mile for our example Tiguan, which is equivalent to around 50mpg in fuel costs.
Rapid chargers are even pricier, at 76p per kWh or 17p per mile for the same Tiguan. So at anything over 34mpg, it’s cheaper to just leave the car in hybrid mode.
That margins are so narrow that it’s worth being selective. Zapmap can highlight free-to-use chargers, while A Better Route Planner can plan journeys using specific (cheaper) networks.
If you will regularly be using public networks, it’s also worth considering signing up to Bonnet, which offers a 10-15% discount for a monthly membership fee.
6. Let the car do the work
If you’re new to PHEVs, the choice of modes for saving, storing and using the energy in the battery can seem baffling at first. But several manufacturers – including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volvo – have clever technology that does the hard work for you.
