Just read that Glos Guy. Not much to conclude there on fuel consumption. Probably more a test of how many miles the battery lasted in each case. He did agree with me that the ride is hard. Be keen to hear what you think after your test drive.
Yes, I think it’s that as it chimes with other tests that I’ve read on the XC40 and the Kuga PHEV’s. The Ford has a longer electric range to start with and seems to achieve it, whereas the Volvo has a lower quoted electric range yet falls short of it. Around 20 miles seems to be the norm. One reviewer said “accept that from the outset, or you will be disappointed”. One test of the T5 Recharge I watched only achieved mid 40’s mpg but I’ve watched so many I can’t recall which it was!
If economy is the priority and a full EV isn’t practical, then these PHEV’s seem to be a very good compromise. The hassle of having to plug it in and unplug it every day is partly offset by less visits to the fuel pump. Reviews consistently say that they make little sense to private buyers as the extra purchase price is often more than the fuel savings made and they are really designed for company car drivers to benefit from the lower tax (even if they never plug them in which, bizarrely, many don’t), but thankfully we don’t have that dilemma on Motability as the AP’s are pretty good for them. I’m looking forward to our test drive on Wednesday. I’m sure that it will be a very different driving experience. Whether it’s a better one, I shall see!