I still maintain that it’s a false calculation to only express the running costs of PHEVs by looking at the mpg and charging costs though. Unless the AP is identical to the ICE equivalent, you surely have to factor the higher AP in to the calculation as well for it to be meaningful? I also struggle with the logic of getting a very heavy car with a combined BHP of around 300 and then running that very heavy car on a weedy 100 bhp (or whatever) electric motor. Surely PHEVs are designed to run with both the petrol engines and electric motors working together? If you want to run a car on 100% electric, isn’t it far more sensible to get a full BEV, then at least you have access to the full BHP?
I think the big benifit is the option to drive with electric only (on the right electricity tariff) for say 46-50 miles for day to day business. On longer journeys a flick of a switch puts them into Hybrid mode for longer journeys. Toyota have nailed PHEV’s after all theu have had many years perfecting them and in the unlikely event your on a very long journey the battery went flat for a short while your, still getting mid 40’s mpg at least.
My thoughts.
I do 17 miles a day taking daughter to and from shools, 85 miles per week or 3 gallons £18 in my current Tuscon/Tucson ?. The Across based on 7p per kWh would cost me £2.56 for 90 miles.
Over a year of school journeys 38 weeks (190 days) £97.23 vs £684 or £1500 over3 yr lease saved. Thats not counting all the extra running about we do or during school holidays. When visiting family I can put it in hybrid mode and still get decent mpg, with worrying about charging a EV.
