Talk to me about Hybrid cars

[CaveMum]

My car (12 year old Kia Rio) needs replacing, it’s done me really well having only cost £4,500 10 years ago but it’s now nearing the end of its life.

We’ve done our research and have settled on a Volvo XC60 and are contemplating the hybrid version as most of my journeys are short and we have the ability to charge at home (either domestic socket in the garage or we would consider a proper car charging point using the Government grant).

We’ve test driven the hybrid version (which we loved) and DH is test driving a standard petrol version tomorrow for comparison.

We want to do our bit for the environment (hence thinking about the hybrid) and it’s our intention that the next car after this one will be fully electric.

I want to know what other hybrid owners (of any make) would advise before buying one and what do you wish you had known beforehand?

I’m aware that the charging times they publicise are not the most accurate, and neither is the range of the charge, but are there any other points we should consider?

I do change mine every time I get home, we have off street parking and so you just get onto the habit of plugging in when you get home, just like locking doors etc

I seriously looked at the Renault Zoe (fully electric) but on top of the car payments you need to pay a monthly battery rental fee. Sadly I don't have parking outside my house so I'd need to shell out again to charge it locally, so I just don't think it would work for me. I'd love to make the switch though; I only really drive locally so a full charge would last me ages.

I had the Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid. I absolutely loved it. BUT only because it was beautiful to drive, soooo comfortable, fit my family and dogs in with loads of space to spare and I loved the way it looked.

Efficiency wise... it supposedly had 25 miles in the battery, I’d be lucky to get 14. That’s on flat Oxfordshire roads, generally fairly heavy traffic. It was GREAT for the school run and getting around locally. For longer drives it was hopelessly inefficient-I’d be lucky to get 200 miles to a tank. (In comparison to my old Audi A6 which could easily get 400) I got rid last December-I miss it!

Love mine, recommend a proper charging point for it, see if you can get a grant. Very good for short journeys and urban areas.

@MaisyMary77 that’s interesting, it’s the comfort and family friendly nature of the Volvo SUVs that drew us in to begin with!

I love our hybrid. It's not a plug in but as we generally do short local distances we usually use the electric function. We get 60-80 mpg and fill up the tank every 2-3 months. We'd like to go fully electric with our next car too when there is more choice.

@CaveMum I think it’s the only car I’ve ever loved! 😂 I’ve got a fully electric car now. (Audi etron) It’s ok in comparison. Much greener but lacks the comfort and versatility of the Volvo. And I don’t dare drive anywhere further than 200 miles away as I’m terrified of not being able to find a charging point! 🤣😂🤣

Range on many newer electric cars is very good now.
250 plus. Some even 320 miles.
I would go fully electric if you can afford a newer model.

We have a Peugeot 3006 hybrid (not plug in) and although it is not as good as having fully electric (we don't have off street parking) it does mean that all short drives (I can walk to local co-op but drive when I am buying more than I can carry) and when my husband commutes and is crawling along in stop start traffic the electric is used which in my opinion is better than nothing until we move and are able to go fully electric.