what is the most efficient Hybrid SUV (xc60 size or a little smaller)

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

Hi All,
Where can i find this information all in one place?
Does anyone have a hybrid SUV - would you recommend it?

We’re looking at buying a hybrid XC60 - DH is test driving one tomorrow.

All I’d say is look at the true charging times and costs. For example, Volvo claim the XC60 charges in 3 hours - BUT that is only the case if you have a proper car charging lint, it will take at least 5.5 hours (probably longer) to charge from a domestic socket.

You can get a Government grant of up to £350 to get a proper charging point installed at your home, but even with the grant you are probably looking at paying at least another £400 of your own money.

We’re going for a hybrid because I generally only do short journeys (school run, commute to work, etc) which is all doable on a full charge. Our long term plan is to buy a fully electric car in 5 years time - Volvo are launching the electric XC40 later this year and the XC60 electric should follow next year, so in 5 years time there will be a good record of how they are performing and a reasonable number of used ones available to buy.

CaveMum that sounds like good reasoning. How did the test drive go? Did he like it?

Yes he really liked it, though the issue is the extra cost of getting the home charging point installed - we were already really stretching our budget by looking at hybrids so it’s starting to make the idea a little less appealing!

We’ve got a Honda cr v.

Why do you need a charging point for a hybrid? Ours doesn’t plug in. It charges itself when it’s driving, I thought that’s what made it a hybrid?

Two types of hybrid:plug in hybrid and self charging hybrid. As far as i know the plug ins have a longer range electric running range.

Yes the plug in hybrids need a charging point. You can charge off a domestic socket but the charging time rises from 3 hours to 5.5 hours for the Volvo.

so overnight charging isn't a big problem then if using a domestic point?

Well I’m not sure. I spoke with a friend who trialed an Audi hybrid and she said even having it plugged in all night on a domestic socket didn’t fully charge the battery.

Did you make a decision OP ?

i’ve got a self-charging Toyota CH-R. i get an average of 68mpg. it’s a brilliant car.