The UK’s 2035 petrol and diesel ban looms large. But as you shop for your next car, should you dive fully electric or hedge your bets with a hybrid? Here’s the no-nonsense, Top Gear-inspired breakdown.
The Range Question
⚡ EV: Modern EVs like the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y now offer 250–350 miles per charge. For most UK commutes (average: 23 miles), that’s over a week of driving without plugging in.
🔌 Hybrid: Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer 20–40 miles of pure electric range before switching to petrol. Great for short trips, but long hauls rely on the engine.
Running Costs
💷 EV: Charging at home costs ~8p/mile. No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and reduced servicing bills.
⛽ Hybrid: Lower running costs than pure petrol cars but still require engine servicing and fuel top-ups for longer trips.
Charging Convenience
🔋 EV: Destination chargers and ultra-rapid hubs are now everywhere (57,000+ UK public chargers). Plan ahead with apps like ONEEV.
🔌 Hybrid: Home charging optional. For drivers without off-street parking, the petrol safety net is handy.
Environmental Impact
🌱 EV: Zero tailpipe emissions. Charging from renewable energy makes it near-carbon neutral.
🌿 Hybrid: Lower CO₂ than pure petrol cars, but still emit when using the engine.
The Driving Experience
⚡ EV: Instant torque, whisper-quiet rides, and smoother acceleration.
⛽ Hybrid: Smooth but less thrilling. Engine kick-in can feel abrupt after EV-only mode.
Government Incentives (2025)
- ✅ EVs: Lower company car tax (2%), reduced road tax.
- ✅ Hybrids: Incentives fading as focus shifts to full electric.
The Verdict
✅ Buy an EV if: You do most of your driving locally, have access to home or workplace charging, and want future-proof tech.
✅ Buy a Hybrid if: You often do long journeys, can’t reliably charge at home, or want a petrol backup while transitioning.
The future is electric. But for some, hybrids are still the right bridge to get there.
Ready to plan your EV switch? Start with smarter charging via ONEEV.
