Plug-in hybrids, a great choice
In those, what we know is that plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are triumphing among users by offering most of the advantages of electrification and none of the drawbacks. Hence, its sales grew by 262% in Europe (507,059 units) and 213% in Spain (23,306 units) in the last year.
A technology that is increasingly present in our streets, so it is logical to think that they are so good for our interests, being the intermediate step between common hybridization, HEV, and 100% electric.
And that is where aspects such as efficient driving come in, a value that has allowed the sustainability of traditional engines to be squeezed through the different elements of a vehicle. But what about these plug-in hybrids? Which is the best and which offers a higher autonomy? the answer has Mercedes.
Mercedes has the longest-running PHEV
Taking into account that most users travel less than 100 kilometers on their daily journeys, plug-in hybrid cars become a mobility solution that is as efficient as purely electric cars. For example, if you travel an average of 30-40 kilometers every day, with a PHEV you can go and return home without consuming any fuel.
That is when we look at plug-in hybrids like Mercedes, the S-Class, which is currently available as the one with the greatest autonomy to travel and make long trips, as you will know. This is the Mercedes representation sedan, which starts at a price of 132,615 euros. It is called S 580 e, and it is the plug-in hybrid vehicle that has the most electric range. Their 120 kilometers come from a 28.6 kWh battery. It has a power of 367 hp from its combustion engine, plus 150 CV from its electrical system. In total it approves 510 hp.
Polestar 1
There is no doubt that Polestar is coming in strong, and this particular model has been the electric of the year for Chris Harris at the Electric Awards 2022, although it really is a hybrid. It is one long-distance plug-in.
Regardless of taste, this is an interesting car. It mounts a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers about 310 hp and incorporates electric motors with a 34 kWh battery to reach 600 hp and 1,000 Nm. Added to this is an autonomy that can reach 120 km.
BMW x5 xDrive45e
The following is another of the most complete plug-in hybrids, the BMW x5 xDrive45e, an SUV that is a veteran of the segment, since it has more than 20 years in the sector. However, that does not mean that it is not kept up to date and that is why it now has a plug-in hybrid variant that is capable of combining efficiency with practical use for day-to-day use.
It mounts a 3-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine that develops 286 hp, the which is combined with an electric 113 hp and a 24 kWh battery. Thus, it offers a total power of 394 CV that favors its behavior on the road, but a range of 87 km in electric mode that can cover our journeys without problems.
toyota-rav4
The Toyota RAV4 is an SUV that achieves 306 horsepower thanks to a combustion engine and two electric ones. It reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h. In addition, it has an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that takes 7.5 hours to recharge at 2.3 kW, which allows it to enter this list of plug-in hybrids with more autonomy, 75 km.
The advanced version it is the one that offers greater autonomy; It has darkened rear windows, LED headlights, and a shark fin-shaped antenna. The interior is spacious and has a 520-liter trunk. The central screen is 8 inches with a multimedia system and the tailgate can be opened electrically.