I don't really understand the plug in hybrid idea.... seems like the worst of both worlds? Extra weight and still largely dependent on buying petrol? Couple that with no home charging (cheaper and convenient)...
I can't decide if a self charging hybrid is a better bet? That basically runs like a disiel electric train I think?
I'm tending towards the idea that its all ICE or all EV and hybrids are compromise on both.
Definitely with no home charging any EV is going to be costly, which gives concern about societal equality in an electric world.
As said, its a free hit for me being a company car and by company mandate you can now only select a PHEV or EV.
But there has been upsides, the Cupra Terramar itself is a really nice car, super impressed with it and enjoying it way more than the outgoing BMW 128ti the seats in particular with memory function are a completely different level to anything sat in previously. Passengers love it also, not had anything less than a complimentary comment.
On the heaviness, its super light in the hand, easy town driving car, you do not feel that heaviness at all, would say its better to drive than the the BMW 128Ti, can push it in to bends with full assurance and though there is a little more lean, its minor.
The main win is financial, as BIK has plummeted from near 13k pa to £798 pa and it will definitely prove to be circa £80 cheaper to run a month, and when add in the £700 charging voucher, my first year in particular will provide quite a lot of saving.
Complete rookie to EV and it did take me some trial and error and time to just understand how to get the best experience and think have got that now,
EV Setting - Pure EV: You get about 65 miles range at 100% which is pretty decent for a PHEV. But 65 miles goes pretty quickly and if use fast chargers that's way more cost (as outlined above) than fueling even a performance ICE.
Hybrid Setting - Mix of ICE and EV: Seems this setting prioritises EV around town and so, though its a mix of both, the charge does run down relatively quickly though obviously your ICE MPG can be in the 80's-90's MPG
Hybrid Setting + Preserve Battery Toggle: My pre-flight setting now, the car still blends ICE and EV, but prioritises ICE which for running around town etc is perfectly fine, it brings you back 45+MPG so far but the major plus is that with regeneration the charge level hardly moves even though lots of indication of EV use (there is a blue battery use 'rev' counter, ICE is next to it in White, when both used together on a foot down, the white turns blue)
The additional benefit is you have lots of battery to get the best out of the car, as when stick it in 'performance' and then most aggresive 'Cupra' mode it gives you all the full beans of the 272PS and its lively, the EV boost gets it going immediately and the merged EV and ICE pushes it on. - The strange part is you are obviously off the line quick, but its super smooth even with some fake noises in them modes, so its a bit cossetted when we all like a bit of noise and fuss. Another reason is its a raised SUV on bigger tyres and newest DCC.
But think would say the Hybrid + Preserver Battery toggle is near equal to self charging hybrid given maintains charge, but with added advantage in that it is a much bigger battery so gives more performance.
Would have one for myself? Once the benefits of company car are removed, then answer is no? I would have the AWD 280BHP ICE version of the Terramar as its a great car, but not the PHEV.
I would only have a pure EV if the forecourt costs and charging times improve, as no chance of a drive where live. Performance wise think EV is really good, can imagine the EV - R for example being something special, its all about the charging times and costs for those with no drives and given amount of flats being built, that will be majority.
My next car is highly likely to be a used MK 8.5 Golf R Black Edition when retire with Performance Pack.
But glad dipped toes into PHEV/EV as it has certainly proved had some previous misconceptions that now have clarity on.
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