Should I buy a Kia Niro hybrid or PHEV?

I'm interested in buying the new 2022 model Kia Niro, probably the 3 trim level. I need to decide whether to buy the hybrid or PHEV version.

The published economy for the hybrid is 61.4 mpg and the 11.1 kWh PHEV has an electric range of 34 miles according to car tests. My electricity tariff is 43.98p per kWh and petrol cost is £1.83p per litre. The cost for 1000 miles using the PHEV in electric mode is £144 and the hybrid petrol cost is cheaper at £135. Therefore the extra £5,780 cost of the PHEV will never be recouped at current energy costs. So much for the benefits of 'cheap' electric cars!

My question is: what is the actual economy of the standard hybrid version since this is critical for my cost/benefit calculation?

Asked on 20 July 2022 by sc489

Answered by Andrew Brady

The latest Kia Niro is too new for us to have any real-world fuel consumption data. You're right, though, that the plug-in hybrid model doesn't make a huge amount of sense for a private buyer. It's expected to account for just five per cent of Niro sales in the UK – and most of those will be to company car drivers who will save money in tax. The hybrid model would be a better option unless you're willing to make the jump into a pure-electric vehicle.

Tags: plug-in hybrid buying a hybrid buying an ev

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