First experience with a PHEV - not the best

Hi all

After years of driving EV's as an only car, I was gifted a PHEV (BMW 225e) as a courtesy car the last couple of days.

I've always thought of any form of hybrid as a 'worst of both' compromise, but in terms of modern PHEV's I've had to admit that if the electric only range is enough for most trips, it's a bit of a none brainer.

Now I'm not so sure though as it seems you have to sacrifice almost everything that makes an electric drivetrain so nice in the first place:

- The EV only mode is very weak unless you push it, at which point the ICE engine joins the party.. But this seemed to have the effect of dulling the electric drive response to better pair it with what the ICE was doing. IE: It was faster off the line 0-20mph without the ICE, although faster with it after that point. But it's that initial nippiness that makes electric cars so great around town.

- Regen seemed very weak most of the time, I assume this is because the smaller battery has a lesser ability to accept charge at the rates needed for higher regen? Whatever the reason, it led to some odd cross play between regen and friction braking, it was quite inconsistent.

- In EV only mode it was slow. When I rinsed the battery playing with 'sport boost' ICE only was slow and rough. After a full charge and sport mode selected, it actually drove best, it was smoother and with the ICE and motor both in full time use, it was pretty nippy. But of course this rapidly sunk the charge and I was soon back in eco.

The thing is, these cars do what they say on the tin, they do 40-50 or whatever mile trips on electric only, which makes them cheap to buy/lease and then dirt cheap to run 99% of trips. In that sense it's a cheap way of getting an electric car, one with more than enough range for most people - and the option for unlimited range if required. On the other hand... They're remarkably slow if used that way which makes them a very dull and restrictive feeling car for those 99% of trips. Brim the tank and hit the motorway and as soon as the battery is depleted, you're basically driving an underpowered ICE car that has the added burden of hauling a dead battery pack and motor around.

These cars work in terms of satisfying a requirement, but at the cost of being a consistent and pleasant/fun car to drive. They're cheaper than BEV only if BIK and/or ULEZ aren't a factor. But if someone wants a cheap car and isn't bothered about zero emission, I can't help think that a well equipped used diesel would be as cheap overall and better overall.

I do however often get asked about my BEV by friends and in almost all cases they reveal that they don't want a full electric 'just yet' but are planning on getting a hybrid/PHEV next, for no reason they can explain other than wanting the apparent safety and familiarity of ICE to remain in the mix - so perhaps that's the true purpose of these cars? They exist largely to give EV newbies a gentle way in? If so it makes sense the manufacturers make such cars available while they still can.. But I can't help but wonder how disappointed a lot of owners must be if their first exciting step towards an electric car is a bit... dull - and very compromised.

Anyway, I have no agenda other than to report my feelings after 4 years of pure electric motoring and to promote discussion. Perhaps there's an angle/value I have entirely missed?

I don't want to reflame specific arguments you might have had elsewhere

But yes, as I said towards the end of my post above, hybrid is definitely going to give people a very distorted view of the driver benefits of electrification.

The thing is, the PHEV I drove does have decent electric range and it will be very cheap or people that do those sorts of journeys most of the time - as I do in fact. But it's still nearly £40k to buy the car.. so for a bit more ££ or a less prestigious brand they can have a full BEV with 250m+ real world range. Or for quite a bit less they could have a diesel that will be as punchy and ultimately smoother and nicer to drive more of the time.

Hybrids are compromised by nature, and I'm struggling to see who the compromise truly makes sense for, given the relatively high purchase price.

Showing blissful ignorance here , I don't know what PHEV even means .

Cheers , reckon my two current V8s should last a while longer . Ruin the day I' m reduced to that nonsense .