Electric car drivers are more satisfied than those who have chosen a plug-in hybrid, according to this study

In a market towards all-electric, today several options for electrified cars are sold: 100% electric and extended range, hybrids with or without a plug, microhybrids…

Hybrids are traditionally considered the intermediate step towards pure driving. Especially the PHEVwhich are pluggable and that is why brands are betting heavily on these mechanics.

But a recent report by the American consulting firm JD Power concludes that PHEV owners are not completely satisfied with their cars. Or at least, they are less so than those who already have a completely electric car.

That they are halfway between a gasoline and an electric, it pays

According to this new analysis from JD PowerAccording to satisfaction surveys, electric car owners are happier with their vehicles than PHEV owners.

On a scale of 1,000 points plug-in hybrids have obtained 669 points. Meanwhile, electric cars have earned 716 points in the case of general brands, and rise to 738 points when it comes to models from premium brands.

The reasons indicated by the JD Power study, based on customer opinions, are several. In general they focus on the use and pockets of the drivers:

1. They are more expensive than electric cars. In the North American market, the average price of those who have purchased a pure electric vehicle is $36,900, compared to $48,700 for a PHEV: 24% more. This average is made in the currently best-selling segment: that of compact SUVs.

If we go to the Spanish market, the cheapest PHEV now available is the Chinese DFSK E5: it starts in the 30.999 euros without incentives or offers. And the second most affordable is the MG HS PHEV, which without discounts does the same in 36.990 euros. It is also a model from a Chinese firm.

But for example the MG4the compact electric car from MG, starts at 31,690 euros without any bonus: it is 5,300 euros more affordable than the plug-in hybrid HS. It is true that the MG HS is a compact SUV, but still the gap is considerable. In addition, we find smaller pure electric cars that cost less than 30,000 euros before aid, such as the Citroën e-C3: from 22,590 euros. In the more affordable urban segment, PHEVs are not widespread and electric ones are.

2. Charge the battery and also refuel with gasoline. A plug-in hybrid combines an electric mechanism with a thermal one (gasoline or diesel), and is sufficiently capable of traveling in electric mode for considerably more kilometers than a plug-in hybrid, even at high speeds. It is one of its main advantages over an electric vehicle that depends on the battery. But it is also one of its weak points.

And that means a double cost: filling the gas tank and charging its battery at an electric pole. Furthermore, a plug-in hybrid is really efficient when it has a charged battery, but the greater weight due to the electrical system works against it if we use the gasoline engine exclusively.

In daily use, many users do not charge them as much as they should, as the charging points are less accessible: they have the option of not doing so, since the car continues to move. Doing this has a drawback: they consume significantly more than what they are approved for and emit up to three times more CO₂ than advertised. This is stated in this report from the European Commission.

3. More expensive maintenance. A PHEV, having a thermal engine, does not save like electric cars on the maintenance associated with a combustion engine (diesel or gasoline): spare parts due to wear, changing fluids… It will also be the same if, for example, its transmission is mechanical. dual clutch, which requires more maintenance than a clutchless CVT.

But in addition, a plug-in hybrid has a larger battery than a plug-in hybrid and any repair that is not covered by the warranty will be very expensive, since this is the most expensive device in plug-in cars.

4. Unrealistic data. Another aspect that users criticize is the gap between the data that the car promises and that of actual use. Although this actually also applies to any mechanics (whether thermal or pure electrical), in the case of PHEVs it is notable.

Although the new European WLTP approval cycle is more demanding, PHEV data is much more complex to communicate: it is based on average consumption after several repetitions with the battery charged and until it is discharged.

This reflects those very low consumptions that are around 1.5 l/100 km, which are difficult to achieve in reality unless we make an almost complete journey in electric mode. It would be more realistic if the average consumption with the battery charged and discharged were indicated, differentiating them.

Beyond more or less satisfied customers, In the US, PHEVs are the least popular alternatives among buyers: their market share is 2%, while pure electric cars account for 9.4% and plug-in hybrids 10.7%.

In Spain they are much more on par: so far in 2024 PHEVs account for 6.35% of the share and pure electric vehicles a little more than 5%. In total, 50,110 units and 39,662 units have been sold in the first nine months, respectively.

Find your ideal electric car

If you have considered buying an electric car, this will interest you. We have created the personalized electric car recommender in which, in addition to seeing the models that adapt to your needs, you will also have answers to the questions that may concern you the most, such as price, range or nearby charging points.