Here’s how to stop your plug-in hybrid from drinking fuel on a long trip

Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEVs) are really popular for a reason – their dual-power setup works really well for a lot of drivers, and their super-low emissions mean they cost fantastically little in company car tax.

But, despite replacing diesel in many manufacturers’ model ranges, PHEV power has its disadvantages, and one of the key ones is long-distance fuel economy. Some plug-in hybrids have the tendency to dump all their battery power away at the very start of the journey, leaving you to drive what’s essentially a very heavy petrol-powered car that has to lug around a useless battery and motor.

Still others barely use their batteries at motorway speeds, giving you a similar problem. The remaining diesel-powered alternatives on sale, while they may not be as good at round-town work, still have the edge for long drives.

But assuming you have a plug-in hybrid, and a long journey to do – how should you drive to maximise your fuel economy? I’ve driven many thousands of miles in PHEVs – going all over the country for car launches and events, visiting my parents in Cheltenham and even tackling mega European road trips, the latest of which had me covering over 600 miles in a selection of Chery PHEVs. So I know a trick or two, and here are my top tips. But first…

How does a plug-in hybrid work?

In a nutshell, a plug-in hybrid has three components – a combustion engine, a battery pack and an electric motor. How these are joined up differs between manufacturers, though. Some opt for the petrol engine on the front axle and the electric motor on the back. Others run both power sources through the same gearbox.

Some favour petrol power, while others keep you running on electric for as long as humanly possible, using the engine as a generator rather than a motive power.

PHEVs also differ in their battery sizes, and so can cover different distances on a single charge. A low of about 20 miles ranging to a high of over 90 means you can choose your PHEV carefully to cover your specific needs.

How to get the best fuel economy from a PHEV around town

Charge up regularly

With nightly charging, the chances are you’ll be able to cover all of your town mileage without ever using any petrol at all. Remember to opt for a specific vehicle-charging tariff to save the most money.

Pre-heat while plugged in

Use your car’s companion app to pre-set the heating or air-conditioning before you leave the house. Not only does this save precious battery power by drawing from the mains, but it means you don’t have to worry about de-icing in the winter or sweating in the summer. One of my favourite parts of winter is spending an extra five minutes in bed while the car merrily defrosts itself.

Drive gently

Sharp acceleration is a surefire way to rouse the petrol engine from its slumber. If you want to stay on EV power for as long as possible, use the throttle gently – you’ll still get going swiftly thanks to the electric motor’s rapid response.

Use regenerative braking

Hybrid cars use regenerative braking to put a little bit of juice back in the batteries as you slow down. There’s often a stronger mode or even a one-pedal mode which maximises this effect, saving as much juice as possible. Coasting to a halt is still more efficient, but if you have to slow, make sure it’s using regen.

PHEV drive modes explained

• EV: Electric vehicle – the car will prioritise battery power and not use the petrol engine at all unless lots of performance is demanded
• Hybrid: The car will select its power source for itself depending on the battery charge and the throttle load to maximise efficiency
• Hold: Aims to keep the battery at a specific level, for use later in the drive. May also be called save or reserve
• Charge: Uses the petrol engine to charge the batteries while on the move. Usually inefficient
• Eco: Usually prioritises battery power, and may reduce acceleration or the effectiveness of the heater
• Sport: Uses both power sources for maximum acceleration and performance

Specific names and behaviour vary by brand, so check your owner’s manual for quirks.

How to get the best fuel economy from a PHEV on the motorway

Pre-plan your journey

If you’re doing things manually, then start every journey with a plan – EV now, or EV later. If you’re doing a mixed route, then use your car’s drive modes to reserve the electric power for the urban hops, rather than burning it all on the motorway. Or, in some models, you can…

Let the car figure it out

Some cars are intelligent enough to know when to use their juice and when to save it – but only when you’re using the factory sat-nav. Unfortunately, cars aren’t smart enough yet to talk to your phone’s Google Maps and so revert to being dumb and just using all their EV juice first.

Keep some in reserve

If your car has the ability, try holding on to 10 or 20 percent of your charge at all times – it’ll give you some spare for schlepping through an unexpected traffic jam, for example, or for helping you up a long incline without working the petrol engine unduly hard.

Avoid ‘Charge’ mode

Most PHEVs have the option to charge the battery directly from the petrol engine, but it’s very inefficient – you’ll see your fuel economy tank in return for only a scant few miles. Save topping up for the plug.

Keep your speed boring

At motorway speeds just a few miles per hour can make a difference to your fuel economy. Consider slowing down by just 5mph – 100 miles at 70mph knocks off just seven minutes versus doing it at 65mph, but could add as much as 10mpg to your overall figure. Trust me – I’ve tested it, on a trip to Belgium in a Mazda CX-60 PHEV.

Use driver aids sensibly

Adaptive cruise control is great, but it can be quite aggressive when getting up to speed. Consider manual, gentle acceleration instead, and then let the car take over for the long, boring stretches.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.