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If you’re considering a hybrid or plug-in hybrid car as your next vehicle of choice, then keep reading to find out why you’re not the only one.
These electric cars are becoming increasingly popular thanks to rising fuel prices and a growing focus on eco-friendly driving. We’re all becoming more aware of our carbon footprint and the impact this has on the planet. With this growing awareness comes greater demand to find a car that offers both efficiency and performance, allowing you to feel good about your choices whilst still enjoying an exciting experience behind the wheel.
Hybrid cars provide the best of both worlds as they have a petrol or diesel engine combined with an electric motor. Plug-in hybrids (also known as PHEVs) let you drive longer distances on electric power alone, further helping to reduce emissions and running costs.
At Pulman, we have a wide range of hybrid and PHEV options to suit every type of driver and budget. From CUPRA models to the dependable engineering of VW and Škoda, there’s something for everyone.
As a family-run car retailer in the North East, we help you find your next car with ease. And with the Pulman Price Promise, you can be confident you’re getting the very best deal every time.
Whether you’re new to hybrid technology or looking to upgrade your current car, now is the time to explore your options. Let’s get started.
If you’re stuck between choosing a hybrid or PHEV car, it’s important to know how these differ so you know what to expect. Both types of cars come with a petrol or diesel engine that is paired with an electric motor. However, the way they use and charge their batteries varies, which can affect how you drive the car and how often you refuel or charge.
Starting with hybrid models (HEV), these batteries charge automatically while you’re driving by using the engine and braking. As a result, this is useful for improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, however the electric motor can only take you a short distance on electric power alone.
Moving onto a PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle), these models have a larger battery that you can charge by plugging in at home or at public charging stations. This means you can drive longer on electric power only, meaning lower running costs and fewer emissions. PHEVs are better suited to shorter journeys as you need to recharge more often.
Below is a quick comparison table for a snapshot of how they differ:
Feature | Hybrid (HEV) | PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid) |
Charging | Self-charging via driving/braking | Plug-in & regenerative charging |
Electric-only range | Short | Longer (varies by model) |
Fuel savings | Moderate | Higher if charged regularly |
Best for | Mixed driving, long trips | Short trips, daily commuting |
By knowing how these two variants work, you can choose the one that best suits you. At Pulman we have a variety of both hybrid and PHEV options such as VW, Škoda, and CUPRA which we’ll be exploring further. The most important thing is that you have choice, so you can find a model that suits your criteria from budget, to style, and performance.
As we mentioned in the intro, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers. Demand has grown significantly in recent years with data from the RAC showing that plug-in hybrid sales in the UK increased by nearly 35% in 2025, reaching around 11% of the new car market. Furthermore, overall electric vehicle registrations rose 26% compared to 2024.
The used market is also seeing strong growth. January 2026 recorded the highest ever month for used hybrid sales in the UK, with 36,832 vehicles sold.
So why are more drivers making the switch? Below are some of the key reasons.
As fuel prices remain unpredictable, many drivers are looking at ways to reduce the amount of petrol or diesel they use.
When choosing a hybrid, this improves fuel efficiency as the electric motor supports the engine during acceleration and lower-speed driving, reducing the amount of fuel needed.
PHEVs also allow you to complete everyday, shorter journeys using only electric power as their larger battery can be charged externally, giving you a dedicated electric driving range before you need to touch the engine.
Another reason why people are choosing hybrid cars is to reduce their environmental impact. As these vehicles pair electric power with a petrol or diesel engine, hybrids can produce fewer emissions than traditional engines.
The electric motor can kick in during lower-speed driving or support the engine during acceleration. As a result the engine doesn’t have to work as hard so this helps reduce fuel consumption. In turn, this lowers the amount of CO₂ produced as you’re driving.
For many drivers, this offers a more environmentally conscious way to drive without changing their routine, making hybrid and PHEV cars a good step towards sustainability.
Thanks to regenerative braking technology, the wear and tear on certain parts of the car is reduced. This is because when you brake in a hybrid vehicle, the system captures some of the energy that would normally be lost and uses it to recharge the battery. As the electric motor helps slow the car during this process, the traditional brake pads are less frequently used.
This can lead to reduced wear on braking components, and can also help reduce strain on tyres and other drivetrain parts.
For drivers, this means lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of the vehicle, combined with the environmental and running cost benefits.
Regardless of your lifestyle, whether that’s making short journeys on a daily basis or longer journeys on the motorway, there's an electric option to suit you. Both hybrid and PHEV cars offer flexibility, and with a variety of options on the market, they are suitable for different driving habits and style preferences.
Whether you prefer hybrid cars that are self-charging through regenerative braking and the engine, or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) which can be charged at home or at public charging points, there's a range of models across different brands. Thanks to this variety, you can enjoy an electric car without compromise.
Charging at public stations is also simple thanks to a growing network across the UK. According to Zap Map, there were 118,321 EV chargers at the end of February 2025 across 45,561 charging locations around the UK.
Furthermore, the number of public EV chargers in the UK has increased from 102,771 at the end of 2024 to 116,052 by the end of 2025 which is an increase of 13%.
Manufacturers are placing more focus on hybrid technology, which means drivers now have more choice than ever before. Also as demand continues to increase, many brands are expanding their hybrid and plug-in hybrid lines, giving drivers a range of body styles and prices to choose from.
From practical SUVs, to sleek hatchbacks and sporty models, there’s a hybrid option to suit you. For example, brands such as VW, Škoda and CUPRA have a strong selection of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, combining efficiency with the performance. This makes it easier to find a hybrid or PHEV that fits your lifestyle.
There are plenty of hybrid and electric options available at Pulman, from practical family SUVs to modern electric models. Below is some further info on each model.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a spacious SUV that’s perfect for families thanks to its comfort and advanced technology features. Available with plug-in hybrid technology in the Tiguan eHybrid range, it has the flexibility of electric driving for shorter trips whilst a petrol engine kicks in for longer trips. Complete with generous boot space, the Tiguan is great for families who want the practicality of an SUV with improved efficiency. Read the Volkswagen Tiguan review here.
CUPRA Born
As an all-electric hatchback, it brings together design and sporty performance. The CUPRA Born is fully electric rather than hybrid, so it’s suited to drivers who want to move away from petrol or diesel completely. This car has an impressive electric range and quick acceleration, pairing performance with efficiency.
Škoda Enyaq
The Škoda Enyaq is a large electric SUV, best-known for its comfort, generous cabin space and clever storage features. With a good electric range and a smooth quiet driving experience, the Enyaq is a great alternative to traditional SUVs. It also features thoughtful design touches and modern technology, helping make longer journeys feel more comfortable. We’ve written more about the interior of the Skoda Enyaq here.
If you’re still curious about choosing a hybrid car, hopefully the above guide has helped.
From reducing emissions, to less wear and tear on the vehicle, to having more choices than ever before, there are lots of reasons to make the switch from a traditional engine to hybrid.
Thanks to longer charging periods and the ease of accessibility when it comes to charging stations, you can enjoy the efficiency of a hybrid car without disruption.
Visit any Pulman showroom to explore our range of electric and hybrid cars and take a test drive. You can also find out more about the Pulman EV grant where you can save up to £1500 off selected electric vehicles here.
