With the new ‘69’ plate fast approaching its release date on September 1, now is an ideal opportunity to start thinking about your next brand-new car.
But how about making your next new car electrified – whether that be from a hybrid or an EV? Not only does this also help to reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also help to cut down your running costs, too.
Here’s 10 of the best electrified models you should consider getting on the ‘69’ plate…
BMW 330e
The plug-in hybrid 330e has been one of BMW’s most popular plug-in hybrids, and the latest second-generation version takes this a step further.
Prices for the latest model start from less than £40,000, while – unlike the last car – it’s now available as a practical estate, alongside the saloon version. It’s capable of travelling up to 41 miles on electric power, and returns CO2 emissions as low as 39g/km.
Hyundai IONIQ
Hyundai has no shortage of electrified models on sale today – including a range of all-electric and hybrid options.
But it’s the IONIQ that is the most convincing, as this practical five-door hatchback is offered as a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and also an all-electric version. It’s also recently been updated with a revised look, improved connectivity and a longer range, in the case of the all-electric model. All these factors make the IONIQ a particularly convincing electrified model to choose.
Peugeot e-208
Peugeot’s first true EV is set to be a breakthrough for electric superminis when it joins the firm’s line-up later in the year. Its bold styling, hi-tech cabin and impressive 211-mile electric range being particularly impressive.
The new e-208 is available to order now, alongside the standard petrol and diesel 208s. You might have to wait towards the end of the ‘69’ plate period, though, as first deliveries are not expected until the start of 2020.
Ford Mondeo Hybrid
Currently Ford’s only electrified model on sale, the Mondeo Hybrid is a fantastic option as a practical and well-equipped family hatchback or estate.
Low CO2 emissions and a great real-world fuel economy figure only bolster the Mondeo Hybrid’s appeal further.
Audi e-tron
Audi’s first all-electric car is one of the best EVs on sale today, with its serene refinement, tech-laden design and luxurious interior making it a hugely compelling electrified choice.
Its 237-mile electric range might not be class-leading but should offer a plentiful number of miles for many drivers.
Volvo XC90 B5
The XC90 B5 is a slightly different electrified model to every other car on this list so far – being a mild-hybrid, rather than a normal hybrid. It essentially is a kinetic energy recovery system – recuperating it when braking and decelerating, for example.
While these don’t bring the same fuel-saving benefits as other types of electrification, Volvo claims it can offer up to a 15 per cent fuel saving and emissions reduction. This B5 mild-hybrid technology is currently offered on the XC60 and XC90, on both petrol and diesel engines.
Mercedes-Benz E 300 de
The Mercedes-Benz E 300 de is another oddity when it comes to electrified models – being one of very few diesel-electric plug-in hybrids.
While many PHEVs are petrol-electric, it makes sense to use a diesel engine instead – after all, these engines are usually more efficient in the first place.
Nissan Leaf e+
As Europe’s best-selling EV, the British-built Nissan Leaf is clearly doing something right for buyers. It was also the car that cast electric cars into the mainstream spotlight.
Now offered in two battery capacities, it’s the new long-range e+ that makes the most sense to many buyers, with its 239-mile electric range making it a seriously compelling electric car for the masses.
Renault Zoe
The Zoe is yet another very popular electric car, which has just become even more convincing with an all-new model.
Featuring an increased 52kWh battery, the Zoe is now able to achieve up to 242 miles on a single charge, which is frankly remarkable for a car of its size. It also embraces many touches from the new Renault Clio’s cabin – a car that sets the standards for interior quality in the supermini class.
Audi S4 TDI
The Audi S4 TDI shows how electrification can also benefit performance cars, with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology on the S4 not only making it more efficient, but actually sharper to drive thanks to an electrical compression system, which aims to minimise lag.
The S4 TDI is one of Audi’s new diesel-powered ‘S’ models – they were previously always petrol – and this mild-hybrid electrified powertrain is offered on each one of them so far. It is also being extended to RS models, too, as evidenced on the recently-unveiled RS6.
