Plug-in hybrid powertrains have been a lifeline for company car drivers in a world of ever-increasing taxation. With current company car tax rates favouring vehicles with CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km, even bigger savings can be made when opting for vehicles with longer zero-emission ranges.
We've selected 10 plug-in hybrid cars, using data from the Fleet News Car Running Costs Tool, that are cost effective for both businesses and drivers.
BMW’s popular compact SUV has undergone a significant transformation in its latest guise, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency and driver engagement.
There are two plug-in hybrid engines available, both using a 14.2kWh battery, giving a zero-emissions range of around 50 miles. In each application the electric motor drives the car’s rear wheels, while a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine powers the fronts.
The 245PS xDrive25e is our pick of the line-up, priced from £42,670. Running costs are as low as 40p per mile, over a typical cycle, and drivers will pay benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax at just 8%.
The i5 might spearhead the new 5 Series range, but the BMW 530e is now better than ever before. The all-new model has a larger battery, meaning up to 63 miles of zero-emission driving is possible from a single charge.
As a result, all plug-in hybrid 5 Series models are now in the 8% BiK tax band.
The 530e has a 299PS power output, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds. There's the option of xDrive all-wheel-drive, as well as the regular rear-driven model.
A more powerful 550e is also offered, with 489PS and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.
Ford’s stylish and practical Kuga SUV has been freshly updated and comes with a variety of powertrain options, but it’s the plug-in hybrid that makes the most sense for fleets.
Pairing a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 14.4kWh battery, the car blends potent acceleration with high levels of efficiency.
It has a 41-mile EV range, so attracts an 8% BiK tax rate and offers among the lowest running costs in its class, at 41p per mile. Prices start at just over £40,000.
As an all-rounder, they don’t come much better than the Kia Sportage. In its latest generation the popular SUV has taken a step upmarket, bringing a premium interior, impressive technology and great driveability to the segment.
Using a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, the powertrain delivers 265PS and can accelerate the car from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.
The car’s 13.8kWh battery gives a 43-mile zero-emission range and can be charged in less than two hours, using a 7.2kW charger. Drivers will pay 8% BiK tax and prices start at £40,500.
The sleek Mercedes CLA utilises the powertrain and underpinnings from the A-Class in a more attractive body.
It's an upmarket compact executive with a classy interior, great technology and good performance.
The car has a 15.6kWh battery, giving a range of up to 47 miles. That means just 8% BiK tax and its one of only a few cars that support DC fast charging.
While it may only be available to a small pool of drivers, the Range Rover Sport is a plug-in hybrid that is hard to overlook. That’s why it was given the Driver’s Choice Award at the 2023 Fleet News Awards.
It’s one of only a few cars to attract 5% BiK tax, which means a 40% taxpayer will pay just £140 per month for the privilege of having one on their driveway.
A 38.2kWh battery gives a zero-emission range of 70 miles and the car also features 50kW rapid charging, allowing a re-charge in less than an hour.
The all-new Skoda Superb is a car that ticks a lot of boxes for company car drivers. Its large, comfortable and easy to drive.
Its plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of more than 60 zero-emissions miles, meaning company car tax of 8%. It uses a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, with a giant 25.7kWh battery.
Only an estate body is available, providing excellent practicality. There's a suite of safety and comfort features to suit long distance travel.
Toyota was the original pioneer of hybrid powertrains and its latest Prius model continues to set a benchmark.
The third-generation Prius promises greater fuel economy, emissions efficiency and EV driving capability.
Powered by a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid system that delivers 223PS, up to 53 miles of EV driving range is possible. For longer trips, or when charging is not practical, the plug-in hybrid system has a combined CO2 emissions rating of 12g/km – the lowest yet for a Prius.
The Golf has always been a strong fleet performer but 2024 will see the introduction of an updated model with two new plug-in hybrid powertrains.
A new, larger, 1.5-litre petrol engine replaces the outgoing 1.4-litre unit and the battery capacity has almost doubled, with the new Golf plug-in hybrids using a 19.7kWh unit. This gives a zero-emission range of around 62 miles, dropping them into the 8% BiK tax band.
The regular eHybrid produces 204PS, while the GTE now has 272PS.
Like the Golf, the Tiguan also gets an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain. This time, however, it's wrapped in an all-new body.
The new Tiguan eHybrid is capable of covering more than 70 miles using electricity, this means it slips into the 5% BiK band.
VW offers two power outputs: 204PS and 272PS. Both variants are capable of 11kW AC charging and will also support 50kW rapid charging.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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