Plug-in hybrids provide a stepping stone to all-electric motoring, writes James Stinson
The transition to a future where we are all driving electric cars isn’t proving at all straightforward. Sales of battery electric vehicles have stalled in recent months as many buyers express concerns about price, range and charging infrastructure.
At the same time, sales of plug-in hybrids are booming. Sales of all-electric cars were up six per cent in May compared to a near 33% rise for plug-in hybrids.
Buyers like the flexibility plug-in hybrids offer… owners don’t suffer from range anxiety in the same way electric car users do but they still offer some of the benefits that battery-powered cars do. There are enticing tax benefits for company car drivers especially.
There’s also a lot more and better plug-in hybrids coming to market, like this new Skoda Kodiaq iV, which offers a 75-mile EV range, with prices starting from £41,935.
Skoda’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which alone produces 114bhp and 330Nm of torque. Combined, the total power output is 201bhp and 350Nm of torque.
Importantly for fleet drivers, thanks to the Kodiaq iV’s pure-electric driving capabilities and subsequently low CO2 emissions, it falls into the very low 5 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax bracket. For context, EVs attract a 2 per cent BiK rating.
The Kodiaq iV’s e-motor is powered by a 25.7kWh battery that’s located under the rear seats. With a maximum charging speed of 50kW, a 10 to 80 per cent top-up from most public rapid chargers will take 26 minutes, while a typical 7kW home wallbox will fully recharge the battery in under four hours.
The regenerative braking – with automatic, low and high strengths to choose from – also feeds energy back into the battery when the car slows down.
There are three modes for the plug-in hybrid powertrain as well, which determine how the petrol engine and electric motor work together. E-Mode prioritises pure-electric driving, with the Kodiaq iV always starting off in this setting, so long as the battery has enough juice.
Skoda says Hybrid mode continuously assesses how the car is being driven to determine whether to use the e-motor, the engine or both in order to minimise fuel consumption, making it the better choice on long journeys. Finally, Sport mode gets the maximum power output from both power sources.
The one obvious downside of the plug-in Kodiaq over the petrol-powered version is that it only comes with five seats, unlike the regular models which are offered with seven seats.
The new Skoda Kodiaq iV is offered in SE and SE L specifications. Entry-level SE trim comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, keyless start, heated front seats, three-zone climate control and several safety systems like blind spot detection and front cross traffic assist.
The interior specifically features a 13-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital driver’s display and Skoda’s new customisable ‘Smart Dials’. These can be used to control the cabin temperature, drive modes, and numerous other functions.
SE L models start from £44,635 and add larger 19-inch rims, adaptive matrix LED headlights with cornering function, black artificial/real leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seats, keyless entry and a powered tailgate.