The plug-in hybrid was to be the missing link, the transition vehicle that would calmly and gradually guide motorists towards the all-electric age. This hybrid car, whose battery can also be recharged at a terminal in order to drive around fifty kilometers in “zero emission” mode, no longer claims “bringing together the best of both worlds”, to reconcile heat and electricity. Pointed out by pro-environment organizations, shunned by company fleets and individuals alike, it has come to a sharp halt.
Over the first nine months of 2022, sales of plug-in hybrids in France (88,555) fell by 13% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, pure electrics (140,000) jumped 31% and conventional hybrids (which recharge during deceleration phases) increased by 27%, to 131,000 units. This erosion, which is affecting the entire European market, puts an end to an ambiguity.
A touch of good conscience
At the end of the previous decade, the major promoters of what is referred to by the acronym PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) have been the Chinese manufacturers, well helped by the quotas imposed by Beijing. European brands were quick to see the interest they could derive from it in their own market. Faced with the damage caused by “dieselgate” to their order books and to their reputation, the arrival of a technology touted for its virtues that are both environmental (using an electric motor for urban journeys) and utilitarian (travelling long distances thanks to the petrol engine) was a godsend. Enough to ensure the sustainability of large SUVs threatened by the stigma cast on diesel, with, as a bonus, a touch of good conscience.
For generalist brands – in particular the French ones –, the rechargeable hybrid was also an unprecedented way of erasing, thanks to the presence of one or more muscular electric motors, the performance deficit from which their models suffered compared to the stars of “premium”. ” German. The new DS7 is offered in PHEV mode with an output of 360 horsepower. A feature unthinkable not long ago for a French car.
It appeared that the users of these cars, 72% of which are company cars, rarely, if ever, recharged their functional plug-in hybrids.
The acceleration of sales of electric vehicles and the rise of criticism in order of internal combustion engines have changed the game and highlighted the ambiguity of the PHEV. It appeared that the users of these cars, 72% of which are company cars, only rarely, if ever, recharged their functional plug-in hybrid. However, driving with a model weighted with several hundred kilos of batteries relying only on its heat engine generates a clear overconsumption. A tangible reality for fleet managers, faced with an increasingly salty fuel budget.
You have 47.33% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.