PLUG-IN HYBRID CARS (PHEV)
Take the lead. Drive electrified.
Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV) provide an enhanced level of power, which can be sourced from both a petrol engine and a cable-rechargeable battery. This balanced engineering solution uses a larger battery, prioritising the use of electricity over petrol. It means you'll enjoy optimal fuel economy and better overall driving range, helping to lower your carbon footprint on every journey you make.
Ready to take the lead and drive electrified? Book a test drive in a Kia PHEV today.
Understanding How a Plug-In Hybrid Car Works
A Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle or 'PHEV' is a kind of hybrid electric car that uses both an internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and an electric battery as power sources. These vehicles are equipped with a larger rechargeable battery, enabling them to travel longer distances on electric power alone than typical hybrid models. The combination of an internal combustion engine and electric battery allows PHEVs to deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced tailpipe emissions compared to petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
Our diagram provides more detail on how the components collaborate to get you moving more efficiently.
• Plug-In Hybrids have a battery and engine that support each other when needed.
• The battery needs to be charged from an external source, like a home or public charge point.
• The battery also charges when decelerating or going downhill.
• PHEVs can operate in electric-only mode at low and high speeds for significant distances.
Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid
If you're seeking a more sustainable driving experience without fully committing to an electric car,
a Plug-In Hybrid car (PHEV) is an ideal choice. PHEVs come with numerous benefits, including low-emission driving and improved fuel economy. Experience these benefits for yourself with Kia.
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Optimal performance
Enhanced driveability is delivered by the combined performance of a petrol-driven engine and electric motor. -
Electric only drive
PHEVs offer potential savings on fuel and help reduce emissions compared to traditional petrol vehicles. With your battery fully charged, you can make most short daily journeys without using one drop of petrol. -
Long distance driving
Similar to a hybrid, the PHEV's combustion engine lets you drive long distances once the all-electric range has been utilised.
Our Plug-In Hybrid Car Range
At Kia, we have an exciting range of PHEVs, including SUVs, family cars and crossover cars. Find the best Plug-In Hybrid to suit your needs when you join the charge with Kia.
Cost of Ownership for PHEVs
Our PHEVs are tax and fuel-efficient, making them equally suitable for both personal and business use.
From lower road and company car tax to savings on fuel for short-distance journeys, our range of Kia PHEVs shines when it comes to running costs.
Kia Connect
The Kia Connect app enables you to interact with your Kia PHEV in new and convenient ways.
You can remotely control essential functions, such as locking and unlocking your vehicle, or even pre-conditioning your cabin before driving. You can also view real-time data on the battery's charge status and range, ensuring you're always prepared for your next journey. Features like route planning with charging station locations also make Kia Connect an invaluable tool for journey planning and range anxiety.
Charging a PHEV
Charging is essential when opting for a Kia PHEV, whether at home or a public charge station.
With a competitive energy tariff, you can fully utilise the electric range of your PHEV, making significant savings on fuel.
The smaller electric motor is perfect for short journeys while also supporting the petrol engine on longer trips. This can help you save on fuel, reduce emissions, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle by minimising the wear on the petrol engine.
Pioneering 7 Year Warranty
A truly sustainable car is one that lasts, which is why we design our vehicles with longevity in mind.
Every Kia model, including our Plug-In Hybrids, benefits from our 7 Year Warranty. We cover you for up to 100,000 miles, providing reassurance and protection against unexpected costs.
Future inspired. Technically Brilliant.
The Kia electrified range offers powertrains designed to embrace the future of driving. Kia Connect provides practical and advanced onboard features and app-enabled services to keep you connected at all times.
Need to know more?
What is the meaning of PHEV? What is the meaning of PHEV?
PHEV is the abbreviation for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This type of hybrid electric car runs on electricity as well as petrol or diesel. PHEVs have a large battery that can be recharged from an external outlet, which enables them to run solely on electric power for longer.
What is a Plug-In Hybrid car? What is a Plug-In Hybrid car?
PHEV is the abbreviation for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This type of hybrid electric car runs on electricity as well as petrol or diesel. PHEVs have a large battery that can be recharged from an external outlet, which enables them to run solely on electric power for longer.
How does a Plug-In Hybrid car work? How does a Plug-In Hybrid car work?
A Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) operates similarly to a standard Hybrid car, with a petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a battery. Unlike standard hybrids, PHEVs feature a larger battery that can be recharged whilst driving or via an external power source. This allows them to travel significant distances using only electric power.
The Kia Sportage PHEV,for instance, has a range of up to 43 miles on a single charge – more than enough for the average daily commute. It can also call on the petrol engine during longer trips, if necessary.
Do Plug-In Hybrid cars charge while driving? Do Plug-In Hybrid cars charge while driving?
A Plug-In Hybrid car can charge its battery while driving via regenerative braking, which captures energy during decelerating or while travelling downhill.
Due to their larger batteries, PHEVs require charging from an external source, such as a home or public charging point, to maximise their range.
What happens if you don't charge a Plug-In Hybrid car? What happens if you don't charge a Plug-In Hybrid car?
If you don't charge a Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), you'll have to rely on its petrol or diesel engine for power. While PHEVs can recover some energy through regenerative braking - similar to hybrid cars - this process only provides a small recharge and isn't enough for sustained electric-only driving. To maximise the benefits of a PHEV, including improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, it's essential to keep the battery sufficiently charged. That means plugging it in whenever possible.
What’s it like to drive a Plug-In Hybrid car? What’s it like to drive a Plug-In Hybrid car?
Driving a Plug-In Hybrid car can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. The transition between electric and petrol power is typically seamless, offering a relaxed driving experience. Electric motors also deliver maximum torque instantly, providing responsive acceleration.
Book your test drive at a dealer close to you and experience a Kia PHEV for yourself.
What's Kia's longest-range Plug-In Hybrid? What's Kia's longest-range Plug-In Hybrid?
Our longest-range Plug-In Hybrid is the Kia Sportage PHEV, which has an electric range of up to 43 miles* on one charge. This range excludes the petrol engine capacity and can vary depending on the terrain you're driving on, the weight of the vehicle, in-car tech usage and other elements.
*The range was determined according to the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP). The individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real-life range and can possibly reduce it.
What's the difference between a Hybrid vs Plug-In Hybrid car? What's the difference between a Hybrid vs Plug-In Hybrid car?
The key difference between hybrids and Plug-In-Hybrids is the battery size and charging method. PHEVs have larger batteries that can be recharged externally, allowing for extended electric-only driving compared to standard hybrid vehicles.
Hybrids, however, rely on regenerative braking and the engine to recharge their smaller batteries, limiting their electric-only range.
What is a Plug-In Hybrid SUV? What is a Plug-In Hybrid SUV?
A Plug-In Hybrid SUV is a passenger car equipped with a hybrid system. It features an elevated ground clearance and a battery that is rechargeable from an external power source. Our Plug-In Hybrid SUV range includes popular models like the Niro PHEV and the Sportage PHEV.
What's the difference between an MHEV vs a PHEV? What's the difference between an MHEV vs a PHEV?
Unlike a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), an MHEV cannot run solely on electric power, although its combustion engine switches off during braking, coasting and stopping. A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) enhances the efficiency of its internal combustion engine (ICE) using a 48V battery and electric motor.
Get more from Kia
Book a test drive with your local Kia dealer.
Book a test drive with your local Kia dealer.
Find your nearest Kia Dealership.
Find your nearest Kia Dealership.
Call our Business Centre on 0800 294 0417
Call our Business Centre on 0800 294 0417
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View all of our contract hire offers available.
Legal Disclaimer
7 Year Warranty
Kia high voltage lithium ion battery-units in electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are built to have a long life. These batteries are covered by the Kia warranty for a period of 7 years from initial registration or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
For low voltage batteries (48V and 12V) in mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), the Kia warranty covers a period of 2 years from initial registration regardless of mileage. For EVs and PHEVs only, Kia guarantees a 70% capacity of the battery. Capacity reduction of the battery in HEV and MHEV is not covered by the warranty. To minimize possible capacity reduction, consult the owner's manual. Kia warranty covers a period of 7 years from initial registration or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Deviations according to the valid guarantee conditions, e.g. for battery, paint and equipment, subject to local terms and conditions. For full Kia warranty terms and exclusions click here