Industry figures show that thousands of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) that have had grants for the UK government may never have been charged.
A PHEV, with a fully charged battery, in many cases is capable of as high as equivalent of 130 mpg because of the initial battery only range. Figures released suggest that the average has been more like 40 mpg.
Some PHEV have had their charger cables coiled up in the boot, still wrapped up. This is such a waste.
The plug-in grant now scrapped, and there is evidence that sales of PHEV’s are already slowing down. Drivers simply don’t know how to get the best out of them.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), which represents many fleets, said higher taxes on diesel cars incentivised companies to buy plug-ins, even if they had no intention of using their electric capability.
Surely we should have a tax system that encourages clean cars, no matter how they are powered.
My view is that the figures banded about for potential fuel consumptions assume that you charge your vehicle every day and use its battery to the maximum. No matter what the use of the car, charged this way, a PHEV is capable of fantastic consumption figures that justify the grants. The failure to use them in this way lies with the drivers.
