Germany's Affordable Plug-In Hybrids

For a long time, owning a hybrid or electric car was a true luxury. However, as technology advances, it's becoming more affordable to ease one's conscience with such a vehicle. Nowadays, there are even real bargains to be found. We have conducted research for you and identified Germany's most affordable plug-in hybrids. Find out what these hybrids are capable of and where they still fall short.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Plug-In Hybrid

There are different types of hybrid cars. Germany, in particular, is interested in the plug-in hybrid. This type combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, and as the name suggests, the batteries are charged using a charging cable. This allows for shorter distances to be covered completely without the combustion engine, while the combustion engine is used for longer distances. Regeneration also plays a role in these vehicles to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

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Advantages

• Short distances, as is common for commuters, can be covered purely electrically.
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• Refueling costs are limited.
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• Of course, the reduced environmental impact is a significant bonus.

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Disadvantages

• The initial purchase is often more expensive, even though this issue has improved lately.
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• The vehicle weight is high because two engines are heavier, which affects driving dynamics.
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• Maintenance work needs to be done for both engines.

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Germany's Most Affordable PHEVs

It's undeniable that more and more Germans are opting for a greener model. However, those who don't want to spend more than they would on a conventional car are in the right place. Let's dive into the world of PHEV bargains.

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Kia Niro - €47,590

This plug-in hybrid astonishes with its range and consumption. The 11.1 kWh battery allows the PHEV to travel a full 65 km purely electrically. Combined with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine, this model is ready for commuting and longer trips.

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Advantages

• The range is outstanding.
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• The 183 horsepower gets the car up to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, despite having two engines.
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• The flexibility to travel longer distances for this price should not be overlooked.

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Disadvantages

• The driving behavior is affected by the weight of the two engines.
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• Additionally, the batteries require space, which impacts the trunk capacity.
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• Even though this car counts among the more affordable hybrids, it's still not cheap.

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Renault Mégane - €30,500

This hybrid combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors, bringing it to 158 horsepower. This car also achieves a purely electric range of 65km. The price is also noteworthy.

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Advantages:

• The plug-in hybrid reaches 100 km/h in just 9.8 seconds
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• The Mégane is particularly distinguished by its safety features.
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• With its range, the Mégane is especially suitable as a city car.

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Disadvantages

• As is often the case with hybrids, the trunk volume is limited here as well.
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• This Renault weighs a whole 1.6 tons.
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• Once the battery is depleted, much of the dynamics are lost.

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Mitsubishi ASX - €39,390

This compact plug-in hybrid model is equipped with great technology. Although the electric motor's range is only 40km, the car stands out with an extremely advanced infotainment system. With 159 horsepower, the hybrid is not among the most powerful cars but offers a generous amount of space.

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Advantages

• Once again, the flexibility to cover both short and long distances is a primary bonus.
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• The advanced cockpit and multimedia system are noticeably high quality.
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• No expense was spared on the materials.
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Disadvantages

• The total weight affects fuel consumption.
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• Even though it's spacious inside the car, the trunk space is comparatively small.
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• Operating costs are reduced through electric driving, but the initial investment is substantial.

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Cardino's Role: Anyone who is still unsure about electric or hybrid vehicles can ask questions at any time. At Cardino.de, you'll find all sorts of blog articles on the topic. The online platform makes it easier for you if you want to sell your old electric or hybrid car. Waiting times are shortened, a fair price is paid, and your car is even picked up from your home.

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Conclusion

The selection of plug-in hybrids on the German market is becoming increasingly diverse and affordable, making it easier for buyers to choose an environmentally friendly vehicle option. There's no longer a need to compromise on comfort or performance, and city drivers have the possibility to travel completely electrically for their journeys. The technology of plug-in hybrids is mature enough for widespread use in daily life.

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FAQs

How does a plug-in hybrid work?

‍A plug-in hybrid combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be charged externally. It uses the electric drive for short distances and switches to the combustion engine when necessary or when the battery is depleted.

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How far can I drive on electric power with a plug-in hybrid?

‍The purely electric range varies by model but typically lies between 40 and 100 kilometers. This is ideal for daily commuting distances.

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Are plug-in hybrids more expensive to purchase than conventional cars?

‍Yes, plug-in hybrids are generally more expensive to purchase than vehicles with a pure internal combustion engine due to the more complex drive technology and the high-voltage battery.

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Is a plug-in hybrid more environmentally friendly than a pure electric vehicle?

‍While PHEVs are more environmentally friendly than pure internal combustion vehicles due to their ability to drive purely electrically, full electric vehicles (EVs) have no emissions while driving. Therefore, EVs are generally considered more environmentally friendly.

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