Hybrid Car Owners Facing £500 More in Fuel Costs Per Year, New Research Shows

Are you considering buying a hybrid vehicle to save on fuel costs? You might want to think again. Recent research has found that drivers of hybrid models could end up paying a whopping £500 more per year in fuel costs compared to what manufacturers claim. In fact, owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles are facing an additional £700 a year in fuel expenses compared to electric vehicle owners.

According to a report from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), the average savings for hybrid vehicle owners are significantly lower than what manufacturers advertise. While car makers claim that hybrid owners could save £1,092 a year in fuel costs compared to petrol cars, the reality is that the savings are closer to £593 a year. And when it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles, the difference in fuel costs compared to electric vehicles is even more staggering at £672 a year.

Switching from a petrol vehicle to an electric one could save drivers an average of £1,264 per year. Colin Walker, head of transport at the ECIU, emphasized the importance of informing potential car buyers about the actual fuel costs associated with hybrid vehicles. He pointed out that not only do plug-in hybrid electric vehicles produce 350% more CO2 than manufacturers claim, but they also fall short in delivering the fuel savings that consumers are led to believe.

Laboratory tests suggest that fuel costs for plug-in hybrid vehicles should be around £560 a year, but real-world data shows that the actual cost is closer to £1,059 a year. This discrepancy highlights the limitations of relying on tests that don’t reflect real-world driving conditions or unrealistic claims by manufacturers. As Ben Nelmes, chief executive at New AutoMotive, noted, the UK is taking a more sensible approach by transitioning to regulations that focus on reducing tailpipe emissions and phasing out internal combustion engines altogether.

So, before you make a decision on buying a hybrid vehicle, make sure you’re aware of the true costs involved. While electric vehicles may require a higher upfront investment, the long-term savings in fuel costs could make them a more economical choice in the end. It’s essential to consider all factors before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.