PHEV PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES - BEST OR WORST OF BOTH WORLDS? 2 YEAR MPG REVEALED GTE VS VOLT

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This video provides a two-year ownership review of two Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): the Chevrolet Volt (Vauxhall Ampera in the UK) and the Volkswagen Golf GTE. The reviewer highlights that PHEVs can serve as an excellent 'gateway drug' to full electric vehicles, offering a taste of electric driving without range anxiety. The Chevrolet Volt is praised for its reliability, a real-world electric-only range of 30-45 miles (sometimes exceeding 50), and a smooth, quiet driving experience, though its CVT-like gearbox can be unrefined under hard acceleration. The Golf GTE offers a sportier driving experience in GTE mode, combining its petrol engine and electric motor, but its electric-only range is significantly less, typically 15-25 miles. The reviewer emphasizes that the true economy of PHEVs is entirely dependent on user behavior, specifically the frequency of plugging them in. When regularly charged, impressive MPG figures (87 MPG for the Volt over 66,000 miles, and 300 MPG for the Golf over a recent 900-mile period) are achievable, making them more economical than traditional ICE vehicles. However, if not plugged in, their economy is only marginally better than standard petrol cars. The video concludes that while PHEVs have their place, especially for those transitioning to EVs, the ultimate simplicity and efficiency lie in fully electric vehicles.