Plug In Hybrid Cars (PHEV) | Take the Lead. Drive Electrified | Kia UK
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Plug In Hybrid Cars (PHEV) | Take the Lead. Drive Electrified | Kia UK

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Take the lead. Drive electrified.

Plug-In Hybrids offer you an enhanced level of power output — that can be drawn from both a petrol engine and cable-rechargeable battery. This balanced engineering solution uses a bigger battery, ensuring you'll use more electricity and less petrol. It means you'll enjoy optimal fuel economy and better overall driving range, while lowering your carbon footprint on every journey you make.

How does a Plug-In Hybrid car work?

Plug-In Hybrid cars are a type of electric hybrid car. They use both an engine and an electric battery that work together to power your vehicle. Our diagram shows in more detail how all the components collaborate to get you moving more efficiently.

Diagram showing how a Plug-In Hybrid works, with labels for different PHEV components.

• 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.

• Plug-In Hybrids can operate in electric-only mode at low and high speed for significant distances.

Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid

If you're looking for a more sustainable driving experience without committing to an electric car, a Plug-In Hybrid car (PHEV) is an ideal option. Plug-In Hybrids come with numerous benefits, including low-emission driving and improved economy. Experience these benefits for yourself with Kia.

  • Optimal performance



    Enhanced driveability delivered by the combined performance of a petrol driven engine and electric motor.

  • Electric only drive



    PHEVs are good for your wallet and our planet. With your battery fully charged, you can make most short daily journeys without using even a drop of petrol.

  • Long distance driving



    Similar to a hybrid, the plug-in hybrid'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 Plug-In Hybrid cars, including Plug-In Hybrid SUVs, family cars and crossover cars. Find the best Plug-In Hybrid to suit your needs when you join the charge with Kia.

Kia Niro PHEV being charged via a public charging station.


Cost of ownership for Plug-In Hybrids


Our range of plug-in hybrid vehicles are fuel and tax efficient, which makes them equally suitable for personal or business purpose.

From lower road and company car tax to savings on fuel, our range of Kia Plug-In Hybrid vehicles shine when it comes to running costs.
Kia Connect app being used control a Kia PHEV from a smartphone.


Kia Connect


The Kia Connect app allows you to interact with your Kia plug-in hybrid in new and convenient ways.

Whether you want to check progress on your charging session or want to customise your vehicle settings, the Kia Connect app will become an invaluable tool.
Kia Plug-In Hybrid owner paying for public PHEV charging using the bp pulse tap point.

PHEV Charging


Charging is essential when opting for a Kia plug-in hybrid vehicle whether at home or at a public charge station.

With a competitive energy tariff you can take full advantage of the electric range of your plug-in hybrid and make significant savings on fuel.
Kia Plug-In Hybrid car with 7-year warranty logo.


Pioneering 7 Year Warranty


A sustainable car is one that lasts, and that’s very much how we design our vehicles. Every Kia model benefits from our 7 Year Warranty that covers you for up to 100,000 miles, giving you reassurance and protection against unexpected costs.
<br>Future inspired. Technically Brilliant.


Future inspired. Technically Brilliant.


The Kia electrified range offers you powertrains designed to take on the future of driving. Plus, make every journey an inspired one with Kia connect — offering you advanced onboard features and app-enabled services to keep you connected along the way.

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 work? How does a Plug-In Hybrid work?

 

 

A Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) works in a similar way to a standard Hybrid – there is a petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a battery however, in a Plug-in Hybrid, the battery is much larger than in a Hybrid and it is rechargeable from an external outlet. This means the car is able to travel around 30-40 miles (depending on the model) on battery power alone – more than enough for the average daily commute – but it can also call on the petrol engine for longer trips.

 

Like a Hybrid, the battery can be charged whilst driving, but for the full benefit, you will need to plug in. Charging PHEV cars should take less than three hours. Put this all together and you can enjoy miles of low-cost, all-electric driving while still having a petrol engine for those rare long distance trips. Perfect.

Do Plug-In Hybrid cars charge while driving? Do Plug-In Hybrid cars charge while driving?

 

 

Yes, Plug-In Hybrid cars can charge while driving through regenerative braking, although they also need to be charged via an external source. Like Hybrid cars, PHEV batteries can charge while decelerating or travelling downhill. 

 

However, as their batteries are much bigger than hybrid electric cars, plug-in hybrids also have to be charged via a home or public charging point. PHEVs also have electric-only driving capabilities. 

What happens if you don't charge a Plug-In Hybrid car? What happens if you don't charge a Plug-In Hybrid car?

 

 

Like Hybrid cars, PHEV batteries also charge via regenerative braking. Your battery can gain some charge while you're driving, without plugging in, but it won’t be sufficient for electric-only driving. 

What’s it like to drive a Plug-In Hybrid car? What’s it like to drive a Plug-In Hybrid car?

 

 

Relaxing and rather fun, actually. When running on battery power, PHEVs are very responsive, because unlike combustion engines, electric motors produce maximum torque at any rpm. Acceleration is brisk. We expect most charging to be done at home or at work but If you want to top up on the go, there is a vast and fast-expanding number of stations accessible through Kia Charge. When the battery level is too low to propel the car in electric-only mode, the combustion engine kicks in and works with the battery as a supporting element - just like a regular, self-charging hybrid.

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 43 miles* on one charge. This range excludes the petrol engine capacity and can vary depending on the terrain you're driving on, 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 main difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars is that plug-in hybrids have a larger batteries than hybrids and that this battery is rechargeable from an external outlet. This enables plug-in hybrid cars to run on electric power alone for much longer distances than hybrids.  

What is a Plug-In Hybrid SUV? What is a Plug-In Hybrid SUV?

 

 

A Plug-In Hybrid SUV is a passenger car with increased ground clearance. It uses a hybrid system, which battery is rechargeable from an external source. Our Plug-In Hybrid SUV range includes popular models like Niro PHEV and Sportage PHEV. 

What's the difference between a MHEV vs PHEV? What's the difference between a MHEV vs PHEV?

 

 

A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) uses a 48V battery and electric motor to increase the efficiency of its internal combustion engine (ICE). Unlike a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), an MHEV cannot run solely on electric power, although its combustion engine shuts off during braking, coasting and stopping.

Get more from Kia

  • Hybrid



    Learn more about our Hybrid cars

    Read more about Hybrid Cars
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    Read more about Electric cars
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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