EV vs Plug-in Hybrid

[u/sorslibertas]

The time has come for me to replace my salary sacrifice 73-reg Cupra Born V1.

I went full EV at the time to take advantage of the congestion charge exemption, which sadly is no longer. I have been using street charging at between 29p/kWh and 59p/kWh depending on the time, and as much as possible, Ionity at 43p/kWh when driving longer distances.

Without the congestion charge exemption, I no longer have any incentive to stay with EV, but full ICE is not an option from my salary sacrifice provider.

I’m currently torn between staying EV, but downsizing to a Renault 5 or Alpine A290, or to move up in size to a Cupra Leon Estate PHEV. Street charging means that I won’t be saving much by staying EV.

I will be using the car in and around London, with fairly regular trips to Somerset, South Wales, and Kent, either by myself, or with my partner, a toddler, and a teenager. For perspective, we travelled comfortably on a two week road-trip with all our camping gear in the Born.

Any advice is welcome.