See all Motoring NewsPlug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be a great first step towards full electric car ownership, providing a balance of electric city driving and the advantage of being able to travel long distances using an internal combustion engine. If charged up regularly they can be very economical and are often good family car choices. The arrival of more pure electric models means more choices without the need to go PHEV but even so there are lots of new options coming in 2022.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
We can’t guarantee the Tonale will finally launch in 2022, but it seems that Alfa is keen to finally bring it to market. If it does then it should follow the Stelvio with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain option and some keen driving dynamics.
Aston Martin Valhalla
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All hail the Valhalla, or something like that. Aston will finally build the supercar that started out as the Red Bull RB 003. It will use a twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG together with two electric motors, one on each axle.
BMW X1
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A new BMW X1 is coming in 2022 and with it the ability to be able to plug in with the arrival of the new all-electric iX1, while the next-generation PHEV will feature an electric motor that’s expected to produce around 94hp. If there’s a new X1 then you can expect a new X2 with its sporty styling to follow and word is that BMW will even keep the 2 Series Active Tourer going, too.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series will get a big revamp in 2022 with design changes inside and out. Fortunately, it seems that it won’t get the controversial grille of the 4 Series, which is a big relief. It will get slimmer headlights, revised front and rear bumpers and the new infotainment system of the electric iX. An electric 3 Series will become the new i3 and BMW will expand the number of PHEV versions as it starts to phase out the larger engined models in the range.
Citroen C5 X
Citroen says its new C5 X is an estate crossover hatchback something or other. When we’ve seen it in the metal properly, we’ll let you know. It’s another sign of Citroen getting back to its characterful design, but underneath the looks is a PHEV powertrain offering 225hp with an electric range of up to 50km and the ability to stay in electric mode all the way to 135km/h.
McLaren Artura
The Artura will be the second plug-in hybrid from McLaren after the P1 hypercar. In this category it’s really about enabling the car to charge into town and then tiptoe along in electric mode like a cartoon character in a chase, before switching the twin-turbo V6 back on and charging out the other side again. The axial flux electric motor will also boost power by 95hp and operate the reverse gear.
Opel Astra
The new Astra looks great and that’s not something we’ve said of an Astra for a while. It’s also going to be available as an all-electric car in 2023 and as a PHEV in 2022. Using the same platform as the new Peugeot 308 we expect two plug-in hybrid versions - offering 180hp or 225hp - and an electric mode range of nearly 60km.
Range Rover
Given that the current Range Rover is available as a PHEV, it seems safe to assume that Land Rover will take the same route with the brand-new model that is expected to go on sale early in 2022. If it’s anything like the Defender PHEV then it might even be the pick of the range.