I'm buying a hybrid instead of an EV for my next car — here's why

lexus nx 450h+ hybrid driving on the road
(Image credit: Lexus)

I had planned for my next car to be an all-electric model. But, after years of driving a gasoline-powered ride my move to an EV, like everything else in these troubled times, is looking a little less certain. A combination of rising gasoline and electricity prices means I don’t feel as though I can choose one side or the other. 

In short, a compromise needs to be reached. I already ruled out a regular hybrid, which has no plug-in capabilities and means you don't get any of the same benefits as an electric vehicle. But after driving the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid for a week, I’m starting to see the appeal of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) — and the ability to switch between electric power and internal combustion in a single set of wheels.

The luxury SUV can do over 40 miles on battery power alone. That makes it perfect for short drives around town, while the smaller battery means charging is quick and easy. 

Longer runs can be achieved in comfort, and without stress, thanks to the super smooth 2.5-litre gasoline engine.  The way I see it, this is the best of both worlds. And, by using the car strategically and initiating those short charging sessions at cheaper times of the day, I may even be able to save some money on running costs. 

So if the price of gasoline is getting too much for you, and you’ve considered going fully electric, be sure not to discount a PHEV simply because it sits in the middle ground.

 There’s loads of choice if you want a PHEV 

lexus nx 450+ hybrid parked on a country road

(Image credit: Rob Ckymo/Future)

The Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is a mid-sized SUV, so it’s well suited to family use. There’s space, comfort and lots of tech. However, if you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid there are options in every model class. In fact, compared to battery electric cars, there are significantly more hybrid options available

The BMW 330e is great, for example, if you love the endless appeal of the 3-series but want to enjoy the benefits of PHEV motoring. For those interested in beefier Germanic motoring, the BMW X5 xDrive45e delivers a similar experience to that of the Lexus.

But it’s possible to pick a PHEV to suit any kind of need. Audi’s A7 55 TSFI e Quattro Plug-In Hybrid is a solid choice sedan offering space and luxury, while Toyota’s RAV4 is a fun and funky option too. Hyundai’s Sante Fe plug-in hybrid or Kia’s Niro Plug-in hybrid both tick the right boxes for people after value for money. 

Even the likes of Jeep, whose first EV isn’t due until sometime in 2023, has PHEV options at your disposal with the likes of Wrangler or Cherokee. Even Bentley, one of the kings of premium motoring, offers a Bentayga Hybrid if your wallet can handle it.

Charging is easier, and performance is top notch 

lexus nx 450h+ hybrid in a parking space

(Image credit: Rob Clymo/Future)

The great thing about a plug-in hybrid is just that, you can plug it in at home and charge the battery overnight. That might mean cheaper charging, depending on your electricity provider, and is certainly more convenient than having to plug in a much larger EV battery. Particularly if installing a home charger isn’t an option for you.

That said, Lexus recommends having a home wall box installed. With access to the dedicated EV charging port, fully charging the NX 450h+ takes a very reasonable 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Lexus also claims you can squeeze around about 42 miles out of the battery in a worst case scenario, and up to 55 miles in urban situations. Daily trips into town, or running errands mean all-electric usage makes perfect sense. I also found the car to be enthusiastic in the performance department when driving on electric power alone. The Lexus will reach in excess of 80 mph if the need arises, and all without having to burn a drop of gasoline.

In fact, the Lexus proved to be sprightlier than I’d been expecting. The 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery is quite beefy, while the plug-in setup means you still get 302bhp. This is most noticeable when you put your foot down, with Lexus figures stating that 0-62 mph arrives in just over six seconds. Not bad for a heavyweight SUV.

There’s more potential for squeezing the best and most efficient level of motoring from the Lexus too. The guy who dropped the car off pointed out the ability to switch the EV mode, letting you decide if you want to drive on battery power alone, or use the engine to help restore battery power on longer trips. 

The main thing to ensure the best money-saving return, though, is to get in the habit of recharging regularly — as is the way with any PHEV.

Hybrids have no range anxiety concerns

lexus nx 450h+ hybrid plugged into wallbox charger

(Image credit: Lexus)

Another distinct benefit of driving a plug-in hybrid is there’s no range anxiety, no matter which way you look at things. There are plenty of people out there that would argue that range anxiety is a non-issue, but I’ve had enough stress-filled journeys in pure EVs to know it can be a problem.

Therefore, having the backup of a petrol engine is a big deal, because if you need to go on a longer run you just jump in and drive. Driven carefully, the Lexus NX 450h+ has the potential to go over 300 miles if you exploit both the full gas and electric potential. 

So while electrical power is perfect for all the short journeys you might do around your local area, you can still make the longer trips without having to stop and wait to recharge along the way.

lexus nx 450h+ steering wheel and cabin

(Image credit: Rob Cymo/Future)

Whichever way you look at it, the ability to utilize electric power somewhere along the way can save you precious dollars. Whether you use up that power getting yourself onto the highway, or save it to get yourself around when you actually reach your destination. Alternatively you could also mix and match, because the key takeaway here is that the driver gets to choose.

And that gives you an advantage when it comes to refuelling. The gas tank, as any driver will know, only takes a few minutes to refill, plus the Lexus’s battery is small enough that it doesn’t take an age to recharge. That’s especially useful if you find yourself heading somewhere with a free charger, like the supermarket.

Hybrids can offer a money-saving special

lexus nx450 h+ hybrid plugged into wallbox charger

(Image credit: Lexus)

With energy prices skyrocketing, and with no sign of slowing down anytime soon, not spending money unnecessarily seems very sensible right now. The plug-in hybrid definitely proves to be a good choice over a traditional model, particularly since the plug-in models have the ability to drive while only using electric power.

Not only does this help you lower your personal emissions, which is a benefit from an environmental standpoint, it also means lower running costs. Energy prices may be spiking, but electrical power is still cheaper than the equivalent amount of gas. Even the U.S. Department of Energy says so.

A plug-in hybrid may still have a gas tank, but the fact you're not beholden to it means you’re in a much better position than if you had a regular car.

Plus the fact hybrids have lower CO2 emissions means there’ll be less to pay when tax season comes around. Here in the U.K. you would find yourself paying less vehicle tax with a hybrid, while driving one for business purposes could offer further savings. The BIK (Benefit In Kind) rate, for example, shaves money off running costs for company car owners with CO2 emissions of 20g/km, amounting to a 7% BIK rate in the case of the Lexus. 

Likewise in the U.S., just like fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids are eligible for the federal income tax credit. In some cases, like that of the Lexus NX 450h+, you can claim the full $7,500 back when the IRS comes calling. Though how much you can claim is all dependent on the car’s battery specs.

Bottom line 

lexus nx 450h+ hybrid pulled over by grassy verge

(Image credit: Rob Clymo/Future)

Choosing those charge times carefully and exploiting the versatile potential of the PHEV's battery and petrol engine combination can help you save cash. And, with fuel and energy prices on the rise, it pays to do everything you can to drive smarter.

Fully-electric cars do have some benefits that even a plug-in hybrid can’t offer, like the lower cost of routine maintenance. But you’re also beholden to the whims of charging infrastructure and longer recharge times — especially on longer trips. And that’s why I’m going to hold onto gasoline for a little bit longer, and getting myself a PHEV.

So if you’re in the market for a family-flavoured SUV but, don't fancy something like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 or a Mercedes-Benz GLC say, then the super-smart Lexus NX 450h+ could be an ideal alternative.

  • SKinOC
    Putting another $60-70k non EV into service when there are EV alternatives with 300 mile range is irresponsible. Modest changes in driving habits are OK! You can charge at home overnight obviously, so your only hesitation comes down to long trips? I'm betting those are rare and can be handled with renting a car instead of putting miles on your own...
    Reply
  • JJOP22
    SKinOC said:
    Putting another $60-70k non EV into service when there are EV alternatives with 300 mile range is irresponsible. Modest changes in driving habits are OK! You can charge at home overnight obviously, so your only hesitation comes down to long trips? I'm betting those are rare and can be handled with renting a car instead of putting miles on your own...
    What is irresponsible is taking your own ideals and then insisting that they be thrust on everyone without taking into account their circumstances.

    Plug in hybrids are truly the best short term answer to the world environmental problem. It's sad there is such a push to all EV when there is no long term solution for the imminent battery problem. If you are a commuter, a plug in hybrid allows most to run all electric, with a fossil fuel backup. Much smaller batteries for less stripping of lithium and better overall efficiency for the normal fuel burners. And then with such a push on overall efficiency with newer tech, it gives time to figure out better battery technology so we don't have another crisis in a few years from all these short term environmentalists and their simple, yet flawed ideas...
    Reply
  • Cubjay
    Laughs in 84% hydroelectric power
    Reply
  • Johnnny7
    JJOP22 said:
    What is irresponsible is taking your own ideals and then insisting that they be thrust on everyone without taking into account their circumstances.

    Plug in hybrids are truly the best short term answer to the world environmental problem. It's sad there is such a push to all EV when there is no long term solution for the imminent battery problem. If you are a commuter, a plug in hybrid allows most to run all electric, with a fossil fuel backup. Much smaller batteries for less stripping of lithium and better overall efficiency for the normal fuel burners. And then with such a push on overall efficiency with newer tech, it gives time to figure out better battery technology so we don't have another crisis in a few years from all these short term environmentalists and their simple, yet flawed ideas...
    You're stating a lot of opinions that you're claiming to be facts. Having two types of motors a gas tank and a battery on one vehicle is doubling up on components, so I can't see how this can be the best environmental solution. Maintenance and repairs will also be needed on all these components, which is taking away from one of the best benefits of an EV, which is no oil changes, fluid flushes , radiator issues and all the other items required to maintain a gas engine. The biggest issue I have with the story is the number of items that are listed as potential savings, but the cost of the vehicle is not mentioned, which is in many cases as much or more than an equivalent EV. Plug-in hybrids would make a lot more sense if their costs were more reasonable, but as they stand now, they are a stop-gap until EVs are fully adopted. Much is said about the lack of charging infrastructure, but for the vast majority, you rarely charge anywhere but home. Gas car manufacturers want everyone to buy hybrids as they are based on their legacy models with a battery added. They need to keep selling cars until they can switch over to selling EVs. Ultimately, it is consumer choice, but I think if you aren't ready for a full EV, i think it's best to stick with an efficient gas vehicle until it makes sense to switch. When working out the numbers, be sure to factor in the total cost of ownership over the term that you typically keep your vehicles. You may be surprised at how much you are paying now.
    Reply
  • EVTecher
    There is absolutely a place for Plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as all-electric and all-gas vehicles. My wife and I each have had all-electric cars between 1996 (we were original GM EV1 drivers) and until 2014 while we were commuting to work, and then downsized to a shared EV until 2019. After we retired, a shared hybrid EV made more sense. We chose and are still driving a GM Volt (that's the hybrid, not the all electric Bolt).

    Today I had to drive slightly beyond its all-electric range and put 60 electric miles on it and 6 gas miles on it. Despite high gas prices in California, I might have to bite the bullet and fill up as I'm a bit below a half-tank. Last time I got gas for this car was sometime in 2021. Unfortunately GM discontinued the Volt in 2019. I'm guessing not enough drivers figured out the benefit of a plug-in hybrid for GM to keep producing this excellent car.

    Other benefits of this hybrid:
    - The battery can be managed "gently" by smart software. It never has to be discharged so low that its life is shortened. Battery management (switching between battery and gas) is all automatically done.
    - This car charges at a 3.3 kw rate, which is half of the rating of our 220 V charger. This decreases heat generated and is gentler on the batteries, yet the car is always fully charged overnight after charging at reduced electric rates. For an average of 10,000 miles per year on this car, the typical monthly electric bill is $30.
    - In hilly terrain, the battery is able to be partially recharged on downhills and add assist to the gas engine when accelerating, making for surprisingly good gas mileage.
    - We've never needed to (or cared to) charge at a public charger. These can be congested, and are generally the most expensive way to charge an EV.
    Reply