Hybrid cars are an intermediate stage towards electric vehicles, manufacturers are looking for the perfect balance of price and range

Toyota and Hyundai do not plan to increase batteries for PHEVs

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine the advantages of conventional internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. However, some manufacturers have started to increase their batteries to provide a greater electric range — up to 200 km. Toyota and Hyundai see no sense in this approach.

From January 1, 2025, new EU rules lower the CO2 emission levels for PHEVs with larger batteries. For example, Lynk & Co is already using this by offering a model with a 200 km range. But, as noted by Toyota representative Andrea Carlucci:

“Installing large batteries in not fully electric cars makes them more complex and expensive. 100 km is the optimal balance.”

Hyundai also believes that excessive complication of PHEVs leads to increased costs. Their current hybrid Tucson has a range of only 55 km. Head of Hyundai Europe Xavier Martinet stated:

“PHEVs are a transitional technology. Improving them to extend the transition to EVs becomes too expensive. To what limit do we go?”

EU rules are expected to change again by 2028, making PHEVs less attractive for manufacturers. Both companies emphasize that further increasing batteries in hybrids is not an effective solution in the long term.

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