Should You Buy a Plug-in Hybrid or a Full EV in 2025?
- Sam Punter
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
If you’re thinking about switching to an electric car this year, you’ve probably come across two main options: plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and fully electric vehicles (EVs). But what’s the difference - and which one actually makes the most sense for your lifestyle?
In this guide, we’ll break it down in simple terms so you can make an informed decision before investing in a charger or a new car.
What’s the Difference?
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): These cars have both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine. You can plug them in to charge, but if the battery runs out, the engine takes over. Most PHEVs give you around 20–40 miles of electric-only range.
Full EV (Battery Electric Vehicle): 100% electric. No engine. No fuel. Just a battery and motor. They typically offer 150–300+ miles of range per charge and must be plugged in to recharge.
Plug in Hybrid or a Full EV: Quick Comparison
Feature | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Full EV |
Electric Range | 20–40 miles | 150–300+ miles |
Fuel Backup | Yes | No |
Emissions | Low (when using electric) | Zero tailpipe emissions |
Running Costs | Cheaper than petrol/diesel | Lowest cost per mile |
Maintenance | Similar to petrol cars | Cheaper (fewer moving parts) |
Home Charging Recommended? | Yes (to get the full benefit) | Essential |
Long Journey Convenience | Excellent | Depends on charging infrastructure |
Why Choose a Plug-in Hybrid in 2025?
Plug-in hybrids can be a great stepping stone between combustion engines and fully electric driving. Here’s when a PHEV might suit you:
You do short trips daily but still need to make long journeys now and then.
You want to reduce fuel use without worrying about charging infrastructure.
You’re not ready to go fully electric - or your home charging setup isn’t in place yet.
In towns like Milton Keynes, where school runs, commutes, and errands are often just a few miles, a PHEV can handle most daily driving on battery alone - especially if you can charge at home overnight.
If you’re on Intelligent Octopus Go or a similar smart tariff, there’s even more potential to boost your electric-only miles in a PHEV. While most plug-in hybrid drivers charge overnight, you can also take advantage of daytime top-ups during cheap-rate windows if your car is at home during the day. This helps keep your battery topped up and reduces the need to rely on the petrol engine, even for multiple trips.
By smart charging your PHEV throughout the day, you can extend your electric-only range far beyond the standard 20–40 miles. With the right habits and a smart charger, many drivers barely touch the fuel tank during the week, making a plug-in hybrid feel a lot closer to a full EV in day-to-day use. You can read more about optimising home EV charging in our recent blog post.
Why Choose a Full EV in 2025?
Fully electric vehicles are becoming the default for many drivers - and for good reason:
Much cheaper to run than petrol or diesel (especially on smart charging tariffs like Intelligent Octopus).
Zero emissions, which is better for the environment.
No fuel stops - just plug in at home and you’re ready to go.
Low maintenance - fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and regenerative braking helps preserve your brakes.
Milton Keynes is especially EV-friendly, with loads of public charging points.
What About Home Charging?
Whatever you choose, home charging is key to making the most of an electrified vehicle.
For PHEVs: Charging at home means you can do most of your driving without using any fuel at all and you can take advantage of smart tariffs to top-up during the day.
For full EVs: It’s essential - regular home charging is the cheapest and most convenient way to keep your car powered up, costing less than 2p per mile for most EV users.
At MK Sparks, we’re OZEV-approved EV charger installers. We offer smart, future-proof solutions with mobile app control, scheduling, and solar integration - perfect whether you're driving a hybrid now or going fully electric in future.
Costs, Incentives and the Road Ahead
Running Costs: EVs win. The average cost to run an EV when charged using off-peak electricity on an EV tariff is about 2p per mile, compared to 12-25p per mile for most petrol or diesel vehicles, given PHEV can use a mixture of both fuel types the running costs will naturally be higher for Plug in Hybrids.
Servicing: EVs generally cost less to maintain although both PHEV and EV tend to have regenerative braking, reducing the wear on brake pads.
ULEZ & Emission Zones: Full EVs are always exempt. PHEVs are sometimes exempt, depending on local rules.
Grants: As of 2025, some grants are still available for charger installations and workplace schemes.
Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Go Plug-in Hybrid: If you want flexibility, do a mix of short and long journeys, or you're not ready to commit to full electric just yet due to range anxiety.
Go Full EV: If you have home charging, mostly do local trips, and want lower running costs and zero emissions.
Need Help Choosing a Charger?
Whether you're buying a plug-in hybrid now or planning for a full EV in the future, we're here to help. We install home EV chargers across Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Towcester, Bicester, and nearby villages - with expert advice from our technicians to help you choose the right brand and tariff to suit your needs.
✅ Instant estimates available at mksparks.co.uk
✅ OZEV approved
✅ Support for solar and future upgrades
Still Not Sure What You Need?
Feel free to get in touch — we’ll talk through your driving habits and help you choose the right setup for your home.
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