Three-Quarters of UK's Popular Plug-in Hybrid Cars Unable to Use Rapid Chargers

Three-quarters of the 20 top-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the UK cannot use rapid chargers, according to new research cited by the Guardian.

The analysis found that only 26% of PHEVs sold across the top 20 models can use chargers with a power of 50 kilowatts or more, limiting how quickly their batteries can be topped up.

The findings feed into broader concerns that many plug-in hybrids function largely as "petrol cars pulling round a heavy battery," rather than delivering the emissions benefits often associated with electrified vehicles.

PHEVs, which combine electric batteries with combustion engines, have been marketed by carmakers as a way to cover long distances in a single trip, unlike fully electric vehicles, while still cutting emissions.

The research raises questions about how effectively the current generation of top-selling PHEVs can make use of the UK's growing rapid-charging infrastructure.