With the rules around conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans changing in 2030, it means that many drivers are starting to weigh up their options around what vehicle to drive next.
From 2030 you will not be able to purchase a new vehicle that is fueled by either petrol or diesel, meaning that a fully electric mode of transport, or a hybrid one until 2035, will be the only opportunity open to you unless you buy second hand.
This leads to a decision, do you wait for 2030 to come around, knowing you won’t be able to sell your current car at as good a price as you may have hoped? Or do you head into the electric revolution ahead of many others and potentially get a good sale now on your current vehicle as well as a good price on a new electric car?
You could of course sell your vehicle in or around 2030 second hand but the market open to you will likely be significantly smaller as more people purchase electric cars and the value depreciates on the petrol cars.
Luckily Range Rover has not only put together a fantastic selection of hybrid vehicles but in 2024, 6 all-electric Land Rovers will be hitting the market. So, should you consider buying one in 2024 and being ready to see yourself through the electric revolution or instead consider the readily available hybrid?
What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?
The differences between electric and hybrid cars may not look like much from the outside but from the inside, the cars are vastly different. An electric car relies purely on electricity to get you from A-2-B whilst a hybrid sees you utilise traditional fuel sources as well as electricity.
Whilst the ban on selling new petrol or diesel-fueled vehicles will come into place in 2030, new hybrid cars will still be available for purchase until 2035, after which you will only be able to buy electric vehicles fresh off the production line. With that in mind, as we mentioned above, a decision will need to be made by drivers. You could purchase a new electric car and know you are future-proofed against the change, buy a hybrid, and understand that you have a bit longer to extrapolate a little more sales value out of it, or buy a petrol car anytime in the next 6 years but limit the sales potential once more people turn to electric.
If you are at the stage where you are deciding what car to buy next and want to ensure the next car is something for the long term you will likely be weighing up the pros and cons.
An all-electric car does not require an alternative fuel source and will contain a battery that you charge in advance of your journey. Different vehicles allow for differing mileage before a recharge is needed and this has often been a bone of contention for many drivers. However, the increased number of charging stations, the ever-developing tech within electric vehicles, and the bonus of no road tax make them an appealing proposition for many.
With hybrid vehicles, often seen referred to as HEV or PHEV, you have the vehicle using both fuel and electricity. The electricity is stored within the battery and is utilised by the car and when that battery is not in use, the vehicle uses the fuel. Hybrid vehicles are popular as you can charge them just like an electric car or use smart energy regeneration that allows a recharge through applying the brakes or allowing the car to cruise. The mileage that the EV gives you in plug-in hybrid vehicles is fairly limited with electricity giving you anything from 10 miles to 50 miles before the car will need to rely on petrol. That being said, a hybrid battery is likely to give you 100,000 miles before it may need replacing, although, keeping a Land Rover service schedule up to date could see that doubled!
Thankfully Land Rover has covered as many bases as possible. The 6 all-electric models being released in 2024 are accompanied by a set of both plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) and mild hybrid (MHEV) vehicles that are now available.
What Hybrid Range Rovers are there?
Offering a stunning variety of both plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles Land Rover has ensured that there is plenty of choice for those that may want a new vehicle before switching to all-electric.
With those fully electric models not available until next year there will be plenty of people looking at the hybrid market so what have we been spoilt with by Land Rover?
Range Rover Plug-in Hybrids
In the plug-in hybrid variety, we have been blessed with six models, all suited to a variety of needs.
The Range Rover Evoque PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that is compact yet makes a statement with its coupe-like curves. With an EV range of just under 40 miles and a 1.5lt petrol engine, the Evoque can be fully charged in a little over 2 hours.
The Discovery Sport PHEV is a versatile favourite among enthusiasts. Giving drivers 37 miles of all-electric power before needing to rely on petrol, you can get it back to 100% in just over 2 hours or up to 80% in 30mins if using rapid charging. Stylish on the inside and out, this PHEV embraces classic and modern.
The Defender PHEV, seen by some as the durable beast, the most capable and the ultimate in the collection. Maybe it is? But you can decide when you drive one! Giving 32 miles of all-electric driving, you can benefit from rapid charging, too!
The Velar PHEV provides you with elegance and a hint of sophistication, a luscious interior showcasing pure innovation is complemented by the 40 miles all-electric driving experience you can enjoy. With options to personalise, and driving benefits such as intelligent AWD and IDD you can’t go wrong with a Velar.
The Sport PHEV gives you 70 miles of all-electric power and a drive in what some may call luxury. Awarded 5 stars for safety by the European New Car Assessment Programme, the Sport plug-in hybrid gives you a stylish and comfortable vehicle fit for those looking for on or off-road driving. Available in 4 models, you are spoilt for choice with a Sport PHEV.
The Range Rover SV and SE, are two models of the classic brand that ooze a mixture of class, sophistication and technology. Providing 70 miles on an electric charge, this PHEV showcases the best in engineering on both the interior and exterior. With bespoke options on the SV available, you can really make this vehicle your own!
Range Rover Mild Hybrids
The mild hybrids or MHEV Range Rover and Land Rovers allow for driving in comfort and style across the full collection. With MHEV variations of all those listed above you can find one that suits your needs easily. Without the need for plug-in, these mild hybrids build their charge through deceleration and braking allowing you to get more journey out of your fuel tank.
Shall I wait for the all-electric Range Rovers?
With the release in 2024 of 6 models, you could benefit from waiting a little longer and securing the electric vehicle that will take you into the future of driving, however, we know that often, time is of the essence, and you may need a new vehicle now. If that is the case, you can’t go wrong with any of the Land Rover and Range Rover PHEVs and MHEVs. Each will be more than suitable to drive after the 2030 ban on sales of petrol vehicles and will still command a great resale value should you decide to purchase a new Range Rover further down the line.
To pick a favourite would be hard. As keen enthusiasts of the series, it is a tough call to make. Whichever one you settle on, you can trust RCV to provide you with the premium service your Range Rover or Land Rover deserves. As Range Rover specialists, we dedicate our time to making your vehicle the best it can be. With full servicing, Land Rover MOTs and Range Rover tyre alignment also available, we can keep your vehicle as close to new as possible.
Operating as Independent London Land Rover specialists but servicing vehicles from all across the country, contact us today to see how we can keep your Range Rover or Land Rover in premium condition with a full service, MOT or with a quick chat to pass on some of our advice!