
Home » Jarvis goes hybrid
This article first appeared in our summer ’18 issue of MyGreenPod Magazine, The Natural Revolution, distributed with the Guardian on 03 Aug 2018. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
Last year ministers pledged to ban new cars powered by fossil fuels by 2040, but in July 2018 transport secretary Chris Grayling confirmed hybrid cars – powered by electricity and diesel or petrol – would be exempt from the ban.
This is good news if you want to get into a ‘hot hybrid’, but not great for air quality or our future generations. It’s further evidence that change won’t come from the top down – from big corporations or government.
The government believes there’s a process for shifting lifestyle habits like buying cars, but a lifestyle habit is something we are in control of.
My advice, as always: spend your hard-earned cash in places that change the status quo. But if you want to try a more eco mode of transport before you get an EV, have a go in a hybrid. The Outlander and XC90 off er a fully electric driving option, so you can get used to how it feels before you make the full switch.
Stated fuel economy:CO2 emissions of 86g/km, fuel efficiency 74.3MPG
Price: From £24,500
Jarvis says: ‘A lot of fun. The looks and drive match up, making this hybrid great value for money.
Stated fuel economy: CO2 emissions of 118g/km, official combined figure for fuel efficiency 55.4MPG
Price: From £29,010
Jarvis says: ‘A pleasant experience. Nothing too thrilling, but it felt safe and trustworthy.’
Stated fuel economy: CO2 emissions of 116g/km, fuel efficiency 57.6MPG
Price: From £37,145
Jarvis says: ‘Low to the ground for a much sportier drive. If that’s what you’re into then the RC 300h won’t disappoint.’
Stated fuel economy: CO2 emissions of 42g/km, fuel efficiency 156MPG
Price: From £32,505
Jarvis says: ‘Slightly underwhelmed, but a lot of car for the price. Electric-only range is 32.5 miles at cruising speed – so lots of short journeys.’
Stated fuel economy: CO2 emissions of 49g/km, official weighted combined figure for fuel efficiency is 134.5MPG (highly unlikely, but 75MPG has been reported)
Price: From £65,800
Jarvis says: ‘Really clever and fun – but it should be at this price! My clear favourite.’
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