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Jarvis goes hybrid

If hybrids are here to stay, make sure they’re a step on your journey to an EV
Volvo XC90

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.

TOYOTA C-HR

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.

TOYOTA RAV4

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.’

LEXUS RC 300H

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.’

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV

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.’

VOLVO XC90 T8

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.’

Click here to find out what Jo Wood and Luisa Zissman thought of their Tesla Model S test drive.

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