Hybrid car leasing

A hybrid car combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery to power the car more efficiently. Depending on the type of hybrid, the electric motor can either support the petrol engine or power the car independently for short periods.

The battery can recover energy through regenerative braking, while plug-in hybrids can also be charged by plugging in. 

The result is that the driving experience is familiar but uses less fuel, particularly on stop-start journeys. 

There are three different types of hybrid cars available in the UK: mild hybrid, self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). 

A mild hybrid car uses a small electric motor to support the petrol engine but generally can’t drive using electric power alone.

A self-charging hybrid, or full hybrid, can travel short distances on electric power and recharges its battery as you drive, so there’s no need to plug it in.

A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery and offers more electric-only driving. To get the most from a PHEV, you’ll need to charge it regularly at home, at work or using a public charger.

It depends on the type of hybrid you choose. Mild and self-charging hybrids don't need to be plugged in as their batteries are recharged while driving, including by recovering energy when the car slows down or brakes. 

Plug-in hybrids do need regular charging if you want to make the most of their electric range and potential huge fuel savings. 

Pretty much all modern hybrid cars come with an automatic transmission. This allows the car to manage the petrol engine and electric motor without the driver having to worry about changing gear. 

The type of automatic gearbox varies between manufacturer and model. 

Unfortunately not. Under the current rules by Transport for London, most hybrid cars are no longer exempt from the London Congestion Charge. 

Hybrid cars generally save fuel compared to petrol or diesel cars, but how much you save depends on the type of hybrid and how you drive. 

Self-charging hybrids can particularly fuel efficient around town, where the electric motor can assist more often and you get the benefits of regenerative braking. Plug-in hybrids can offer even greater fuel savings if you regularly charge the battery and complete plenty of shorter journeys using electric power.

The leasing process does not differ for hybrid cars. You will enjoy the same contract and excellent customer service when arranging a hybrid car lease with us.

For the best hybrid car leasing deals, regularly check our website or consult with your sales adviser to find the latest offers and options that fit your budget. 

There can be tax benefits for company car drivers choosing certain hybrids, particularly lower-emission plug-in hybrids. 

BiK is influenced by factors like the car's list price and CO2 emissions, and for a qualifying PHEV, electric-only range can also affect its BiK percentage. Generally a lower-emission PHEV with a longer range can attract a lower BiK rate. 

Not necessarily. Hybrid cars still have a petrol engine that requires regular servicing, alongside an electric motor and battery.

However, regenerative braking can reduce some of the work done by conventional brakes, which may help reduce wear on certain components. 

A plug-in hybrid can still work without a home charger if you have reliable access to charging at work or at public charging points.

However, regular charging is important if you want to make the most of a PHEV’s electric range and potential fuel savings.

If you rarely plug it in, you’ll rely more heavily on the petrol engine and may not see the efficiency benefits that attracted you to a PHEV in the first place.

Yes. Hybrid cars can be well suited to motorway driving, with the petrol engine providing the flexibility needed for longer journeys.

If you regularly drive around town and on the motorway, a hybrid can provide a nice balance between fuel efficiency and power. 

Yes. Hybrid cars can be particularly well suited to shorter journeys, although the benefits depend on which type you choose.

Self-charging hybrids can make greater use of electric power during slower, stop-start journeys. 

A plug-in hybrid can be even better suited to short journeys if you charge it regularly. When your journey falls within the car’s electric range, you may be able to complete much or all of it without even using the petrol engine. 

Electric-only range varies depending on the size of the battery and the model you choose. Many current PHEVs can cover at least 40 miles on electric power, while some more advanced models can cover up to 70 or 80 miles.