Used Audi plug-in hybrid for sale

Benefits of Audi plug-in hybrid cars

What makes Audi PHEVs different is their large batteries, which can offer upwards of 30 miles of electric-only motoring, which is perfect for shorter city commutes.

The battery can be charged via external power sources, like home chargers or public stations – with an off-peak rate, considerable cost savings can be had compared with running a regular petrol car.

Their lower emissions also help them be less susceptible to clean air zone charges, while they can be more attractive for company car drivers paying tax on their vehicles, too.

Besides the sustainability and flexibility benefits, many Audi plug-in hybrid cars for sale also offer impressive performance, usually outperforming the standard petrol and diesel engines in terms of acceleration.

Audi PHEV vs. hybrid vs. MHEV

Plug-in hybrid models are equipped with a larger battery, enabling used Audi PHEVs to travel 20-30 miles, often more, without needing to power up the engine.

Audi doesn’t actually sell any regular hybrids, but just to highlight the difference, they have smaller batteries that can’t be charged by external sources. They’re constantly topping back up when you slow down with regenerative braking, but they can typically only do a mile or so before the battery runs flat and the engine kicks in.

Mild hybrid engines have been available in Audi cars for a while, including in the A6. A much smaller electric motor provides some minor acceleration boosts, great for ironing out gear changes and giving you a little bit more punch. These systems also help improve the efficiency of stop-start systems, reducing emissions.

Audi plug-in hybrid technology

Audi plug-in hybrid technology focuses on efficiency, with low energy consumption that lets you drive many miles on electric power alone.

All used Audi plug-in hybrid cars for sale come with AC charging ports, so you can plug them into either Type 2 chargers (in public car parks or a dedicated home charger), or a regular three-pin socket (though regular charging via this method isn’t generally recommended).

Some newer cars, like the Audi A5 e-hybrid, which has a 20.7kWh battery for over 60 miles of electric range, offer higher charging speeds of 11kW.

Audi PHEV running costs

Running costs vary massively when you buy any PHEV, including used Audi plug-in hybrid cars for sale, because it depends on how much you’re using the electric range.

A full charge of the 20.7kWh battery in the A5 e-hybrid can cost as little as £1.50 on an off-peak rate (7p/kWh). That’s £1.50 for around 60 miles.

Fail to charge the battery and you’ll have MPG figures more similar to a regular, non-plug-in hybrid, but remember that you’ll also be carrying around the weight of the batteries, which might be the equivalent of one or two adults.

Without charging, expect fuel economy figures to drop to around 40-55mpg, depending on your driving style.

Who are Audi plug-in hybrid cars suitable for?

Used Audi plug-in hybrid ars are ideal for drivers seeking a balance between the efficiency and affordability of electric motoring, and the extended range of more conventional combustion engines.

They’re perfect for drivers with short daily commutes who can maximise the cost savings of the electric-only driving range.

Audi PHEVs work by combining a petrol engine, generally a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine, with a battery of varying capacities, resulting in different ranges.