The World of Opel Electric Cars and Hybrid Vehicles

Plug-in Hybrid

 

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are sometimes referred to as "the best of both worlds". They're powered both by a battery which fuels an electric motor and petrol, which fuels an internal combustion engine. Typically the car runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, at which point the car automatically switches over to use the petrol engine. To recharge the battery, you need to plug in a cable connected to a wallbox/domestic plug or a public charging point. As you're driving, you also top the battery up when you slow down or brake. This process is called regenerative braking. All PHEVs are automatic.

Petrol Hybrid

 

Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine fuelled by petrol, plus a small electric motor, which uses energy stored in a battery. You don't plug a hybrid electric vehicle in to charge the battery. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking. The extra power provided by the electric motor means the regular engine can be smaller. The battery reduces engine idling when stopped and enables quiet electric starts and coasting at higher speeds. Together, these features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. All petrol hybrid cars are automatic.

Opel Plug-in Hybrid & Hybrid models

All of our PHEV and petrol hybrid models are also available as full electric.

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Have more questions?

What are the main differences between a petrol hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

The main difference is that a plug-in hybrid is much more like a full electric car. So long as you keep your plug-in hybrid charged, you will be able to do most of your daily driving on the electric charge. The petrol engine kicks in once the battery is depleted, which is convenient if you're taking a longer trip. A petrol hybrid, on the other hand, is much more like a regular petrol car. You never need to plug it in because the battery is charged by the kinetic energy produced when you use the brakes, or slow down. This is called regenerative braking.

Is there a battery warranty for hybrid models?

There is no separate warranty that covers the battery itself, but it is covered by our general vehicle warranty, which can be extended to up to 8 years, or 180.000 km, whichever comes first. This is the case for both plug-in and petrol hybrid models.

Does the switch between electric and petrol power happen automatically?

Yes, it does. You don't need to do anything at all. All you'll notice is a change in sound. This is the case for both plug-in and petrol hybrid models.

Are hybrid cars cheaper to maintain?

The dual-fuel nature of hybrid cars means there is less long-term wear and tear on the internal combustion engine. Regenerative braking also puts less strain on your brakes, meaning they tend to last longer too. These factors are likely to bring down your maintenance costs and extend service intervals.

What factors affect plug-in hybrid battery performance?

Just as it is with internal combustion cars, factors like how many people are in the car and how much extra weight you're transporting do affect performance. Again, just as with any car, how and where you drive does too. Driving fast on hilly terrain will use up more energy. What is specific to plug-in hybrid car batteries are extremes of temperature. Very cold weather affects battery performance - plus you're likely to be using features like heating (seats, steering wheel, windscreen and regular climate control).

Do I need to install a wallbox for a plug-in hybrid?

To really get the most out of your plug-in hybrid, it's important to keep it charged. This way you'll reduce your contribution to local air pollution and save money on fuel. If you have somewhere to park your car off the road and you can fit a wallbox, it's a good idea, because it's convenient and does shorten the charging time, but charging from a domestic plug also works.

I don't have off-street parking. Can I still own a plug-in hybrid?

Yes. If you don't have a driveway, you'll need to use public chargers. Head over to our charging & battery page for more details on this, but many people manage without difficulty and it's getting easier all the time, as more and more charging facilities are added.

Can I tow a trailer or caravan with plug-in hybrid or hybrid car?

Yes you can. A plug-in hybrid is in fact probably the best option for towing because of the combined range that the battery and the fuel tank give you, meaning you won't need to stop to refuel so often.

Is electric charging cheaper than petrol?

Yes it is. If you charge at home, you'll notice a huge difference - around one third of the cost per km that you would pay for petrol or diesel. Even if you're using public chargers (7kw or 11kw), you'll be paying significantly less for your "fuel".