By Ben Scandrett
•
May 21, 2025
The UK’s roads are witnessing a quiet but powerful shift. While electric vehicles (EVs) have been grabbing headlines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are stealing the spotlight in the leasing market. With recent changes to the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate allowing carmakers more flexibility to sell hybrids, PHEV registrations surged by 18% last year, reaching 167,000 units. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re seeing this hybrid boom firsthand, and we’re here to help drivers and businesses embrace the perfect blend of electric efficiency and petrol-powered practicality. Let’s explore why PHEVs are becoming the go-to choice for UK lessees and how we can get you behind the wheel of one. The Hybrid Surge: A Response to Real-World Needs Recent industry data highlights a growing appetite for PHEVs, with projections suggesting up to 500,000 additional plug-in hybrids could hit UK roads by 2030 due to relaxed ZEV regulations. Why the sudden love for hybrids? It’s all about balance. PHEVs combine a battery-powered electric motor with a traditional petrol engine, offering the best of both worlds: zero-emission driving for short commutes and the range of a petrol engine for longer journeys. This flexibility is a game-changer for drivers who want to cut emissions without the range anxiety sometimes associated with fully electric vehicles. The government’s recent policy shift, announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, has given carmakers more leeway to sell PHEVs without facing steep fines, making these vehicles more accessible and affordable. This aligns perfectly with consumer trends—fleet buyers, in particular, drove 60% of new car registrations in April 2025, with hybrids playing a starring role. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re tapping into this demand by offering a wide range of PHEV lease deals that cater to both personal and business needs. Why Lease a PHEV? The Benefits Are Clear Leasing a plug-in hybrid is more than just a trend—it’s a smart, practical choice for today’s drivers. Here’s why PHEVs are winning hearts and contracts: - Versatility for Every Journey: With an average electric-only range of 50 miles, PHEVs are perfect for daily commutes or school runs, letting you drive emission-free. For longer trips, the petrol engine kicks in, eliminating the need to hunt for charging stations. Models like the Volvo XC60 Recharge or BMW 330e offer this seamless switch, blending efficiency with performance. - Cost Savings: PHEVs often have lower running costs than traditional petrol or diesel cars, especially for drivers who charge regularly. Leasing through Advanced Vehicle Contracts spreads the cost into affordable monthly payments, with deals starting as low as £250 a month for popular models. Plus, business customers benefit from attractive Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates, making PHEVs a cost-effective fleet option. - Eco-Friendly Without Commitment: While not fully zero-emission, PHEVs significantly reduce your carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles. They’re a great stepping stone for drivers transitioning to greener driving without fully committing to an EV. Our customers love the peace of mind that comes with reducing emissions while keeping their options open. - Stay Ahead of the Curve: With the UK’s ban on new petrol and diesel cars set for 2030, PHEVs offer a future-proof solution. Leasing lets you enjoy the latest hybrid tech and upgrade to newer models as technology evolves, all without the financial burden of ownership. How Advanced Vehicle Contracts Makes Hybrid Leasing Easy At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re all about making leasing straightforward and tailored to you. Our team works with top UK finance providers to secure competitive PHEV lease deals, whether you’re an individual looking for a personal contract hire (PCH) or a business seeking a fleet of hybrids. We offer flexible terms, optional maintenance packages, and free UK delivery to ensure a hassle-free experience. What makes us different? We prioritize transparency and customer choice. Our experts guide you through the leasing process, helping you pick the perfect PHEV—from compact options like the Kia Niro PHEV to luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Plug-In Hybrid. A Real-World Example: The PHEV Advantage Picture this: you’re considering a Range Rover Evoque PHEV. Buying one could cost upwards of £45,000, and with hybrid tech advancing rapidly, you might worry about its long-term value. Now imagine leasing it through Advanced Vehicle Contracts for a fixed monthly payment, with no depreciation concerns and the freedom to upgrade to a newer model in three years. You get to enjoy the Evoque’s 40-mile electric range for your daily commute, plus the confidence of a petrol engine for weekend getaways, all while keeping your budget in check. That’s the PHEV leasing advantage.