Branded by critics as a skippable step to fully electric vehicles, a China-driven renaissance could make them relevant again
CHIA, who works in the financial industry, is the owner of a 2021 Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
A car that can run on petrol and yet be charged by external sources, it gives her the low running costs of an electric vehicle (EV) with the flexibility of choosing not to charge it if doing so is a hassle.
Chia says that when charged, the car offers enough electric range – 40 km, according to Volvo – to cover her daily commute, and it is cheaper than running on petrol.