The fundamental shift in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) is creating an immediate, urgent demand for public charging infrastructure, according to EV charge point manufacturer CTEK. Manufacturers are feeding growing consumer demand by equipping PHEVs with larger batteries, enabling daily driving on electric-only power and shifting petrol use to the exception rather than the rule.
Viktors Nikolajevs, UK Key Account Manager for EVSE at CTEK, confirms this evolution is directly affecting how drivers utilize their vehicles, consequently increasing the demand for away-from-home charging, such as at destinations.
The PHEV Evolution: Electric Hearts Get Bigger
Earlier generations of PHEVs offered minimal electric-only ranges, typically between 20 to 30 miles. New and upcoming models, however, now provide range suitable for comprehensive daily commutes. This change is driven by battery size, with several premium and volume manufacturers now fielding vehicles capable of true electric-first mobility:
- Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e: Offers up to 80 miles of electric range.
- BMW 530e: Provides up to 64 miles of electric range.
- Volvo XC60 Recharge, Range Rover P460e, and Peugeot 408 Plug-In Hybrid: Routinely deliver 40 to 75 miles of range.
- The new BMW X5 PHEV also supports quicker 3-phase charging and has a large battery (25.7 kWh, good for more than 60 miles).
“The trend aligns with what drivers are saying: most daily travel needs fall within the 30-to-40-mile range,” Nikolajevs said. “I’ve read of one XC60 driver saying, ‘I drive electric 90% of the time. On longer trips, I use petrol – but that’s a trade-off I can live with.’ This shift isn’t anecdotal—it’s showing up in sales data.”
Market Data Confirms Electric-First Behavior
Official sales data from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) validates that consumers are actively responding to improved electric capabilities:
- Growth: PHEVs saw a massive 28.8% rise in sales in June 2025 compared to June 2024, growing market share from 9.3% to 11.2%.
- Market Penetration: The 21,382 new PHEVs registered in June 2025 were more than double the number of new diesel-only cars (10,716).
- Electrified Share: Combined, electrified vehicles (BEVs & PHEVs) made up 36% of new car registrations in June 2025.
Destination Charging: The New Infrastructure Imperative
The improved batteries not only go further but also charge faster. Many modern PHEVs, support quicker 11kW 3-phase AC charging, allowing a full recharge in under two hours. This speed means charging no longer needs to be limited to overnight stops.
This capability makes destination charging—the act of charging where the vehicle is parked during a stay or visit—critical for maximizing electric utility.
“Many PHEV drivers are now comfortable using petrol occasionally but prefer to recharge whenever possible—especially while staying somewhere for a few hours or overnight,” Nikolajevs explains. “With destination charging, even long journeys become more electric, reducing fossil fuel use and emissions without disrupting travel plans.”
For commercial venues, providing EV charging is rapidly transitioning from a novelty to an expected amenity:
- Attracts Customers: Draws eco-conscious customers actively looking to maximize electric use.
- Enhances Spending: Increases dwell time at retail parks, leisure venues, and restaurants.
- Future-Proofs: Demonstrates sustainability leadership and prepares facilities for growing PHEV and BEV demand.
Nikolajevs concludes: “The growth in battery size, real-world EV range, and smart charging capability has transformed PHEVs into highly capable, low-emission travel tools. But for this electric-first model to thrive, infrastructure must evolve too. Destination charging—accessible, convenient, and reliable—is now essential to making PHEVs a fully effective bridge to zero-emission mobility.”
