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Embrace the change
I can empathise with Frank Deasy’s letter bestowing the virtues of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (31 August). His results are truly amazing, given it’s not a PHEV. A few years ago, I wrote similar praise for the Volkswagen Passat GTE. I can confirm that after three years, it’s as good as ever. It’s probably the best all-round car I’ve owned, and I’ve had more than 50.
There has been no discernible degradation to the battery, which still takes a 30-mile charge each time it’s plugged in. It feels just like a fully electric car but without range issues.
What the manufacturers have achieved in developing hybrid and electric cars in such a relatively short time is truly remarkable. They should be applauded – well, most of them.
I find it quite frustrating in this transition period reading and conversing on the EV issue, particularly illogical and misguided justifications for not switching over.
Don’t forget that the main reason for this ‘crusade’ isn’t to emulate ICE cars but to reduce harmful emissions.
So next time you’re cruising in your 4x4 SUV (you know, the one that Autocar and footballers love) thinking it’s really cool, know that it’s not – it’s really grotesque in this age.