Last checked September 2026. Prices are UK list prices; electric ranges are official WLTP figures.
Not ready for a fully electric car? Chinese brands now offer some of the best-value hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the UK, including several with electric ranges that beat European rivals by a wide margin. Here are the best, and how to choose between a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in.
Self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid?
- Self-charging hybrids (such as the MG ZS Hybrid+ and Jaecoo 7 SHS-H) cannot be plugged in. A small battery helps the petrol engine, improving economy around town. They suit drivers who cannot charge at home.
- Plug-in hybrids (such as the MG HS PHEV and Jaecoo 7 SHS-P) have a bigger battery you charge from the mains, giving 50 to 90 miles of electric driving before the engine starts. They suit drivers who can charge at home and mostly do short trips, but they lose most of their advantage if you never plug in.
The best Chinese plug-in hybrids
| Model | Price from | Electric range | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omoda 9 SHS-P | £44,995 | 90 to 93 miles | 5 |
| Jaecoo 8 SHS-P | £45,500 | 83 miles | 7 |
| MG HS PHEV | About £33,495 | 75 miles | 5 |
| MGS9 PHEV | £34,210 | 62 miles | 7 |
| Jaecoo 7 SHS-P | £35,170 | 56 miles | 5 |
| BYD Sealion 5 DM-i | £29,995 | 38 to 53 miles | 5 |
Best overall: MG HS PHEV
The MG HS plug-in hybrid combines a 75-mile electric range with a price in the low £30,000s and a roomy family SUV body. What Car? has named it Plug-in Hybrid of the Year twice. It only charges at around 7kW on AC, so there is no rapid charging. See our MG HS vs Kia Sportage comparison.
Longest electric range: Omoda 9 SHS-P
The Omoda 9 can travel over 90 miles on electricity, enough for most people’s weekly commute, with a luxurious cabin and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. At around £45,000 it is a premium choice, and it pays the expensive car supplement on its car tax.
Best value: BYD Sealion 5 DM-i
At £29,995 the Sealion 5 DM-i is one of the cheapest plug-in hybrid SUVs on sale, with a 463-litre boot and BYD’s six-year warranty. Its electric range is shorter than the MG’s.
Best seven-seater: MGS9 PHEV
The MGS9 offers seven seats, a 62-mile electric range and five Euro NCAP stars for around £34,000. The more luxurious Jaecoo 8 goes further on electricity but costs over £11,000 more. See our best Chinese 7-seaters.
The best Chinese self-charging hybrids
| Model | Price from | Official economy |
|---|---|---|
| MG3 Hybrid+ | Under £20,000 | About 64mpg |
| MG ZS Hybrid+ | £23,995 | About 53mpg |
| Jaecoo 7 SHS-H | £29,210 | 51.8mpg |
| MG HS Hybrid+ | £30,495 | 51.3mpg |
The MG3 Hybrid+ is one of the cheapest hybrids on sale and very economical, although it scored four Euro NCAP stars and had a seat recall. The Jaecoo 7 SHS-H is the most powerful and best-equipped. See our Jaecoo 7 vs Qashqai comparison.
Tax: why plug-in hybrids are changing
Plug-in hybrids pay only £115 in first-year car tax and, for company car drivers, very low benefit-in-kind rates until April 2028. From then, all plug-in hybrids move to an 18% company car tax rate, and from April 2028 private owners will also pay 1.5p per mile in the new pay-per-mile tax. See our guides to electric and hybrid car tax and company car tax.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Chinese plug-in hybrid?
For most people, the MG HS PHEV, with a 75-mile electric range at a low price. The Omoda 9 has the longest electric range, at over 90 miles.
Which Chinese hybrid is cheapest?
The MG3 Hybrid+, from under £20,000, is one of the cheapest self-charging hybrids on sale in the UK.
Is a plug-in hybrid worth it if I cannot charge at home?
Usually not. Without regular charging, a plug-in hybrid runs mostly on petrol while carrying a heavy battery, so a self-charging hybrid or efficient petrol car may be better.
Do Chinese plug-in hybrids qualify for the Electric Car Grant?
No. The grant is only for fully electric cars, and Chinese-built cars do not currently qualify.