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What Is A PHEV Vehicle?

Learn about Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and their benefits for cost-effective, eco-friendly van hire; hirefleet offers a diverse fleet, including small vans, Luton vans, and up to 9 seater rentals, with new PHEV options coming shortly for sustainable transport. Perfect for house moves, business deliveries, or group trips, hirefleet ensures a seamless hire experience with first-class roadside assistance.

As the world shifts towards greener transport, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are gaining traction for their blend of efficiency and versatility. 

For those considering van hire for personal or business needs, understanding PHEVs can open up eco-friendly options without sacrificing practicality. 

This post dives into what a PHEV vehicle is, its benefits, and how hirefleet’s diverse fleet can meet your needs with a range of vans, including potential PHEV options for your specific needs.

Whether you’re moving house, planning a group trip, or managing business deliveries, hirefleet offers tailored solutions to keep you on the road sustainably.

What Is a PHEV Vehicle Exactly?

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) combines a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. 

Unlike standard hybrids, PHEVs can be plugged into an external power source to charge their battery, offering a significant electric-only driving range. 

This makes them ideal for short trips on electric power alone, while the petrol or diesel engine kicks in for longer journeys or when the battery depletes.

PHEVs typically offer 20-60 miles of electric range, depending on the model, making them perfect for urban driving or short-haul deliveries. 

The engine seamlessly takes over for extended trips, eliminating range anxiety. 

This dual-power setup reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional vehicles.

For van hire customers, PHEVs provide a practical solution. 

They’re cost-effective for city-based tasks, where electric mode slashes fuel costs, and versatile enough for longer hauls. 

hirefleet is exploring PHEV options within our fleet, ensuring eco-conscious choices for environmentally aware drivers.

Why Choose a PHEV for Van Hire?

PHEVs offer a compelling mix of benefits for those hiring vans, balancing environmental responsibility with operational flexibility. 

Here’s why they’re worth considering:

  • Lower Running Costs: Electric mode significantly reduces fuel expenses, especially for stop-start city driving. Charging at home or public stations is often substantially cheaper than refueling with petrol or diesel.

  • Environmental Impact: PHEVs produce fewer emissions than traditional vans, helping businesses and individuals meet sustainability goals. In urban areas with low-emission zones, PHEVs can avoid hefty charges.

  • Versatility: With electric power for short trips and a combustion engine for longer journeys, PHEVs adapt to varied needs, from local deliveries to cross-country moves.

  • Tax Incentives: In the UK, PHEVs often qualify for lower vehicle tax rates and business incentives, making them a smart choice for cost-conscious hirers.

  • Ease of Use: Most PHEVs switch seamlessly between electric and engine modes, requiring no driver intervention. Charging is straightforward, with options for home, workplace, or public chargers.

For hirefleet customers, PHEVs could be a game-changer, offering greener transport without compromising on cargo space or reliability. 

Whether you’re a tradesperson, event planner, or moving house, PHEVs align with modern demands for efficiency and sustainability.

How hirefleet Meets Your Van Hire Needs

hirefleet stands out as a go-to provider for self-drive van hire, offering a diverse fleet to suit every task, from quick city runs to major house moves. 


Based nearby Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, their vehicles come fully insured with first-class roadside assistance, ensuring peace of mind. 

With an easy online booking system and a range of extras like ratchet straps, sack barrows, and packaging blankets, hirefleet makes hiring a van a doddle. 

Our commitment to first-class service and competitive rates means you can tackle any job without breaking the bank. 

Here’s a breakdown of what we offer (stay tuned for PHEV updates):

  • Small Van Hire: Perfect for nippy city runs or light loads, small vans are ideal for solo movers, students, or small businesses handling local deliveries. They’re easy to drive and park, offering fuel efficiency for short trips.

  • Medium-Sized Van Hire: A step up, medium vans balance cargo space and manoeuvrability. Great for mid-sized deliveries, DIY projects, or small group outings, they handle bulkier items without feeling cumbersome.

  • LWB Van Hire (Long Wheelbase): Designed for larger loads, LWB vans are spacious enough for appliances, furniture, or stacks of boxes. They’re a top pick for house moves or business deliveries, offering comfort and capacity.

  • XLWB Van Hire (Extra Long Wheelbase): For maximum cargo space, XLWB vans are built for big moves or hefty deliveries. Ideal for transporting wardrobes, large appliances, or commercial stock, they’re a cost-effective alternative to removal firms.

  • Luton Van Hire: Box-shaped with a generous loading area, Luton vans are a favourite for house moves. Many come with a tail lift, making light work of heavy furniture or appliances. You can drive these on a standard UK Category B licence.

  • Dropside Van Hire: With open sides for easy access, dropside vans are perfect for awkward loads like timber, construction materials, or garden waste. They’re a go-to for tradespeople or DIY enthusiasts.

  • Flatbed Van Hire: No sides, no limits—flatbed vans are designed for oversized or irregularly shaped items that won’t fit in enclosed vans. They’re ideal for construction or landscaping jobs.

  • Tail Lift Van Hire: Featuring a hydraulic lift, these vans simplify loading heavy goods like machinery or pallets. They’re a must for businesses or individuals moving weighty items without extra manpower.

  • 4x4 Pickup Hire: Rugged and versatile, 4x4 pickups tackle off-road tasks, rural jobs, or towing small trailers. They’re perfect for outdoor adventures or challenging terrains.

  • 6 Seater Van Hire: Blending passenger and cargo space, 6 seater vans are great for small group trips or work crews. They offer flexibility for family outings or team travel with light loads.

  • 7 Seater Van Hire: With extra seating, 7 seater vans are ideal for family road trips or team travel, ensuring everyone stays together with room for luggage or equipment.

  • 9 Seater Van Hire: Perfect for larger groups, 9 seater vans suit stag dos, family reunions, or corporate events. They provide ample seating and storage for group travel or airport transfers.

hirefleet’s fleet is designed to cater to every need, from personal projects to commercial tasks. 

Their user-friendly booking system lets you pick your dates and van in a few clicks, with flexible terms to adjust plans on the go. 

Whether you’re after a small van for a quick job or a Luton van for a full house move, hirefleet has you covered with vehicles that can include PHEV options as the market evolves.

Benefits of Choosing hirefleet for PHEV Van Hire

As PHEVs become more prevalent, hirefleet is well-positioned to integrate these vehicles into our fleet, offering unique advantages:

  • Eco-Friendly Options: PHEVs reduce your carbon footprint, aligning with hirefleet’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions. This is ideal for businesses aiming to meet environmental regulations or individuals wanting greener choices.

  • Cost Savings: With electric mode for short trips, PHEVs can significantly cut fuel costs, especially in urban areas. hirefleet’s competitive rates enhance these savings, making your hire budget-friendly.

  • Flexibility for All Jobs: From small vans to Luton vans with tail lifts, hirefleet’s range ensures you can find a PHEV suited to your task, whether it’s a local delivery or a long-distance move.

  • Seamless Experience: hirefleet’s easy booking process, first-class roadside assistance, and range of accessories ensure a hassle-free hire, whether you’re driving a PHEV or a traditional van.

By choosing hirefleet, you’re not just hiring a van, you’re tapping into a service designed to make your life easier, with the potential for greener, more efficient PHEV options.

How to Choose the Right hirefleet Van for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect van depends on your task, passenger needs, and whether you prioritise eco-friendly features like those offered by PHEVs. Here are some tips to guide your choice:

  • Assess Your Load: For light items or small deliveries, a small or medium van suffices. For house moves or bulky goods, opt for an LWB, XLWB, or Luton van. Dropside or flatbed vans work best for oversized or awkward loads.

  • Consider Passenger Numbers: If transporting a group, 6, 7, or 9 seater vans offer the right balance of seating and cargo space. For solo or small crew jobs, stick to cargo-focused vans.

  • Think About Terrain: For rural or off-road tasks, a 4x4 pickup is your best bet. Urban jobs suit small or medium vans, especially PHEVs for low-emission zones.

  • Factor in Ease of Loading: Heavy items? Choose a tail lift van to save effort. Dropside or flatbed vans simplify loading for construction or landscaping materials.

  • Explore PHEV Options: If sustainability is a priority, ask hirefleet about PHEV availability to combine eco-friendly driving with their versatile fleet.

By matching your needs to hirefleet’s offerings, you can ensure a smooth, efficient hire experience tailored to your project or trip.

Secure Your Self Drive Van By Booking Online Now

Explore our range at hirefleet.co.uk/self-drive-van-hire-vehicles and book your self drive van hire today to ensure availibility. 

Hire a self drive van just 3 miles from the A1(M) - J34 Blyth Services, perfectly placed to serve Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire.


Q&A For PHEV Vehicles

Q1: What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) combines a traditional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlike Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), HEVs cannot be plugged into an external power source. Their battery is charged through regenerative braking and the engine itself, making them self-sustaining. HEVs switch between electric assist for low-speed driving and the engine for higher speeds, optimising fuel use without driver input.

Q2: How does a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle work?

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) integrates an electric motor, a larger rechargeable battery, and a petrol or diesel engine. The battery can be charged via an external power source, like a home socket or public charger, offering 20-60 miles of electric-only range for emission-free driving. When the battery depletes, the engine takes over, ensuring reliability for longer journeys. Regenerative braking also recharges the battery during driving. PHEVs seamlessly switch between modes, making them versatile for urban tasks or cross-country moves.

Q3: Are PHEV vans from hirefleet suitable for long-distance business deliveries?

Yes, PHEV vans are ideal for both short and long-distance deliveries. In electric mode, they offer substantially lower fuel costs for urban routes, perfect for hirefleet’s small or medium vans. For longer trips, the combustion engine ensures no range limitations, making LWB or XLWB vans suitable for cross-country business needs. PHEVs also help avoid low-emission zone charges, benefiting businesses; hirefleet’s flexible booking and accessories like ratchet straps ensure a seamless experience, whether you’re delivering locally or further afield.

Q4: Can I hire a PHEV van from hirefleet for group travel?

hirefleet's fleet includes 6, 7, and 9 seater vans, which could shortly include PHEV options. PHEVs provide eco-friendly travel with electric mode for short trips, like airport transfers or city outings, and the engine for longer journeys, such as family road trips. These vans balance passenger comfort with cargo space, perfect for group events.

Q5: Why should I choose a PHEV van over a traditional van from hirefleet?

PHEV vans offer significant benefits over traditional vans, including lower fuel costs in electric mode, reduced emissions for eco-conscious driving and flexibility for varied tasks. They’re ideal for urban hires, like small van deliveries in low-emission zones, while the engine supports longer trips, such as with hirefleet’s tail lift or dropside vans. Choosing a PHEV aligns with sustainability goals without compromising reliability; hirefleet’s competitive rates and diverse fleet ensure you find the right PHEV or traditional van for your needs, backed by excellent service.

More Reading

Hiring a vehicle: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hiring-a-vehicle

View or share your driving licence information: https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

Securing Loads on HGVs and Goods Vehicles: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/securing-loads-on-hgvs-and-goods-vehicles/5-how-to-load-different-hgvs-light-goods-vehicles-small-vans-and-cars

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