Alongside the commercial boom, the sector is experiencing a period of accelerated change: there are review calls that affect mild hybrid engines, new fleets of plug-in hybrids which are in addition to public services, brands vying for sales leadership, and a renewed public aid environment, such as the State Auto+ Plan and several regional programs that seek to push the transition towards cleaner mobility.
Massive review of Stellantis PureTech 1.2 mild hybrids in Europe
The Stellantis automotive group faces a recall campaign of a large scale that affects its 1.2 PureTech petrol engine with technology of light hybridizationThis engine, found in models from Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep, incorporates a mild hybrid system in which a small electric motor assists the combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
According to data published by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA)The problem lies in the incorrect installation of two engine components which, in exceptional circumstances, can lead to a risk of fireThese are vehicles in which the combustion engine and the electric module coexist in a very small space, which increases sensitivity to design or assembly failures.
In Germany, it is estimated that there are about 80.000 vehicles affected, while in France the figure rises to about 212.000 units manufactured between 2023 and 2026, more than half under the Peugeot brand. The KBA speaks of around 700.000 mild hybrid cars involved worldwide, although Stellantis has not officially confirmed that global volume.
The incidents detected so far are limited: the manufacturer acknowledges 36 related events With this defect, 12 of which have resulted in fires, the company has opted for a preventative inspection campaign to correct the fault before it can lead to more serious consequences.
The origin of the problem would be in the contact, under conditions of high humiditybetween the tube connected to the gasoline particulate filter and the protective cover of the starter motor terminal. This combination can generate a spark and cause a fire in an environment where thermal and electrical components of the hybrid system are present. Stellantis' proposed solution involves installing a larger protective cover, an intervention that the brand estimates at around 30 minutes per vehicle.
Sales on the rise: hybrids gain ground in the Spanish market
While some manufacturers are dealing with technical issues, the Spanish market is consolidating its position. hybrid vehicles as one of the preferred options for drivers. According to the latest industry data, registrations of electrified vehicles (which include pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, both passenger cars and commercial vehicles and buses) have grown strongly and reached in the month analyzed the 28.955 units, which represents an increase of approximately 62,5% compared to the same month of the previous year.
With these figures, the market share of electrified vehicles is around 19% of totalThat is, practically one in five new vehicles sold in Spain is now plug-in. In the first few months of the year, sales have exceeded 68.600 units and that weight remains close to 19% in the overall market.
If the focus is broadened to include all the alternative technologies —electrified, conventional hybrids, and gas-powered vehicles— the progress is also significant. These types of powertrains add up to around 95.000 registrations in the month, with a growth of nearly 30% and already representing more than 62% of the marketSeven out of ten new passenger cars sold in Spain use some form of electrification or alternative fuels.
Within this group, the clear protagonists are the non-plug-in hybrids (HEV)Their registrations are around 62.000 units per month, which represents an increase of just over 26% and a share of 40,5% of the marketIn total for the year, this technology has added more than 144.000 unitsIt grows by around 18% and consolidates with just over 40% of total passenger car sales, confirming that the conventional hybrid has become a practically standard choice.
The pure electric vehicles (BEVs) They are not far behind either: they register some 13.000 monthly registrations, nearly 42% more than the previous year, and are approaching the 30.700 units in the cumulative total, with a slightly higher odds of 8,5%. plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)For their part, they show the fastest rate of progress, with around 15.800 units sold in the month and a growth of close to 84%. In the first months of the year they exceed the 37.900 registrations and they account for almost 10,6% of the market.
In the passenger car segment, the picture is even more compelling: the cars electrified, hybrid and gas represent more than 71% of registrations of the month, with around 92.900 units and a year-on-year increase of over 28%. Non-plug-in hybrids clearly lead the way, with nearly 47,5% of passenger car sales, while plug-in passenger cars —electric and plug-in hybrid— achieve slightly more 26.700 units monthly, 62% more than the previous year, and far exceed the 20% quota.
Toyota Corolla and BYD, benchmarks in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid market
Within this expansive context, several brands stand out for their performance in the field of hybrid vehicles. Toyota maintains a leading role in the conventional hybrid, while BYD has made a remarkable leap in plug-in hybrids by relying on its own latest generation technologies.
In the case of Toyota, the Corolla has established itself as the best-selling non-plug-in hybrid in Spain, both in the month analyzed and year-to-date. The Japanese compact, equipped with the brand's self-charging hybrid systems, tops the ranking with more than 6.100 units, outperforming models like the Nissan Qashqai or the Toyota Yaris Cross itself.
The Corolla range is structured into three bodiesThe five-door hatchback, the Touring Sports estate, and the sedan all share a powertrain lineup based on two ECO-labeled hybrid electric systems, one of which 140 CV associated with a 1,8-liter engine and another of 196 CV with 2.0 block, capable of combining adjusted consumption —in the range of 4,4 to 4,7 l/100 km— with contained CO2 emission levels and sufficient performance for mixed city-highway use.
Meanwhile, Toyota maintains a pricing structure that places the five-door Corolla at around 26.000 Euros To begin with, the familiar variant revolves around 27.500 Euros and the sedan above the 30.000 EurosThis range allows it to cover a broad spectrum of clients without abandoning the world of the conventional hybrid, a format that fits well with those looking for eco labellow consumption and do not want to depend on a charging point.
Looking at the group of non-plug-in hybrids, the share of this technology in Spain —around 40% of the market— this partly explains the leadership of models like the Corolla: they offer an experience of “plug-free” electrificationwith unlimited autonomy by continuing to use gasoline, but with a noticeable reduction in consumption in real use.
In the field of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)The Chinese brand BYD has positioned itself as a benchmark both in Spain and globally thanks to its DM-i (Dual Mode intelligence) technology. This system, present in models such as the ATTO 2 DM-i, the SEAL 6 DM-i and the SEAL U DM-iIt has been designed from the beginning to function most of the time as an electric vehicle, reserving the gasoline engine to generate power or provide support during periods of high power demand.
BYD's DM-i plug-in hybrid technology: more electric than thermal
The heart of BYD's proposal is the Electric Hybrid System (EHS)A propulsion system that relies almost entirely on electric control. Unlike other PHEVs, where the combustion engine can play a more prominent role, the EHS uses a single-speed transmission and direct coupling that always prioritizes electric thrust. electric motor and uses the thermal propellant, in many cases, as a generator. More details on the evolution of hybrid vehicle production They put this technological commitment into context.
DM-i technology allows two main operating modes. In mode EVThe wheels move exclusively thanks to the electric motor, offering daily commutes without local emissions. In mode HEVThe system continues to rely primarily on the electric component, while the gasoline engine supplies power to the battery and the electric motor. Only when a high power demand is required—for example, during overtaking or rapid merging—does the system switch from a series configuration to a hybrid one. parallel, adding the combined thrust of both engines.
Thanks to this architecture, BYD plug-in hybrids can cover most daily journeys driving as if they were pure electric carsespecially in urban environments. In the case of SEAL U DM-i, the 100% electric range can exceed 170 km in city and hover the 125 km in combined cycleThese figures allow many users to practically avoid using fuel in their daily routine.
The combustion part uses gasoline engines 1,5 liters Highly optimized, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The naturally aspirated block, with its Atkinson cycle and high compression ratio, achieves a thermal efficiency of around 43%This is a value far exceeding that of a conventional combustion engine. Furthermore, BYD has eliminated belt-driven accessories—such as the water pump or air conditioning compressor—replacing them with electric components, thus reducing the mechanical losses and improves overall performance.
This combination of engineering allows us to offer high performance without sacrificing efficiency. SEAL U DM-i DesignFor example, it reaches combined powers of more than 320 CV Thanks to the combination of two electric motors and the gasoline engine, it achieves an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 5,9 secondsOther models in the range, such as the SEAL 6 DM-i or ATTO 2 DM-iThey are positioned in equally competitive power and acceleration figures within their segments.
The energy supply falls to the well known Blade Battery lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which use elongated, blade-shaped cells structurally integrated into the chassis. This battery stands out for its robustness against impacts —it has passed demanding tests such as nail drilling— as well as for its ability to admit fast chargesgoing from 30% to 80% in approximately half an hour on some models. It also offers the function Vehicle to Load (V2L)which allows the car to be used as an external power source of up to about 3,3 kW to power electrical devices.
In Spain, the DM-i range covers from the B-segment SUV with the ATTO 2 DM-i, up to the D segment with the sedan and station wagon variants of the SEAL 6 DM-i and the SUV SEAL U DM-i. Entry-level prices are around 21.000 Euros for the most basic ATTO 2 DM-i, with versions offering larger batteries and higher power that increase the total combined range to around 1.000 km, and higher configurations in the SEAL 6 and SEAL U that can approach or exceed the 1.400 km combining electric power and gasoline.
Plug-in hybrids in public services: the case of the Local Police
The expansion of the plug-in hybrid vehicles It's not limited to individual or business customers. More and more local governments are incorporating this type of engine into their fleets, taking advantage of both the Zero environmental labeling such as the possibility of moving with low emissions in sensitive urban environments.
A recent example is that of the City Council of Rincón de la Victoria, which has awarded a leasing contract for incorporate five plug-in hybrid vehicles to its Local Police fleet, with a budget close to 288.000 Euros for a period of four years. The agreement stipulates that the cars will be operational within a maximum of approximately 60 days.
The new equipment includes four Ford Kuga MCA Titanium PHEVThe vehicles, with approximately 243 hp engines, are intended for various patrol and surveillance duties. Two of them are equipped with partitions for transporting detainees, another maintains a patrol configuration without a partition, and the fourth is delivered unmarked, allowing for use in services that require discretion or camouflaged driving.
The fleet is completed with a Ford Ranger XLT PHEV pick-up van With 4x4 drive and around 280 hp, it's designed for interventions in rural environments, rescues, and special operations. This combination of a plug-in hybrid SUV and a versatile work vehicle reflects the interest of local law enforcement agencies in adding electric autonomy for urban patrols, without sacrificing responsiveness on long journeys or more demanding terrain.
From an economic point of view, the contract has been divided into several lots for different types of vehicles and supplier companies, with amounts ranging from slightly less than 39.000 Euros for unbranded tourism and above the 62.000 Euros for the plug-in hybrid pickup. In addition to reducing fuel costs compared to a conventional fleet, the use of PHEVs allows the Local Police to comply with emissions regulations stricter regulations and operate with greater flexibility in low-emission zones.
How to extend the lifespan of a hybrid vehicle
Beyond sales figures and technological innovations, one of the questions many drivers ask themselves is how keep in good condition a hybrid car over the years. The key is understanding that these vehicles combine a combustion engine with at least one electric motor and traction batteryTherefore, they share some of the maintenance of a traditional car, but add specific recommendations for the electrical system and thermal management.
In the current market, three main families can be distinguished: the microhybrids (MHEV), which use a small electric generator to assist in start-ups and support auxiliary systems; the self-charging hybrids (HEV)capable of moving the vehicle with the electric motor at certain times and that automatically manage the battery charging; and the plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)which have a higher capacity battery and a real electric range of several tens of kilometers, rechargeable via mains connection.
In the microhybridsThe critical component is usually the low-voltage battery, often 48 volts. Its main enemy is the prolonged inactivitywhich can lead to deep discharges that are difficult to recover from. Keeping the vehicle in regular use and avoiding long periods of inactivity helps extend its lifespan.
In the conventional hybrids (HEV)The system manages the charging and discharging cycles without user intervention, but it is advisable to avoid sudden accelerations when cold and allow both the combustion engine and the electric motor to reach their operating temperature before demanding maximum performance. An important point is to keep the ventilation air intakes of the traction battery, which are usually located on the sides of the rear seats or in the trunk. If these vents become clogged with objects or dirt, the risk of overheating increases and premature degradation of the cells.
In the case of plug-in hybridsThe most delicate component is the high voltage batteryAlthough lithium chemistry has improved significantly, it is still advisable to avoid extreme charging. Experts suggest keeping the battery, whenever possible, between the 20% and 80% Reducing the load reduces stress and prolongs their life. It's also important to take care of the operating temperatureParking in the shade in summer or in a garage in winter not only improves comfort, but also helps cooling systems work less hard.
We must not forget the role of combustion engine In a hybrid system, the engine, by continuously switching between operating modes, sometimes at high revolutions and without having reached its optimal operating temperature, suffers from particular working conditions. To mitigate this wear, the following are recommended: very low viscosity oils (such as 0W-8 or 0W-12) that provide protection from the first second after each startup. Likewise, although the regenerative braking This greatly reduces the use of brake pads and discs; it's advisable to perform some more intense braking from time to time—under safe conditions—to prevent the mechanical components from becoming worn. crystallize or become filled with oxide.
Finally, factors such as maintaining the vehicle software updated and assemble low rolling resistance tires These factors directly impact efficiency. Ignoring updates can mean missing out on improvements in electric motor management and energy recovery, while using unsuitable tires can increase fuel and electricity consumption by up to 10% compared to compounds optimized for this type of vehicle.
Auto+ Plan and regional aid: a boost for plug-in hybrids
The deployment of plug-in hybrid vehicles Electric vehicles in Spain cannot be understood without the support of public policies. After several years of the MOVES Plan, the central government has launched the new Auto+ Plan, which acts as the main program of purchase incentives of vehicles with the DGT Zero emissions label, including PHEVs with sufficient electric range.
The Auto+ Plan introduces some significant changes compared to its predecessor. For one thing, it simplifies the process by opting for a centralized management through the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, reducing dependence on regional calls for proposals and the long waiting periods that had become one of the main weaknesses of the MOVES program. Furthermore, it incorporates a direct discount at the point of saleso that part of the aid is already deducted at the dealership at the time of purchase.
The amounts foreseen reach, in the case of passenger cars, up to about Reference price: 4.500 eurosWith variations depending on the technology (BEV or PHEV), the price of the vehicle—which must not exceed 45.000 euros before tax— and the so-called EEA criteria (electrical component, economic factor and European origin). This criterion prioritizes models with a higher degree of electrification, lower cost and manufacturing or assembly within the European Union.
Furthermore, the plan stipulates that points of sale must contribute a mandatory additional discount of at least 1.000 eurosso the buyer sees immediate savings from day one. The program has a budget of approximately 400 millones de euros by 2026 and has an effect retroactive from January 1This allows transactions carried out in the first months of the year to benefit from the aid once the application system is enabled.
The aid is not limited to the direct purchase of new vehicles, but also includes options for leasing and renting and include certain nearly new or zero-kilometer vehicles, provided they meet the age and environmental label requirements. At the same time, compatibility with other mechanisms such as Energy Saving Certificates (CAE)which can provide additional financial compensation linked to improved efficiency.
Alongside the state-run Auto+ Plan, some autonomous communities maintain or have launched their own programs aimed at electrification of the parkGalicia has activated the Renova Plan or Your Vehicle, with aid conditional on the scrapping of old vehicles; the Community of Madrid has the program Move Madrid with expanded funds; and Navarre promotes the Tximista Auto Planwith incentives that can exceed 5.000 euros in some cases. In all of them, the plug-in hybrids Those with a Zero emissions label are positioned as one of the main beneficiaries.
Some regions, such as the Basque Country and La Rioja, have recently closed specific calls for proposals, but remain open to new editions given the demand. In practice, the landscape of regional aid is heterogeneous, requiring buyers to research each region thoroughly to determine eligibility. accumulate incentives state and regional authorities when acquiring a plug-in hybrid.
Between the surge in registrations and the emergence of increasingly advanced technologies such as BYD DM-i, the leadership of established conventional hybrids such as the Toyota Corolla, The incorporation of PHEV fleets Thanks to public services and the new aid framework with the Auto+ Plan, hybrid vehicles—in all their variants—have gone from being a minority alternative to occupying a central position in Spain's transition towards mobility less dependent on fossil fuels, although they still face challenges such as recall campaigns and the need for specific maintenance to ensure their long-term reliability. Furthermore, there are studies that question the real emissions savings of some PHEVs under certain conditions.
