BYD and other Chinese carmakers are spearheading a mini-renaissance of plug-in hybrids in Europe, opening a new battleground for western rivals that are campaigning for a longer life for petrol engines.
Although environmental groups allege that, with a combustion engine and a large battery, plug-in hybrids are often more polluting than advertised, many see them as a greener interim option for people who are not ready to switch to electric vehicles.
For legacy carmakers, it is also a segment of the car sector where they can still leverage their competitive edge in traditional engines against Chinese rivals, which are far ahead in EV capabilities and affordability.
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