Great question — and using the VW Golf as the baseline makes it practical, since VW has offered both mild-hybrid (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid (GTE) Golfs. Let’s unpack which one is actually cheaper in real life, both to buy and to own:
Verdict on purchase price: Mild hybrid is definitely cheaper upfront.
Verdict on fuel: Plug-in can be much cheaper if you charge daily; if not, mild hybrid wins.
Verdict on maintenance: Mild hybrid is cheaper to maintain.
Verdict on taxes: Plug-in can be cheaper overall if you live somewhere with strong incentives or strict low-emission rules.
If you do mostly long trips or can’t/won’t charge daily → Mild hybrid is cheaper and simpler.
If you have regular access to charging and mostly drive short city trips → Plug-in hybrid can be cheaper to own in the long run, especially if you get incentives.
Upfront Cost
- Mild Hybrid (Golf eTSI) costs less to buy, typically €3,000–€8,000 cheaper than a plug-in hybrid, depending on trim and market.
- Plug-in Hybrid (Golf GTE) is more expensive because of the bigger battery, more powerful electric motor, and complex drivetrain.
Verdict on purchase price: Mild hybrid is definitely cheaper upfront.
Running Costs & Fuel
- Mild Hybrid offers small fuel savings (~5–15% better fuel economy than a pure gasoline engine) but still relies almost entirely on petrol.
- Plug-in Hybrid lets you drive 30–60 km on electricity alone, and if you charge at home or work, you can do many commutes with zero fuel.
- If you don’t charge regularly, the plug-in behaves like a heavy petrol car and can even use more fuel than a mild hybrid.
Verdict on fuel: Plug-in can be much cheaper if you charge daily; if not, mild hybrid wins.
Maintenance
- Mild Hybrid is simpler: fewer parts than a plug-in, and servicing is similar to a normal petrol Golf with a small 48V battery.
- Plug-in Hybrid has both a complex battery system and a combustion engine, which can lead to higher long-term maintenance costs (e.g., battery cooling, dual powertrain diagnostics).
Verdict on maintenance: Mild hybrid is cheaper to maintain.
Tax & Incentives
- Many countries offer generous subsidies or tax breaks for plug-in hybrids but not for mild hybrids.
- In places with low-emission zones or congestion charges, a plug-in can avoid or reduce fees, saving a lot if you drive in cities like London, Paris, or Amsterdam.
Verdict on taxes: Plug-in can be cheaper overall if you live somewhere with strong incentives or strict low-emission rules.
Charging Convenience
- Mild hybrid: no need to charge, ever — works like a regular petrol car with a small electric assist.
- Plug-in hybrid: needs daily charging to make it cost-effective; otherwise you’re carrying extra battery weight with no benefit.
Overall: Which is really cheaper?
If you do mostly long trips or can’t/won’t charge daily → Mild hybrid is cheaper and simpler. If you have regular access to charging and mostly drive short city trips → Plug-in hybrid can be cheaper to own in the long run, especially if you get incentives.