Searching For An Eco Friendly Family Car (Trialing a BMW Hybrid Car)

“BMW got in touch, to ask whether I’d like to try driving a BMW hybrid car. It’s a family friendly, eco-friendly car, so naturally, I agreed.”

I am not a car person, like really not into them. And unless a sweet little vintage car drove past, I wouldn’t notice what you were driving. But with three children and grandparents that live the other side if the country, we need a car. Since having Clara we’ve been in serious need of a car update. Our old banger really doesn’t fit three car seats in the back. So, Daisy has stolen my spacious front seat and I squish into the back with the little ones, perched precariously on one bum cheek. Needless to say, my interest in cars has somewhat sky rocketed.

Finding A Family Car That Is ULEZ Compliant

We also live in London. And, quite rightly, Sadiq Khan has introduced the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) to the congestion charge area. On 21st October 2021 ULEZ expands to include our area too. Our current car is a dreaded diesel that isn’t Euro 6-compliant, so we urgently need a car with greener fuel.

Are Electric Cars Greener?

Every eco fibre in my body tells me to ditch fossil fuels and go for an electric car. After all fossil fuels, when burned, release C02 and trap greenhouse gasses which in turn heats up our atmosphere. Unsurprisingly the conversation around whether electric cars are more eco-friendly is complex. Yes an electric car is zero emissions at the point of driving it, but you also have to look at its manufacture, energy production and end of life cycle? Batteries use a lot of precious resources from the earth and need to be recycled at the end of their lives. That said, there is clear evidence to show that driving an electric car is better for our planet and makes urban areas cleaner and quieter.

Is An Electric Car Suitable For A Family Of Five?

But is an electric car suitable for a family of five? Two of the challenges we’ve come up against, have been charging and range of the vehicle. We live in a terraced house with on street residents parking. So, getting an electric charger at home is currently not an option. We use our car for short trips around London, going further afield to see family and friends, and also to go on holiday. The car needs to do the mileage, fit three child car seats in the back and have enough room in the boot for all our clobber. And from my research, finding an affordable electric car that meets that criteria is tricky. Personally, I feel that the infrastructure is not quite there yet for us to go fully electric. Though I’m sure this situation will change.

Could a Hybrid Car Be The Answer?

Several months ago, I came to the conclusion that a hybrid car would best serve our family’s needs. It’s a stepping stone towards zero carbon, and has the added benefit of being able to do short London journeys with zero emissions. But equally, we could drive to the South of France and not panic that we’ll run out of electricity half way there.

A Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Now one thing to remember, is that for a journey to be zero carbon the car needs to have been charged with 100% renewable energy. There are different types of hybrid car. But a Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (or a PHEV), is one where you really can travel short distances with zero emissions. By plugging it in to charge, rather than charging it from petrol, you are eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels. The only thing you need to check is that the electric charger you use is powered by clean energy.

The BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

So when BMW got in touch, to ask whether I’d like to try driving their BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid. Naturally, I jumped at the chance. Yes I know it’s not about ethical fashion, or great places to buy second-hand clothing online. But, getting the right car is a game changer. Both for family life and our planet. So, for the next three months I will be driving and then reviewing this stylish, white BMW hybrid car. And if you fancy having a go, then click here to book a test drive.

Trying out a BMW Hybrid Car

I’ll be navigating the trials and pitfalls of charging it, using it to drive into central London and also taking it abroad. This BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid is going on the road trip of its life and you can follow along on my Instagram. Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have a million questions as to how driving a hybrid car works in practice. How long does it take to charge? Do you have enough boot space with the battery? Is it affordable? Can you fit three car seats in the back of a BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid? (Yes, you can.) The list could go on. But don’t worry, at the end of the three months I’ll be writing a review of this BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid car. And if you have any specific questions, please feel free to comment below, or send me an email here.

I won’t lie, I am actually pretty excited to be driving this BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid at this Covid time. Because we can travel using just the electric, we can drive into central London free of charge. With a plug-in hybrid car, you can get a cleaner vehicle discount. Which means you’re congestion charge exempt. So this summer holidays, we can drive to the zoo or visit our favourite playground at Hyde Park, without a worry. Plus, parking isn’t as much of an issue as you can charge and park all in one.

So, do keep in touch and do follow our journey, excuse the pun, with this BMW X5 Plugin Hybrid.

And if you fancy booking that test drive, then please click here.

#AD This is a sponsored post in collaboration with BMW, but all opinions are, as always, my own.