New research has found that most new plug-in hybrid vehicles (Phevs) cost more to buy than their fully electric equivalents. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank said its analysis found the UK’s 10 best-selling new Phevs were, on average, £4,150 higher than an equivalent EV. Phevs, which combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine , are often believed to be cheaper than pure electric vehicles because they utilise smaller batteries. However, this analysis suggests the opposite is true for the most sought-after models. They included: The VW Tiguan Phev being £5,780 more expensive than the VW ID.4 EV. The Ford Kuga Phev being £4,035 more expensive than the Ford Explorer EV. The MG HS Phev being £3,400 more expensive than the MG S5 EV. The ECIU said the fuel consumption of Phevs is nearly six times what manufacturers claim, which means the vehicles cost an average of £620 a year more to fuel than their EV equivalents.…