For their part, carmakers are fond of hybrids because they are usually as profitable as petrol-powered cars, in contrast to BEV s, many of which are loss-making. Smaller batteries mean lower production costs. Hybrids also allow legacy carmakers to draw more on their existing expertise and supply chains.

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid tops our list as one of the most fuel-efficient Hyundai Hybrids on sale today. In Blue guise, the Elantra Hybrid returns excellent ratings of 51/58/54 mpg. The Elantra Hybrid is also the cheapest Hyundai Hybrid vehicle currently on sale - the base Elantra Hybrid Blue prices begin at $25,100.

Hybrid petrol models likely to stay on sale past Labour’s original 2030 deadline, but no word yet on which hybrid models will be allowed

The decision is likely to upset green campaign groups, who describe hybrids as the car industry's 'wolf in sheep's clothing.'