New Plug-in Hybrids With the Longest Electric Range in the UAE

Abu Dhabi: The alternative-powered vehicles market in the UAE has been buzzing with activities. Today, it is no longer the petrol or diesel option you get to choose. Rather, there has been a wide variety of choices including full electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars across brands and segments. In this changing scenario, the plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) market seems to be evolving rapidly. The electric range that was once modest, somewhere 30 to 40 kilometres, has not skyrocketed to over 150 kilometres in just one single charge. This advancement in tech allows many daily commuters to completely rely on electric power, and along the way, without the need to utilise the petrol engine. This is quite a significant development towards greener transportation. 

This is more evident for city users, especially when driving to work. This essentially makes long-range PHEVs not just a practical option but importantly a lucrative choice. This basically means that by charging during the night, you’re free to use the only EV for most of your day driving, and save the cost of petrol and also reduce pollution. This leaves your petrol usage limited to highway driving or longer road trips across the country. If you’re looking for a perfect PHEV in the market, we offer you a peek at this elaborate piece.

Top Contenders

Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV

This is the range champion in the UAE market right now. The Tiggo 9 PHEV has a 34.46 kWh battery capable of providing up to 170 km of EV-only range. But what does 170 km actually mean for your daily use? That's Abu Dhabi to Dubai and back, on electricity alone. It's your entire work week without a single drop of petrol. No matter where you drive, it's all the way in electric mode.

The Tiggo 9 PHEV gets a 1.5 TGDI engine with dual motors, offering up to 610 hp of power and 920 Nm of torque combined. As you can see, it is not just efficient but extremely quick. And a family car with seven seats, and the third row isn't cramped, but kids actually fit back there. The Tiggo 9 PHEV is packed with premium features like all-wheel drive, standard equipment includes heated seats, massage functions in the front row, and a 12.9-inch rotating touchscreen. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For anyone who drives mostly in the city, this vehicle changes the game. You're spending AED 5-10 per charge instead of AED 60-80 at the pump.

Chery Arrizo 8 PHEV

If you prefer a sedan to an SUV, the Arrizo 8 fits the bill perfectly. The Arrizo 8 PHEV comes with a pure electric range of 118 km with a 1.5TGDI petrol engine and a high-performance electric motor.

That covers most work commutes, even in extensive Emirates. The battery system here is serious about safety. The Arrizo 8 PHEV's battery undergoes 800 safety checks every 5 minutes, with IP68-rated water and dust protection and a rapid power cut-off system.

For a sedan, this is a highly advanced vehicle, and you feel premium on the highway, with less wind noise and a comfortable ride quality. And this one gives you practical family space without looking like an SUV.

Electric Range Comparison - UAE Plug-in Hybrids

Electric Range Comparison of Top PHEVs in UAE 2025

Model	Electric Range (km)	Notes
Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV	170	Ideal for Abu Dhabi-Dubai round trip
Chery Arrizo 8 PHEV	118	Covers most daily UAE commutes
BYD Song Plus PHEV	115	Solid electric range for city use
Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV	75	Moderate range for urban driving
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e	55	International specification
Volvo XC90 PHEV	44	International specification

What this means for UAE Drivers

Trip/Commute	Distance (km)	Coverage by Top PHEVs
Abu Dhabi to Dubai round trip	280 (140 one way)	Tiggo 9 PHEV: fully electric both ways
Abu Dhabi to Dubai one-way	140	All top 3 PHEVs cover with range to spare
Average Dubai daily commute	40-50 (round trip)	Week-long commuting on electric possible

BYD Song Plus PHEV

The BYD Song Plus offers a combined range of up to 1,000 km, costs around 118,900 in the UAE. That's a solid budget option, with an electric range of around 115 km, which is reasonable. Besides, you get that reliability reputation that BYD has built worldwide.

Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV

The Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV has an EV-only range of up to 75 km, promising a combined strength of around 320 hp. Another option, which is more affordable than the Tiggo 9 and seats seven people. If a 75 km electric range is enough for your commute, this saves you money.

Daily Driving Scenarios - Can You Make It?

Scenario-Based PHEV Suitability

Scenario	Location	Distance (km/day)	Tiggo 9 (170 km EV)	Arrizo 8 (118 km EV)	Tiggo 8 (75 km EV)	BYD Song Plus (115 km EV)	Verdict
City Commuter	Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai	50	Zero petrol	Zero petrol	Zero petrol	Zero petrol	All good for weekly use with single charge
Suburban + City Mix	Sharjah to Dubai office	85	Zero petrol	Zero petrol	Needs petrol	Zero petrol	Tiggo 9, Arrizo 8, Song Plus preferred
Weekend Road Trip	Dubai to Fujairah	320	EV there, petrol back	Part EV, rest petrol	Not ideal	Easily completes trip	Hybrids beat pure EVs, minimal gas needed
Summer Heat Test	50 km commute with full AC	50	145 km real range	100 km real range	Not specified	Not specified	Ranges hold well despite AC load

Key Insights on Real-World Electric Range

Model	Rated EV Range (km)	Real EV Range (Summer, km)	Notes
Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV	170	145 (85-90% rating)	Strong 7-seater with comfort & tech
Chery Arrizo 8 PHEV	118	100 (heat impact measured)	Balanced range for mixed commutes
Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV	75	NA	Best for shorter daily trips
BYD Song Plus	115	NA	Good all-rounder for zero petrol use

Practical Consideration 

So, should you go for the highest range? The answer is subjective. If you drive less than 60 km per day, even the Tiggo 8 with 75 km range is overkill. You're paying for capacity you don't need.

If you drive 80-100 km per day and want weeks between petrol fill-ups, the Arrizo 8 or Song Plus makes sense. If you want absolute peace of mind and the lowest petrol consumption possible, go for the Tiggo 9. 170 km is impressive. And the extra battery capacity means it'll hold more charge longer as it ages. You need to keep in mind that the difference between models isn't huge. It's the difference between filling up once every two weeks versus once every three weeks. Both beat traditional petrol by a mile.

What about the Battery?

If you’re concerned about battery safety, then you should be assured. The battery system undergoes 800 safety checks every 5 minutes, with IP68-rated water and dust protection and a rapid power cut-off system. That's defensive engineering for the UAE's extreme heat and dust. These batteries are covered for 8-10 years. In the UAE, you'll likely sell the car before that warranty runs out anyway.

The Charging

As EV penetration is growing, so is the infrastructure, and so cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have growing public charging networks. Places like hotels, malls, and office buildings are adding chargers on an almost weekly basis, and the government is pushing EV infrastructure hard.

But here's what matters: most owners never use public chargers. They charge at home overnight. That's the primary advantage of a PHEV over a pure EV. If you have parking with electricity access (apartment building, villa, office), you're golden. Plug in, wake up to a full battery, drive all day. If you don't have home charging, a PHEV is less compelling.

Pricing and Value

The Chery models haven't announced full pricing yet. But based on similar market positions in other regions, expect:

• Tiggo 9 PHEV: AED 185,000-210,000 range
• Arrizo 8 PHEV: AED 135,000-150,000 range
• Tiggo 8 PHEV: AED 120,000-150,000 range
• BYD Song Plus: AED 119,000

These are approximate prices for reference, and actual prices will vary by trim and dealer. But even at the high end, a PHEV costs less than a comparable luxury petrol SUV while delivering better fuel economy. Over five years, the fuel savings alone could pay for a quarter of the purchase price. That's not marketing. That's math.

Conclusion 

In today’s context, the long-range PHEVs are no longer a compromise. The Tiggo 9 with 170 km of electric range isn't a workaround for people who can't afford a Tesla, but it is a genuine solution for people who want to save money, cut emissions, and keep their flexibility for road trips. The only question left is whether you'll actually charge it regularly. If the answer is yes, you're looking at a genuinely different way to drive in the UAE. If not, a regular hybrid might actually suit you better. So, what are you waiting for? Test drive one. See what it actually means.