I understand the electric bit is cheaper and more efficient in city traffic while the fossil bit is more supported over long distance travel.

It seems intended for the teething stage where the charging point infrastructure isn't rolled out extensively enough for pure EV usage, and public transport doesn't do the thing.

I see a risk in complacency where the final steps aren't taken of rolling out charging points and buffing transit because hybrids are "good enough". Probably not a massive risk though as fossil's stigma grows and fuel prices rise.