Heading
Close X
Menu
With a wide selection of vehicles now available with Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid or full Electric powertrains, discover the benefits and the model best suited to your needs at Motorvogue in Bedford, Kings Lynn, Northampton and Norwich.
Hybrid cars have a regular combustion engine at their heart that’s assisted to varying degrees by an electric motor to achieve low emissions. The batteries that power the motor are charged by the engine and via regenerative braking. ‘Plug-in’ hybrid models have larger batteries that can also be charged from the mains for extra range. They can run on electric power alone in order to achieve zero emission driving.
Electric cars are petrol / diesel free and run solely on battery powered electric motors for zero emission driving. The batteries are charged via a mains supply and through regenerative braking. Continual advances have greatly extended their driving range, boosted their torque, reduced charging times and established a better recharging infrastructure.
Types of Electric & Hybrid engines;
ICE: Internal Combustion Engine (internal combustion engine) is the traditional thermal energy engine (petrol, diesel, etc.) in which fuel combustion is activated through an oxidizer (usually air) inside a combustion chamber that is an integral part of the movement circuit of the fluid.
MHEV (Mild Hybrid): internal combustion engine and electric motor combined. The battery is charged by the internal combustion engine and by regenerative braking. It does not allow to drive in all-electric mode.
HEV (Hybrid): internal combustion engine and electric motor combined. The battery is charged by the internal combustion engine and by regenerative braking. Battery performance allows for short trips in all-electric mode.
PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid): internal combustion engine and electric motor combined. The battery is also charged from an external source (charging socket) and through regenerative braking. Battery performance allows long journeys in all-electric mode.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): traction is provided exclusively by an electric motor. Driving is electric and charging is achieved only through an external source and regenerative braking.
REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle): has a small petrol powered generator to recharge the battery and allow extended range when the battery level is low.
With the choice of Self-Charging Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, each is supported by an electric motor to different degrees which will influence fuel economy and level of emissions.
Self-Charging Hybrid engines
A hybrid engine is primarily powered by a combustion engine with electric support and will feel like a normal vehicle to drive however is able to run on Electric when decelerating or whilst stopped - conserving fuel at regular intervals on your daily drive.
The electric motor assists in acceleration and can even power the car completely in certain situations such as cruising at a constant speed. The battery doesn’t need to be charged from a mains supply; it is instead charged by regenerative braking when the vehicle decelerates.
Plug-In Hybrid engines
Travel further on just the electric motor with a plug-in hybrid which has a much larger battery capacity that can be charged using an external power source such as a home charging point or public charging station.
The combined engine gives a much greater driving range than a standard hybrid, allowing you to travel solely on the electric motor for zero emissions.
Mild Hybrid, Self-Charging Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Explained
This video by Hyundai explains the difference between these powertrains. We have a vast range of Hybrid models across our vast range at Motorvogue, including Renault, Fiat, SEAT, CUPRA and Jeep, the premise of the technology and benefits are the same across all of the models available.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HYBRID AND PLUG-IN HYBRID MODELS AVAILABLE AT MOTORVOGUE
With manufacturers making huge investment in offering electric vehicles, driving range has increased to enable you to drive an electric vehicle without disruption to your daily or even weekly plans, whilst still enjoying driving performance.
Driving Range
The electric vehicles available at Motorvogue have varying driving range from 199 - 298 miles on a single charge. This is more than sufficient for most users, especially that UK drivers travel on average 20 miles per day.
Charging Time
The most common way to charge an electric vehicle is to have a home wallbox installed at your home and then simply plug your vehicle in overnight for a full charge, this can take between 6 to 8 hours for most electric vehicles from 0-100%.
Many electric models also have fast charging capabilities, allowing charging of between 60 - 200 miles of range in just 20 - 30 mins, depending on the model. Fast charging public chargers with DC fast charging can be found at fuel stations, restaurants, gyms, car parks, supermarkets etc and can be found and your route planned via your cars Connected Mobile Apps.
Drive and Performance
Electric vehicles use automatic transmission for a smooth and comfortable drive while optimizing driving efficiency. Acceleration and power output is, in many instances, greater than that of the combustion engine alternative, guaranteeing driver confidence in performance.
Buying an Electric Vehicle
With the sale of new petrol and diesel engine vehicles due to end by 2030, our vehicle manufacturers are launching a growing number of electric vehicles in various sizes, suitable for most requirements and available with multiple trim levels to choose from to customise to your desired look and feel.
Whilst the transaction price of an electric vehicle is higher than a combustion engine equivalent, running costs are significantly lower. Electric car drivers save hundreds of pounds thanks to lower servicing costs, exception from road fund licence and cheaper recharging costs compared to petrol and diesel.
Battery Life
Electric car batteries are covered by an 8 year warranty* and will see a gradual decrease in capacity to hold charge depending on factors such as outside conditions, driving habits and charging methods, although combustion engines also lose efficiency over time.
