Alternative Fuels
Alternative Fuels

There are lots of things to consider when choosing a new car, but fuel type is one of the most important when it comes to running costs, affordability and environmental impact. The Motability Scheme offers petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric vehicles to give you as much choice as possible – but what is right for you?

Below we have explained all four, and what they actually mean.

MILD HYBRID (MHEV)

A small-Electric motor that helps improve efficiency.

Mild Hybrid vehicles have two sources of power that work together –a conventional engine and a battery -driven electric motor. The electric motor does not power the car. It simply assists it. 

HYBRID (HEV)

A seamless blend of conventional and electric power.

Hybrid vehicles have two sources of power. They can automatically switch between conventional mode, pure electric mode (for short distances)or use both to power the vehicle as needed. 

PLUG-IN HYBRID (PHEV)

Plug In. Charge up. Improve Efficiency.

Plug-in Hybrids have the two sources of power like a Hybrid, but with a larger high voltage battery, enabling you to drive longer distances on All-Electric power. 

ALL-ELECTRIC (BEV) 100% Electric.

Just charge it up and go.

All-Electric cars are powered by electricity alone. This means they have to be charged before you can drive.

HOME CHARGING SOLUTION FREE OF CHARGE FOR FULLY ELECTRIC VEHICLES

We know that many of our customers are interested in electric vehicles but are concerned with charging them. One of the great things about leasing an electric car through the Motability Scheme is that the home chargepoint is included at no extra cost for customers leasing their first pure battery electric vehicle. Having a chargepoint fitted at your home is the most convenient and cost-effective way of charging your electric car.

To get a home chargepoint fitted you must have off-road parking, for example a driveway or garage. Once your application for an electric car has been accepted, we will allocate you to one of our approved chargepoint installers. All our installers will help you through the process of having the specialist 7KW chargepoint installed. You’ll need to take some photos of where you want the charger fitted and your fuse board too.

If you do not own your property or if it is a flat or leasehold you will need to seek permission to have a home charge point installed. You should also consider whether you are likely to move to a new house during your lease. Motability Operations will only pay for the installation of the chargepoint at the start of your first lease for a pure electric car, so if you move you may need to install a new chargepoint which could cost you around £750.

A chargepoint will only be installed for pure electric vehicles that have no other power source and are reliant on specialist charge points. Customers choosing a Plug-in Hybrid, which can generally be charged using a conventional 3 point plug, but can also use fuel to power the engine, are not eligible for this support.

If you are unable to fit a home charging point at your property, then instead you’ll be given access to a network of charging points for easy on-street charging. Alternatively, we may allow you to have the chargepoint fitted at one of your approved drivers’ address, but you must contact us to discuss this and get approval. As we will only pay for one chargepoint to be fitted at the start of your first electric lease, you must be really sure that you will not change drivers during the course of your lease.

Our in-house Motability Specialist Michelle is happy to help those entitled to find the best car suitable for their needs, with options available from the Nissan, Ford and Mazda Ranges. If you have any enquiries or would like to arrange a chat with Michelle, do not hesitate to contact her by using the form below!

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