Did you know there are various types of electric vehicles? As well as fully electric cars we have a selection of hybrid vehicles, all of which offer lower emissions compared to internal combustion engines, making them more economic and easier to run!
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
All-Electric cars are powered by electricity alone. This means they have to be charged before you can drive.
Plug In Hybrid (PHEV)
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.
Self-Charging Hybrid (HEV)
Hybrid vehicles have two sources of power.
They can automatically switch between conventional mode, pure electric mode or use both to power the vehicle as needed.
Mild Hybrid (MHEV)
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.
So now you know what types of electrification are available, how do they compare?
Battery Electric Vehicle | Plug In Hybrid (PHEV) | Self-Charging Hybrid (HEV) | Mild Hybrid (MHEV) | |
Motor Type | Electric | Electric and combustion engine | Electric and combustion engine | Electric and combustion engine |
Charging Point Needed? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
How do I charge the battery? | Plug in to charging point | Plug in to charging point | The battery is charged by the engine | The battery is charged by the engine |
Is petrol/ diesel needed? | No | Yes, if the battery needs charged | Yes | Yes |
Does the battery power the car? | Yes | Yes, plus 50% petrol/diesel | Yes, plus 50% petrol/diesel | No, mainly powered by petrol/diesel |
Road Tax | £0 | Lower than a petrol/ diesel car | Lower than a petrol/ diesel car | Lower than a petrol/ diesel car |
Fully Electric Driving Range | Up to 350 miles (depends on model) | Up to 30 miles of pure EV driving | Up to 30 of pure EV driving | Powered by petrol/diesel |
At Pat Kirk Ltd our staff are fully trained in electrification. From mild hybrid vehicles to plug in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles, we have something for everyone… whether you are an ‘Electric Expert’ or new to the world of electric vehicles and just want to know more – our sales team are here to help.