Once a distant vision of the space age world, electric cars and hybrids are quickly becoming a more common sight on UK roads, helped by competitive prices and impressive performance. Choosing the right electric vehicle or hybrid can be a tricky task with multiple factors to consider.
Electric vehicles, in the purest of form, are referred to as BEVs, or Battery Electric Vehicles. Containing no combustion engine and being battery powered by an on-board electric motor, it is recharged from a mains supply, whether this be at your home, work, or multiple charging points increasingly popping up throughout the country. Popular examples include the Nissan Leaf and Citroen’s C-Zero. Alternatively, the Plug-In Hybrid combines both battery sourced electricity and traditional fuel consumption to achieve maximum fuel efficiency, with the additional benefit of being able to run your car solely from the green electrical source if you choose. Similar to the pure electric approach, the Plug-In hybrid is charged at points, although it can run solely from the petrol or diesel engine located on board. A perfect example of the Plug-In Hybrid is Toyota’s Prius Plug-In, although the option to choose pure electrical power is also available with this particular model.
Considered a game changer, a new approach to greener driving comes in the form of Hybrids that don’t require plug-in charge for the electrical side of things. Available in Toyota’s Hybrid Yaris, Auris, Prius and Prius +, the charge is effectively achieved through the power of the engine’s drive, naturally occurring as you motor along
In all electric vehicle types, the next-gen battery versions include lithium-ion and lithium-polymer cells, providing improved performance and the harnessing of regenerative braking technology, effectively using braking energy to re-charge the on-board battery, increasing fuel efficiency on average by 20%. A real benefit from electric vehicles is the lower emissions, being both easier on the environment and your finances. Also, the majority qualify for zero road tax, an added bonus when considered with cheaper running costs.
Whether you are negotiating hectic urban driving or longer journeys, the Electric and Hybrid range available at Howards will have the right model for you. As with all our vehicles, we always aim to find the perfect fit to your lifestyle and recommend a test drive at your local dealership to help find the right match!