What Are Electric & Hybrid Cars?

In most cases, motorists choose to drive vehicles with petrol or diesel engines, but electric and hybrid vehicles have increased in popularity. A recent study shows that our roads are occupied by 44% more EVs than just three years ago.

If you’re considering joining the growing list of electrified vehicle owners, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer a wide range for you to choose from, including:

Unfortunately, with new technology comes a whole lot of uncertainty; like how does each engine work and what are their individual advantages?

Read our quick summary below to help answer those questions!

A hybrid is powered by a conventional petrol engine and battery-powered electric motor which generates its energy on board. The work of driving is shared between the two sources in the best way possible. For example, the electric motor can boost the vehicle when climbing a hill without using extra fuel.

This method means there’s no need to plug-in and charge your car, simply keep it topped up with fuel like you would with a conventional car!

Advantages:

• No need to charge
• Drive for hundreds of miles on one tank of fuel
• Reduced running costs and air pollution
• No congestion charges
• Great for use in built-up areas

A mild hybrid sits between a conventional petrol car and a full hybrid. It uses a smaller battery and motor-generator to create electricity to boost the gas engine’s output. It allows the engine to be turned off when the car is coasting, braking or stopped, yet restart quickly when needed.

Advantages:

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Cheapest hybrid technology
• No need to charge

Often abbreviated to PHEV, this type works exactly how it sounds – by plugging it in to charge its batteries. The electric motor powers the car for part or all its journey before the combustion engine starts up too.

Charge through three pin plug, wall charge of ‘fast charger’. You can find your nearest charging point here.

Advantages:

• Lower CO2 emissions
• Increased fuel economy (compared to combustion-engine car)
• Avoid charges for driving in Low Emission Zones
• Greater electric range than conventional hybrids

An electric vehicle is powered by an on-board battery which needs to be charged when its power levels get low – just like a mobile phone.

Using a rapid charger, you can restore an electric cars battery to 85% in as little as 45 minutes! Fast chargers will fully charge in 3 to 4 hours. On full charge you can travel between 60 and 120 miles, depending on the vehicle model.

If you can’t have a charger fitted to your property you can always use any of the thousands of public charging points available across the UK. Find your nearest one here.

Advantages:

• Costs as little as £3-£4 for a full charge
• Cheap to maintain
• Has zero emissions
• Exempt from road tax and most congestion charging zones

If you'd like any more information, please feel free to contact your nearest Day's branch and our teams will be more than happy to help! Find our Ford, Fiat and Peugeot branches in Plasmarl, Gorseinon and Llansamlet in Swansea and Haverfordwest.