Types of Electric Vehicles
What options are there when purchasing an EV?
MHEV
A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) is a car that combines a traditional engine with a small electric motor and battery to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The electric motor assists the engine during acceleration and enables engine start-stop functionality when the vehicle is stationary, but it can't drive the car on its own for extended periods. MHEVs are a step towards more advanced hybrids and electric vehicles, offering some benefits of electrification without full electric driving capabilities.
PHEV
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a car that combines an internal combustion engine with a larger battery and an electric motor. It can be charged through an electrical outlet and driven on electric power for a limited range, typically around 20-50 miles, before the gasoline engine kicks in. This technology allows for reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, especially for short commutes, while still offering the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer trips.
BEV
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is an electric car that runs entirely on electricity stored in a large battery. It doesn't have a traditional internal combustion engine, producing zero tailpipe emissions. BEVs are charged through electrical outlets and offer a clean and quiet driving experience, making them environmentally friendly and suitable for short to long commutes, depending on the battery's range.
Benefits of Buying Electric
Explore the benefits of electric vehicles for you and the environment
Cost Savings
EVs have fewer moving parts, require less maintenance, and electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel as well as being more energy-efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles.
Help the Environment
EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as having a smaller carbon footprint, especially when charged with renewable energy.
Better Driving Experience
EVs provide instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration and a smoother driving experience. The heavy battery pack in EVs is often placed low in the chassis, improving stability and handling.
Easy Charging
EVs can be charged at home using a standard electrical outlet or a dedicated charging station, providing convenience for vehicle owners. Public charging networks are expanding, offering options for longer trips and increased EV adoption.
Home Charging Explained
There are two choices for charging an electric vehicle at home. The most common approach involves the installation of a home charging station. Alternatively, you can connect an electric vehicle directly into a three-pin socket, although it’s important to note that this method typically results in significantly extended charging duration.
Opting for a dedicated home charging station leads to quicker charging in comparison to using a standard household three-pin socket. The former provides a robust 7.4 kiloWatts (kW) output, a notable upgrade from the 2.3 kW generated by a regular domestic plug.
- To have this setup, you'll require the services of a certified electrician specialised in installing residential electric charging units.
- Access to off-road parking, like a private driveway, is a prerequisite.
- Charging points with a capacity of 7kW offer a driving range of 20 to 30 miles for every hour of charging.
The advertised home charging duration on our vehicles uses a 7.4kW home charge point at 0-100% charge or the nearest available kilo wattage to 7.4kW.
Charging an electric vehicle using a conventional home three-pin plug and socket is feasible; however, this choice is designed for sporadic usage and lacks the efficiency of a specialised charging point.
- The majority of three-pin plug chargers grant approximately 5-10 miles of driving range for each hour of charging.
- Off-road parking access remains a prerequisite.
- Cars must be directly connected to the socket and utilising an extension cord is not advisable.
Public Charging Explained
There are numerous public charging stations for electric vehicles available throughout the UK. These locations are commonly found at car parks, motorway services, roadside locations, and even repurposed petrol stations.
The cost of charging will fluctuate depending on the company operating the charging station. Generally, utilising public charging incurs a higher hourly cost compared to home charging, although certain companies provide reduced fees via monthly subscription plans.
Different charging stations will offer a range of different charging speeds. It’s also important to understand if your vehicle is compatible with certain charging ports. You can use tools like ZapMap to find charging points close to where you live and work.
The advertised public charging duration on our vehicles use the fastest charging time available over 22kW at 0-80%.
Electric Vehicle FAQs
Your questions answered about EVs
Electric vehicles, also known as EVs, are automobiles powered by electricity stored in high-capacity batteries. They operate without the need for fossil fuels, producing zero tailpipe emissions and offering a greener and more sustainable transportation solution.
One of the advantages of owning an electric car is the potential for reduced tax obligations. Electric vehicles often benefit from lower tax rates or exemptions, helping you save money while enjoying a cleaner mode of transportation.
East Sussex boasts a growing network of charging points strategically located throughout the county. Take a look at our charging points map to easily locate charging points near you.
Compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, electric cars generally have lower running costs. Charging an electric car is often cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel, and maintenance costs are usually lower due to fewer moving parts.
The charging time of an electric car depends on several factors, including the charging speed, battery capacity, and the type of charger used. Charging times can range from a few minutes for rapid chargers to several hours for slower charging options.
Electric vehicles tend to operate quietly due to their lack of internal combustion engines. However, to ensure pedestrian safety, some electric cars are equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which emits a sound to alert pedestrians of the vehicle's presence.