Types of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles Explained.

Everything you wanted to know about hybrid, fully electric and fuel cell cars.

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    Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) A mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) has a battery-powered electric motor that’s used to support a traditional diesel or petrol combustion engine in certain situations, such as during acceleration. The motor improves efficiency and reduces emissions. As regenerative braking is used to charge the battery, there’s no need to connect to a power supply.
    Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Plug-in hybrids take the electric power up a notch compared to MHEVs. A bigger and more powerful battery is used to support the combustion engine, meaning PHEV vehicles can travel short distances on electric-only power - perfect for those inner city adventures. The battery must be regularly charged to benefit from the full electric capabilities of a plug-in car.
    Electric (BEV) Offering zero-emissions motoring, electric vehicles are the future. All new car sales will be electric by 2035, so it’s a good idea to explore making the switch now. Electric vehicles don’t have any kind of combustion engine. Instead, a battery pack powers an electric motor, with many cars offering impressive electric-only ranges of over 100 miles. Electric vehicles must be plugged into a power supply to recharge.
    Hybrid (FHEV) Like the mild-hybrid, a self-charging or full hybrid has a small battery to support the petrol or diesel engine. The key difference is that a hybrid can travel very short distances on electric-only power. As the name suggests, there’s no need to plug this type of vehicle in.
    Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEV) Self-charging hybrids, otherwise called Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles are more commonly known as Hybrids. The battery charges whilst you drive via regenerative braking, combing a hybrid battery and conventional combustion engines.

    They have less electric range than plug-in versions, can drive short distances on electric power alone. Ideal for short trips around town at lower speeds.

    Benefits of Owning an Electric Vehicle

    Electrified Driving with Uncompromised Power

    There are many benefits to electric vehicle ownership. As well as reducing your carbon footprint and being kinder on the environment, they offer exemption from fees in low-emissions zones, and lower or zero vehicle excise duty (VED). Not only that, but charging a pure electric vehicle is cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel, particularly if you take advantage of off-peak, home charging periods and plug in your car overnight. As there are fewer moving parts, servicing and maintenance also tends to be more affordable, so why not make the switch sooner rather than later?

    Capital allowances on electric cars - Businesses can claim ‘enhanced capital allowance’ (a type of 100% first year allowance) on all new electric cars and vans with zero CO2 emissions.
    Tax free on pure electric cars - Tired of expensive car tax? By going electric before 2025, you’ll pay zero road tax for your vehicle. You’ll need to register for tax, but it won’t cost you a penny.
    Congestion charge exemptions - All-electric vehicles are exempt from charges incurred by low emissions zones. This means that should you travel through one, you won’t pay any fees.
    Choosing the Electric Vehicle to Suit You. An Efficient Vehicle for Every Lifestyle Find the right electric vehicle for you and reduce your emissions in a way that suits your budgets, travel requirements and lifestyle.
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    Ford plug-in hybrid range

    Plug-in hybrid power offers the best of both worlds: a comfortable pure electric range and the support of a combustion engine for longer journeys. Discover Ford’s current PHEVs below.

    Ford electric range

    Ford’s all-electric range may be in its infancy, but the models available are impressive.

    Electric Vehicles for Businesses

    Electrify your business feet and enjoy affordable, sustainable and future-proof fleet management.

    Electric travel is the future. Fact. So why not upgrade your business fleet now and lead the way when it comes to low-emissions motoring? Here at M53 Ford, we tailor our approach to meet your needs and will showcase the very best of Ford electric. Whether you’re looking for a nimble city runner like the efficient Ford Puma for urban tasks or an all-electric commercial van capable of impressive range, we can help. Speak to our expert Ford business team today and find out how to future-proof your fleet.

    Key Benefits Include

    Electrifying your business comes with many benefits. These include:

    • Tax benefits for electric company cars
    • Low-emissions zone exemptions
    • Access to government grants
    • Workplace Charging Scheme eligibility
    • Low running and maintenance costs

    Electric Vehicle Explained

    With the sale of combustion engine cars set to be phased out by 2035, electric vehicles are very much in the spotlight. But what exactly are they and how are they beneficial to modern living? First and foremost, fully-electric vehicles run on 100% battery power and therefore release absolutely no carbon emissions. This is significant from an environmental perspective, but it can also benefit you financially. This is because EVs require no fuel. Make the most of off-peak charging times and you could make significant savings.

    An electric powertrain doesn’t mean compromised performance either. In fact, many zero-emissions vehicles offer electric ranges of over 200 miles, meaning you can travel far and wide without having to recharge. As there are now many charge points dotted around the country, finding somewhere to charge is also easy. Many workplaces even have charging stations to encourage their employees to go green. Rapid DC charging is available at many service stations, making electric travel easy. EVs also offer instant torque, smooth, shift-free acceleration and quiet running for a pleasant experience.

    As EVs are kinder on the environment due to their lack of combustion engine, you can also enjoy government incentives, reduced road tax and lower servicing costs. Contact us today about upgrading your current EV or making the switch to greener travel.

    FAQs

    Here at M53 Ford, we want to make your buying journey as easy as possible. If you have any questions about electric motoring, check out our Ford electric FAQs below. Alternatively, speak to our experienced team to discuss your requirements.

    What is the range of an electric car?

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    Electric car ranges vary considerably depending on the size of the battery and whether the car is fully electric or hybrid. Ford plug-in hybrids can drive up to 41 miles on battery power alone. All-electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E, on the other hand, have larger batteries and can drive up to around 379 miles on a full charge.

    Do I need to pay road tax for an electric car?

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    Fully-electric cars aren’t subject to any road tax until 2025, although a charge does apply to cars costing over £40,000. Discounts are also available for other more efficient vehicles.

    How do I charge an electric car?

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    There are many ways to charge an electric car. With a Ford Connected Wallbox, you can charge your electric vehicle at home. You can also have an industrial socket outlet installed for faster charging or plug into a regular domestic socket. Public charging is easy too. There are thousands of charging stations dotted around the country. Public AC and DC charging points are widely available depending how much charge you need and how much time you have to wait.

    How long does it take to charge an electric car?

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    This depends on what charging outlet you use. A public AC charger (11-22kW) offers around 25 miles of range per hour (RPH). A 50kW DC charger however can deliver around 100 miles of RPH. A 150kW DC Charger is the fastest option, adding up to 200 miles of RPH.