There are 3 types of Electric vehicle available at present; Hybrid, Plug in Hybrid & Battery Electric vehicles.
Below is an explanation of what they each are.
Hybrid Vehicles (also known as HEVs). These are a self-charging vehicle that incorporates both internal combustion engine and electric drivetrain with battery in one vehicle.
It doesn’t require plugging in to replenish the battery as the engine charges the battery.
Hybrid vehicles do require fuel to power the combustion engine – however the overall economy is vastly improved as low-speed driving is typically powered by the battery which not only saves fuel but reduces the emissions in built up areas.
Popular early model Hybrid was the Toyota Prius – a favourite of urban taxi drivers and the world’s best-selling hybrid vehicle.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (also known as PHEVs). These are a blend of both internal combustion and electric vehicle. Unlike Hybrid’s they only charge the battery via a charger, not the engine itself.
You’ll need your own EV charger or access to a charging station near your home, or place of work.
It has the advantage of being able to run on the engine for longer journeys, but as a result these vehicles typically have a small range for the electric element of the vehicle.
Battery Electric Vehicles (also known as a BEVs). These are powered entirely by an electric battery – there is no internal combustion engine.
BEV vehicles do require a dedicated EV charger as the batteries have a much bigger capacity to enable a greater range than the plug in hybrid vehicles.
The advantages of a dedicated charger over a plug top charger are the lower energy prices available during off-peak hours in the night, as well as the quicker charge times – meaning your EV is fully charged when you leave the house in the morning.
Currently the government is incentivising the uptake of EV vehicles by offering road tax exemption as well as tax efficiency savings for businesses and users of company cars.
With around 40,000 public charging stations available across the UK at present and the number increasing exponentially year on year – BEV’s are the future.
