With electrified vehicles gaining attention in the media and popularity on the roads, more drivers are reviewing their options when then time comes to upgrade their vehicle. But what is the difference between hybrid and electric? And what types of Hybrid are there? We’re here to explain…
✔ No fuel
✔ No Emissions
✔ Low running costs
✔ Low Maintenance
A self-charging hybrid is a vehicle that relies predominantly on its internal combustion engine, which is usually petrol fuelled, but which uses an electric motor to support performance. There is no need to plug the battery into an external power source in order to recharge it, hence the term ‘self-charging’. Instead, the battery is recharged by the engine, and using systems such as regenerative braking, which stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, for later use.
Due to the small size of the battery a self-charging hybrid has a very limited electric-only range – usually no more than a couple of miles. An ideal time to use it would be in traffic or when entering a restricted emissions zone. The electric motor is there primarily to add a boost during acceleration and to improve fuel efficiency.
✔ Self-charging
✔ No need to plug in
✔ Lower CO2 emissions compared to petrol cars
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine (usually petrol) and a larger battery pack that provides much more support, as well as a larger electric-only range. The battery must be plugged into a power source – such as a home wall box or public charging point – in order to charge, and many models will automatically select the most appropriate power source for the circumstances. For example, electric-only power would be selected for low-speed, urban driving, while the engine kicks in on the motorway.
A typical electric-only range for a PHEV in 20 to 30 miles, meaning most daily commutes can easily be completed without the use of the engine. That said, if the battery is too cold or too hot, or the multimedia and air conditioning systems are drawing a lot of power, the engine will provide the necessary support to propel the car.
✔ Electric range is great for daily commuting
✔ Tax benefits
✔ Lower emissions
✔ Benefits for company car drivers
✔ Cheapest type of hybrid vehicle
✔ Uses a smaller battery
✔ Provides support for acceleration and cruising.
Absolutely. Here at Vantage Motor Group our dedicated staff will be more than happy to assist with any queries you have regarding our Electric and Hybrid Range.
You can view our entire Electric and Hybrid used vehicles via the link below.
We have a wide range of offers for Electric & Hybrid vehicles. Follow the link below and choose your preferred make.
If your Hybrid vehicle is not being driven for an extended period of time then it may need recharging. In the unlikely event that the battery discharges completely, the petrol engine will start the car.
Your Hybrid service will cost you no more than a regular service and, at Vantage Toyota, includes a battery health check which extends the battery warranty by another year, or 10,000 mile, beyond your standard 5 year Toyota warranty, up to 15 years.
The Self-Charging Hybrid vehicle is designed so that the battery never runs out of charge as it is charged by the petrol engine as you drive.
EV mode is where the electric motor can exclusively drive the car without depending on the petrol engine. Hybrid vehicles can drive in electric mode for up to 50% of your journey, allowing you to generate zero emissions during this period.
Most Hybrid vehicles are automatic but not all are. However, all Toyota Hybrids are automatic as it enables for a smoother, more relaxing driving experience.
Yes, Hybrid vehicles provide up to 30% better fuel economy to a comparable petrol engine. This is because the conventional engine is not needed for power when driving in electric mode and so less fuel is used on journeys.
Yes, the petrol engine and the electric motor work together to give your car a boost when at high speeds and when you are overtaking. Hybrid vehicles are also quiet, efficient and comfortable which is ideal for motorway cruising.