Question 1

What are the different types of Hybrid and Electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

1. Full Hybrid.
A full hybrid is a car which can drive under its own electric power, petrol or a combination of both power sources. The electric motor is capable of driving the wheels under full power for a short distance, although most of the time the car will be driven by a mixture of combustion engine and electric motion. These hybrid vehicles are sometimes called 'parallel hybrids' and their batteries are typically small-capacity and are optimised for mixed running in daily driving, rather than extended distances.
 
2. Mild Hybrid.
A mild hybrid car is one which cannot drive under electric power alone; the electric motor is only used as assistance, and as a way to sometimes cut emissions. Some manufacturers use this for energy-saving systems, designed to cut the engine at standstill and harvest power during deceleration. The vehicle can never run on electric power alone and the wheels are never turned by an e-motor, but the drivetrain uses an electric-powered fuel-saving tech to reduce consumption. Mild hybrid is often also used to refer to a stop-start system, cutting the combustion engine at lights to save fuel.
 
3. Plug-In Hybrid or PHEV
The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle can be plugged in to a mains electricity source to charge up the batteries when you’re at home or on a long journey. This means you can drive with a full battery in full zero-emissions EV mode. They typically have bigger battery capacities to enable their longer electric range (typically around 20-30 miles today). 
 
4. Range Extender or REX Hybrid
A Range-Extender electric vehicle, has an internal combustion engine to act as a generator to charge the battery of an EV, rather than to drive the wheels.  These range-extenders are also sometimes called a series hybrid (so named because the electric motor always drives the wheels - the internal combustion engine  is plumbed straight into the electric drivetrain, rather than the wheels on the road.
 
5. Full Electric
A full Electric Vehicle (EV) relies solely on a large capacity battery pack to power the motor and all ancilliary equipment in the vehicle. It must be charged in order for it to operate. Typically, owners of these vehicles should be able to see ranges of 200 miles + on a single charge.

Question 2

Can EV-Hybrid service my Electric Vehicle/Hybrid car?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Most of the mechanical aspects of car servicing remain the same for Hybrid vehicles. However, there are a few additional checks that are required as part of our comprehensive Hybrid car servicing. Our trained technicians follow servicing processes that are designed to meet the needs of all Hybrid vehicles, whatever their condition.  
This includes:
 • Performaing a diagnostic check on the Hybrid battery health
 • Checking the charging port and high voltage cables
 • Checking the inverter coolant
 • Checking the brake binding

Question 3

Are your technicians Hybrid qualified?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Our technicians go through rigorous training to ensure they can correctly and safely service Hybrids to the same standards as a main dealer. Further safety precautions must be taken when working with high voltage systems found in Hybrid vehicles and we ensure these are strictly adhered to.

Question 4

Can you advise me on the most appropriate Hybrid or EV for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We monitor the market very closely and can advise the most suitable vehicle type based on your lifestyle.  Get in touch with us for an initial chat and we can help to source a vehicle for you.

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