What is the difference between Electric and Hybrid Vehicles?

Are you ready yet to make the switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle?  Here at Hartwell we have various options for your next vehicle. Whether you only drive the kids to school and the odd holiday each year or you commute to and from work, we can find the right vehicle to suit your requirements. Our handy Electric Calculator is a helpful tool to assist you in making your choice. We also understand that the jargon can be a lot to wrap your head around, so the below information should help.

All-Electric Vehicles (EV) do not have a conventional engine and run entirely on battery power alone. Fully-charged range varies from 100 miles on order cars, up to 300+ miles on new models.

Hybrid Vehicles (HEV) are capable of driving short distances on electric power alone. Although, most of the time, the car will be drive by a mixture of combustion engine and electric motion. These vehicles charge themselves automatically while driving. 

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) have all the functionality of Hybrid vehicles, with the added advantage that they can be charged from an external electricity supply. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles can operate on electric power of journeys up to 30 miles.

Mild Hybrid Vehicles (MHEV) can't be driven purely on electric battery and motor. It utilises an internal combustion engine which is assisted by an electric motor. These vehicles charge themselves automatically while driving.

All types of Electric and Hybrid vehicles utilise regenerative braking. Whereby the battery is automatically recharged during coasting and braking.

Applicable for: 

• Electric Vehicles
• Hybrid Vehicles 
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
• Mild Hybrid Vehicles

Full-Electric and Hybrid Vehicles can be charged using a domestic three-point plug. However, this will take much longer than other charging methods due to limited power availability. 

Applicable for: 

• Electric Vehicles
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

A wallbox charger can be installed at your home, allowing you to plug in your vehicle overnight and guarantee a full charge in the morning.

Applicable for: 

• Electric Vehicles
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

With an ever-growing network of over 100,000 charging point across Europe, public charging points offer the fastest charging method. With some able to deliver 200+ miles of range per hour.

Applicable for: 

• Electric Vehicles
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles