Why buy a hybrid or electric vehicle?
The technology behind hybrid and electric vehicles has improved a huge amount in the last few years – meaning there has never been a better time to consider one. These environmentally friendly cars blend sophisticated tech, sleek design and ergonomic interiors to meet every need of modern life with power, efficiency and flexibility across compact and more spacious models.
What are hybrid and electric cars?
Simply put, hybrids and electrics use electric motors and batteries as an alternative power source to petrol or diesel to drive the car. That might solely be with electricity, or with a battery working alongside a traditional internal combustion engine. There are loads of hybrid and electric car models in the TrustFord range, from SUVs and vans to sportier models.
Hybrid cars feature both a typical petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor with a large battery. There’s a selection of power modes to choose from, each designed to complement different driving needs.
Standard hybrid vehicles (HEVs) use the electric motor when pulling away and up to speeds of 15mph, with the petrol engine taking over automatically as the car speeds up. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can rely on purely electric power for up to 35 miles before the petrol engine is required; the driver is able to manually switch between power types. Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery and can be charged from an external electricity supply.
Some hybrid models only use the conventional engine to produce electricity for the battery and motor. These were developed to extend the maximum electricity-powered distances of hybrid cars, though this is becoming less of a concern as rapid developments mean the ranges of new all-electric cars continually increase.
All-electric cars are powered solely by electricity, resulting in zero emissions. The latest Ford Mustang Mach-E has a distance capacity of up to 370 miles on a single charge.
Hybrids and electrics come with several performance-assisting features that use smart technology to support improved range and fuel efficiency.
The main benefits of hybrid and electric cars
The benefits of hybrid and electric cars centre mainly on efficiency and environmental considerations, which can also bring financial benefits. These are achieved without sacrificing performance, comfort or the simple pleasure of driving.
- All hybrid and electric cars have lower CO2 emissions than cars running on petrol or diesel alone
- Cars in Ford’s range can be powered solely with electricity for up to 35 miles (hybrids) or can drive up to 370 miles with zero emissions (electric cars)
- Fuel costs are reduced, as electricity is cheaper than diesel and petrol. There may also be lower maintenance costs, particularly for electric cars with no conventional engine
- Hybrid and electric cars attract lower road tax (especially first-year road tax) and lower company car tax. Some models are also exempt from congestion charges
- A government grant of up to £3,500 is available towards the purchase of new electrified cars
Hybrid and electric cars: the pros and cons
Hybrid and electric cars are designed to withstand the demands of daily life without compromising on performance. Though they may not be the perfect match for everyone, they are certainly worth considering.
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Pros
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Cons
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Lower, or zero, CO2 emissions
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Higher purchase cost than some petrol/diesel cars
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Great for short journeys and urban driving
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Less fuel-efficient on motorways and fast A-roads
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Lower fuel costs
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Government grant available against purchase cost (some electric models)
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Flexibility to switch between electric and petrol/diesel power (hybrids)
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A hybrid’s ability to switch between its petrol (or diesel) engine and its electric one offers the flexibility to fuel a variety of journeys. A car’s CO2 emissions in towns and cities reduce significantly when an electric engine powers stop-start driving in slow traffic – and the internal combustion engine is ready to step in as soon as it’s needed, on longer drives or at higher speeds.
If you mostly use your car for short journeys, such as the school run or errands around town, electricity will likely already power the majority of your day-to-day driving. But an all-electric model could actually be the answer for all types of journey. Today’s electric vehicles can now travel far greater distances than when they first arrived on the road, conveying drivers for hundreds of miles before they need to stop to recharge.
Explore the TrustFord range of new hybrid and electric models, or search for a used car near you.