Introduction to Electric & Hybrid

Unless your head has been in the clouds you will have noticed that the motor industry is awash with electric vehicles. We all understand that they are better for the environment but the terminology used when we talk about electric or hybrid vehicles can be confusing. Here at Winchester Motor Group we are dedicated to providing our customers with useful information that helps them make better decisions about their car investments. So we have produced a simple introductory guide to electric and hybrid vehicles.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Electric Vehicles (EVs) or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) use fully electric motors powered solely by a battery. ŠKODA’s electric iV models are powered by cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries. Each car has an innovative battery management system which monitors the battery function and keeps the driver alerted to the battery charge and other car health indicators.

Regenerative braking reuses the kinetic energy produced during the braking process to assist with recharging the battery. However this alone is not enough and because Electric Vehicles are solely battery powered, they require recharging.

Recharging can be done in three ways; via a standard three pin home power outlet, a home wall box which may have to be specially installed, or via rapid charge points which can be found in public areas.

The main draw of electric vehicles is that they produce zero emissions. This means they are environmentally friendly and also free from road tax. Practicalities aside, they are also an absolute joy to drive. Smooth and silent, you have to drive one to understand how serene the experience is.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are more commonly known as hybrids. They use a mixture of a traditional petrol or diesel combustion engine and a battery motor to power them.

They are charged in the same way as a BEV and can be extremely fuel efficient. Particularly on short journeys where only the electric power is used, fuel consumption will be significantly reduced when compared with a standard engine.

A PHEV can typically travel around 30 miles on battery only, at which point there will be a seamless transition over to the petrol/diesel engine power.

Drivers who are keen to move to something more economical but are not convinced enough to plunge into a fully electric car, often choose a PHEV.

Battery Power

ŠKODA’s lithium-ion batteries and the technology that surrounds them are the most advanced and reliable available. These batteries retain their charge for impressive lengths of time and their performance doesn’t diminish over time, which is often a concern for new electric vehicle drivers.

ŠKODA’s electric range

Currently available in the ŠKODA electric range is the Citigo E-iV; his all electric city car is nippy and agile around towns and is hugely popular amongst new drivers and commuters. The Octavia iV is a PHEV that still delivers the performance you’d expect from this popular model, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds. And finally the Superb iV, an executive PHEV with a truly luxurious edge. The Superb has a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine running alongside its electric motor.

ŠKODA is investing €2billion in alternative driving systems over the next 5 years so more models will follow. Next in line for release is the Vision iV, an all electric crossover coupe with a range of over 300 miles. That’s a game changer right there.

To find out more about any of the ŠKODA iV line, contact Winchester Motor Group. We will be happy to answer your questions, whether they be about electric vehicles in general or the ŠKODA range.