ELECTRIC & HYBRID VEHICLES

ELECTRIC & HYBRID VEHICLES

New to Electric Vehicles?  Find out the differences between MHEV, HEV, PHEV, and BEV.

Ford Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Range

Mazda Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Range

Which Vehicle Is Right For You?

The days when your only options were just a petrol or diesel engine are gone forever. Now, with Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and All-Electric Vehicles, you’re spoiled for choice.

Understanding all of that new technology can sometimes be a bit confusing. But with the right information, the power is in your hands.

If you’re considering making the switch to an electrified vehicle, then it’s important you understand the differences between them.

Once you understand what makes them different, it’s easier to see which vehicle will fit your lifestyle best. Learn more about Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and All-Electric Vehicles below.

MILD-HYBRID (MHEV)

A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) uses a battery-powered electric motor in support of a conventional petrol engine to improve efficiency and reduce emissions1. Mild hybrids use regenerative braking to charge the battery while driving. They don't charge from an external power source and are not capable of electric-only driving.

HYBRID (HEV)

A seamless blend of conventional and electric power. Hybrid vehicles have two sources of power. They can automatically switch between conventional mode, pure electric mode (for short distances) or use both to power the vehicle as needed.

PLUG-IN HYBRID (PHEV)

Plug In. Charge up. Improve Efficiency. Plug-in Hybrids have the two sources of power like a hybrid, but with a larger high voltage battery, enabling you to drive longer distances on all-electric power.

ALL-ELECTRIC (BEV)

100% Electric. Just charge it up and go. All-Electric cars are powered by electricity alone. This means they have to be charged before you can drive.

CHARGING THE BATTERY

Learn about how the battery on each type of electric vehicle can be charged by exploring the sections below.

 

REGENERATIVE BRAKING

All four electric vehicle types use regenerative braking to charge the battery. While braking, the motor is still spinning even though the car is trying to slow down. Regenerative braking captures this typically wasted energy to create electricity, which charges the battery.

HYBRID

There's no need to plug in your vehicle for charging. Hybrid vehicles are able to recharge the battery in two ways: 1. Regenerative braking & 2. Conventional engine. The conventional engine powers the generator which transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the battery.

PLUG-IN HYBRID (PHEV)

The larger battery in Plug-in Hybrids can be plugged-in to charge. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle behaves like a conventional hybrid with the engine running when required.

ALL-ELECTRIC (BEV)

An all-electric vehicle, also known as an EV, runs on 100% battery power and charges from an electric charging point. That means zero fuel and zero emissions driving.