One of the UK Government’s key goals is to reduce the CO2 emissions created in this country. One way they are looking to achieve this is by cutting back transport-related CO2 sources such as cars, which contribute heavily towards global warming patterns in our atmosphere. We are now being encouraged to opt for electric or hybrid vehicles, with legislation banning the production of diesel and petrol vehicles coming into effect in 2030.
The future of motoring is electric, and we need to make sure that the necessary infrastructure for this type of vehicle ownership exists. Hybrid cars will likely remain an important part in getting there; combustion powered vehicles can also play their role by transitioning gradually over time through the coming years into 2031 or beyond when they are finally be phased out entirely.
By 2035, all new cars sold in the UK must emit zero emissions from their exhausts. Although standard hybrids will continue to be phased out over time and possibly replaced with plug-in variants that can charge on demand or by using solar power; it remains unclear how long hybrid technology will remain before being ~replaced by another technological breakthrough.
But which is the best type of car for you – Hybrid, Plug-In or fully Electric? There are many things to consider when making this decision including cost efficiency and practicality. To help you determine what’s best for you, we created this handy guide.
Hybrid
Hybrid cars are perfect for those who want to save fuel and still get where they need be. They’re great in town because you can drive only short distances on batteries, usually not more than a mile or so at most! With stop-start conditions this means that when traffic gets bad (like during rush hour) there’ll always be power from your motor which takes over driving while stopping periodically, so it doesn’t add unnecessary smog into the atmosphere – but once things ease up again just flip a switch back over.
The electric motor helps during acceleration, so you’ll get more miles per gallon. But if your driving style tends towards quick accelerations then this may not make much of difference because the engine will still have plenty to do even with fuel alone.
When it comes to hybrids, the manufacturer’s claims for mpg and CO2 emissions may prove optimistic. However low official figures can be hugely relevant for company car taxpayers, thanks to reduced Benefit-in Kind liability – which means you pay less tax on an equal value vehicle with a hybrid engine.
Hybrid and mild-hybrid cars are an excellent choice for those who want to minimise the time spent on their car – You still fill up like you always have, rather than plugging in and charging. These types of vehicles also tend be less expensive than plug ins or EVs because they’ve been around longer – which means more choices available too.
Plug-In Hybrid Cars
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) share many similarities with standard Hybrids but with a few key differences. For instance, the battery is larger and can’t be recharged by driving as it does in a typical Hybrid – instead, like an EV you must charge your vehicle at electric vehicle charging station. You can expect to get around 20-50 miles out of a PHEV on battery power alone, but once it’s drained, you’ll solely rely upon the petrol or diesel engine.
When it comes to commuting, a PHEV can be extremely useful if your daily journey is shorter than the electric-only range. If this sounds like you, then you would only need to charge at home and theoretically you’ll never really have to use any petrol or diesel unless on long journeys. However, if you have a longer commute, then you may experience lower mpg figures once the battery has run out as due to the weight of the battery your car will be heavier, therefore will use more power and burn fuel at a higher rate.
Electric Cars
The electric car industry is booming, with more and more choices becoming available for drivers. These days you can get everything from city cars to superminis all the way up to family hatchbacks and SUVs. While there’s an option out there for everyone, depending on your budget – they’re linked by one thing: You’ll need to become accustomed to charging your vehicle whenever possible, whether that be at home, work, or out and about.
Charging times depend on the size of your car’s battery capacity and the capacity of your charger. The range for an individual driver is limited by their own personal needs, so finding a model that will meet all these specifications is something you must look out for when browsing your options.
Zero tailpipe emissions are where cars are headed, and fully electric cars are at the forefront of this change. To encourage consumers to make the switch, the UK government offers incentives to curb the initial cost of both the vehicle and chargers. This means there’s even more reason to invest now before the plug is pulled – Pardon the pun.
The Plug-In Car Grant offers up £1500 off most models costing between 3-32k or less – plus the OZEV grant of £350 off your home charge-point installation is available but ending soon.
EV’s can be an exceptional value for money investment. You’ll enjoy ultra-low fuel and maintenance costs, and for those who commute around 20 miles per day, you may only need to charge 2-3 times a week. A word of warning though – if you do drive a fair distance, you must plan your journey with stops for charging. You don’t want to be running out of juice in a rural town on the way to the caravan with no chargers in sight!