Renault Electric and Hybrid Cars Explained

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    Mild Hybrid (MHEV) A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) is driven by a combustion engine, electric motor and battery. In the case of an MHEV, the electric motor (which is powered by the battery), assists the combustion engine during acceleration and cruising – it can’t power the car in its own right. An MHEV’s battery is self-charging.
    Hybrid (HEV) A full hybrid vehicle (FHEV) has a combustion engine and an electric motor, which is powered by a battery. While FHEVs run chiefly on fuel, the motor provides instant torque and power boosts – and at low speeds and for a limited time, it can deliver the sole source of power. FHEVs are typically more efficient and produce fewer CO2 emissions than regular cars, and they’re self-charging, which means there’s no need to plug them in.
    Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a very similar set up to an FHEV. The main difference is that a PHEV’s higher capacity battery allows the vehicle to run on electric-only power for short distances; this is referred to as ‘electric range’ or just ‘range’. PHEVs are much more affordable to run than their petrol/diesel-only counterparts and they produce considerably fewer emissions. A PHEVs battery requires external charging, which can be done at home, at work or at a public charging station.
    Electric An electric vehicle (EV) features an electric motor, which is powered by a battery; it’s by far the most efficient type of car, as well as being entirely carbon neutral. While the battery requires external charging, this is easily achieved at home, at work or out and about. EVs are cheaper to maintain than regular or hybrid cars because an electric drivetrain has fewer working parts.

    Benefits of electric vehicle ownership

    There are many advantages to owning an electric or hybrid vehicle. For example, an EV is extremely quiet because it contains fewer drivetrain components; consequently, it delivers a very relaxing motoring experience.

    Let’s take a look at some more electric/hybrid benefits…

    Government incentives - Not only are EVs exempt from congestion charges and fees in clean air zones, some can also be obtained with a government grant to help reduce the cost. The Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) can help with the costs of installing a home-charging system too.
    Low running costs - Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are all cheaper to run than petrol and diesel options, with EVs being the most cost-effective. Fewer moving parts under the bonnet also means lower maintenance costs.
    Environmental benefits - Electrified vehicles emit less CO2 and NOx than their petrol/diesel equivalents, with EVs and PHEVs producing by far the fewest emissions.
    Choosing the Vehicle to Suit You. Your Vehicles. Your Way. Anywhere. With our range of electric, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, we’re confident we can pair you with an efficient car or van that meets all of your motoring requirements.

    Electric vehicles for businesses

    Electric and hybrid vehicles benefit a wide range of motorists, including business users. Indeed, since PHEVs – and EVs, in particular – are very cost-efficient to run, they have proven to be very popular with businesses big and small. What’s more with low-emissions and even zero-emissions motoring options available, your business has the opportunity to enjoy eco-friendly kudos.

    Key benefits include

    • EVs, in particular, are easier to maintain and cheaper to run
    • Reduced tax liabilities
    • No congestion charges for EVs
    • Lower taxation on PHEVs – and especially on EVs
    • Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax relief

    Electric vehicles explained

    An EV is powered by an electric motor, which in turn is powered by a high-capacity battery. EVs are ultra-efficient and produce zero CO2 emissions, which means they’re very affordable to run and maintain – and entirely carbon neutral. While an EV’s battery requires external charging, this can easily be achieved at home, at work or out and about.