What is a plug-in hybrid?As with an MHEV, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a petrol engine and an electric motor and battery. The latter offers greater capacity than is possible with an MHEV, and this allows the vehicle to run on electric power alone. For instance, the Transit Custom PHEV offers a maximum all-electric 27-mile range. Moreover, PHEVs are more affordable to run than purely fuel-driven and mild-hybrid equivalents – and they produce fewer CO2 emissions.
What is a mild hybrid?A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) features a combustion engine and an electric motor, the latter of which is powered by an on-board battery. The electric motor assists the combustion engine, providing it with regular boosts of power. However, the electric motor can’t be used to propel the vehicle on its own. Nevertheless, mild-hybrid batteries are conveniently self-charging, which occurs via regenerative braking and deceleration.
What is an electric vehicle?Electric vehicles (EVs) run on an electric motor, which is powered by a battery that requires regular charging. However, they offer considerably greater range than a plug-in hybrid. For example, the E-Transit is capable of travelling up to 196 miles between charges. An EV is very affordable to run and maintain, and since it produces zero CO2 emissions, it’s exempt from traffic-pollution charges.
Reasons to go electric
Reliable and cost-effectiveElectric vehicles, in particular, are very cost-effective to run. This is because it’s cheaper to charge a battery than it is to top up an engine with fuel. What’s more, an EV drivetrain has fewer working parts, which means that it's less apt to go wrong and is therefore cheaper to maintain.
Instant performanceA vehicle fitted with an electric motor (e.g. an EV, PHEV or MHEV) is provided with instant torque, which means more responsive acceleration. Furthermore, at higher speeds, a PHEV or MHEV’s combustion engine is provided with an extra electric power boost.
Range that goes the distanceIf your business operates chiefly within cities or towns, a PHEV represents a good solution because it offers decent all-electric range between charges. Of course, if you need to travel longer distances, its petrol engine will pick up the slack. An EV, on the other hand, delivers a considerably longer electric range.
Lower taxationEVs incur no Vehicle Excise Duty because they produce zero emissions, which is one reason why they’re so attractive to businesses. Certain low-emission vehicles, such as the E-Transit, are eligible for a plug-in grant too. Also, if employees are permitted to make significant private use of their company van, they’ll likely be eligible for Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax relief.
Fast charging has arrivedIt’s now possible to enjoy the advantages of fast charging at home and at work via a dedicated fast-charging wallbox. Moreover, the majority of public connectors offer fast-charging capability, while many offer the extra convenience of rapid charging.
Contribute to a greener futureAn MHEV is more eco-friendly than its fuel-driven counterpart – and PHEVs and especially EVs are even more so.
