Electric & Hybrid

100% electric. Zero emissions. 

How it works:

Runs solely on electricity stored in a high-capacity battery.

Charging:

Must be plugged in to recharge. It can be charged at home or at public charging stations.

Driving range:

Typically, 150-350+ miles on a full charge, depending on the model.

Ideal for:

Eco-conscious drivers, urban commuters, and those with home charging access.

Pros:

• No tailpipe emissions
• Very low running costs
• Eligible for EV incentives

Cons: 

• Higher upfront cost: While Hybrids can be more expensive to buy, their lower running costs (fuel savings, reduced road tax, and potential government incentives) often offset the initial price over time. 

• Smaller battery range compared to EVs: Hybrids don’t go as far on electric power alone, but this means you get the best of both worlds: electric for short trips and petrol/diesel backup for long journeys with no range anxiety. 

• Potentially higher servicing costs: Hybrids have both an engine and electric components, but the electric motor reduces strain on the engine and brakes, often leading to less wear and longer lifespan for many parts. 

Electric + petrol/diesel for flexibility

How it works:

Combines an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. Can be driven using electricity, fuel, or both.

Charging:

The battery is charged by plugging in, but the engine takes over when the charge runs out.

Driving range:

Electric range typically 20-50 miles. The combined range is much longer.

Ideal for:

Short commutes with occasional longer journeys.

Pros:

• Lower emissions than petrol/diesel
• No range anxiety

Self-charging hybrid with petrol/diesel engine.

How it works:

Uses both an electric motor and a traditional engine. The battery is charged through regenerative braking, so no need to plug in.

Charging:

Self-charging does not require external charging.

Driving range:

Similar to traditional petrol/diesel cars, but more efficient as hybrid cars typically achieve 10-30% better fuel economy than their petrol/diesel equivalents. Some models (especially plug-in hybrids_ can return extremely high MPG figures if charged regularly and used mostly on short journeys.

Ideal for:

Drivers who want improved fuel efficiency without changing their driving habits.

Pros:

• No need to plug in
• Better fuel economy than conventional cars
• Reduced emissions in start-stop traffic

A boost of electric power for improved efficiency 

How it works:

Uses a small electric motor to assist the engine. Cannot drive on electric power alone.

Charging:

Self-charging via braking and coasting

Driving range:

Similar to petrol/diesel cars but with slight efficiency gains.

Ideal for:

Drivers looking to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy with minimal change.

Pro:

• Smooth performance with better efficiency
• Often cheaper than full hybrids or PHEVs
• No charging needed