VEHICLE GUIDE

This guide aims to provide information and guidance to assess whether a full electric and/or plug in hybrid is the right choice for you and which types of products may best suit your needs.

 

Firstly, there are a few basic facts which may help:

 

• Full electric and plug in hybrids electric range will vary by make and model. Typically, those with a longer range will be more expensive than those with less. Additionally, plug in hybrids with a longer range will incur less benefit in kind taxation.

• Published vehicle electric ranges are only a guide and will depend on how the vehicle is driven and the journey type, therefore ordering a vehicle that only just meets your needs in terms of range is not wise.

• There are several types of charging stations. Different types of charging stations will take differing times to charge a vehicle. Similarly, different makes and models will take a different amount of time to charge to full battery from empty. Not all vehicles come with all charging cables as standard.

 

Which is the right fuel choice for you?

 

It is important to consider whether a full electric or plug in hybrid is going to meet your driving and lifestyle needs:

 

1. How long is your average journey?

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If your average journey is likely to be highly variant and/or regularly exceeds the mileage range of a chosen vehicle it may well be that full electric is not the right choice for you unless you have the time and available infrastructure to recharge during the day.

 

Plug in hybrids have the benefit of also working on a petrol or diesel engine so if you have run out of charge you have the option to keep going on regular fuel which removes much of the range anxiety.

 

2. How will you charge the vehicle?

 

The infrastructure of charging points (some of which are free) is ever increasing and can now be found at some places of work, service stations, supermarkets and fast food outlets. It is worth looking at your local area to see what is available and whether any of these would be practical for you.

 

If you are considering charging at your workplace you should consider the availability of charging points versus demand as more drivers adopt electric vehicles.

 

Visit www.zap-map.com and view their interactive map in your area. The website also has a useful journey planner for the times when you know you will exceed your maximum range and need to know the best place to stop and recharge.

The majority of both full electric and plug in hybrid drivers choose to recharge their vehicles at home.

 

3. Home Installation

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Installation of home charging points is recommended.

 

Charging on a regular 3 pin plug is very slow but may be suitable for plug in hybrid drivers who are less reliant on the range and are unlikely to need the use of the car in the evening. It is however worth checking if the use of a 3 pin is recommended for only occasional use as this varies by manufacturer.

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• Do you have off street parking?

• If you do have off street parking is this such that you will be able to get the vehicle close enough to the electrical socket to charge?

• Are you considering moving to a new house? If so, are you likely to be able to replicate the charging infrastructure at a new house?

• How up to date is your electrical wiring as this may impact your ability or cost to install a home charging point.

 

Vehicle Choice

 

The industry has seen a huge increase in the number of vehicles on offer over the last year and there are many more models due to come to market in the coming months. It is important to be aware that there are many differences in terms of range, cables and charging times between vehicles. Key questions to ask are:

 

• What is the electric range?

• How long does the vehicle take to charge from empty in a variety of charging scenarios (i.e. 3 pins, 3Kw, 7Kw, 22Kw)

• Which charging points can it be used in (i.e. not all vehicles can be used in a rapid charger)

• Which charging cables come as standard

 

With so many makes and models already available it can be a challenge to answer all these questions. We recommend you contact Fleetcare on 0114 272 9222 for any queries relating to electric and or plug in hybrid vehicles.

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