Differences between ICE, Hybrid and Electric Cars
The Tusker Car Benefit Scheme has cars of all fuel types so that your car fits with your lifestyle. Find out more about the differences between EV’s, Hybrid and traditional ICE (petrol/ diesel) vehicles.
Electric cars
The rapidly growing number of electric cars on the road means we’re all becoming quite familiar with Electric Vehicles. Totally electric with batteries large enough to cover the majority of scenarios, the very best of the breed rapid charge in around 30 minutes and deliver zero tailpipe emissions.
A growing public charging network and ever more capable battery technology means that an EV can actually fit into most lifestyles today. They also come with the added benefits of reduced maintenance, great performance, and near silent driving.
EVs are also the most cost effective way to save on the salary sacrifice scheme due to their attractive Benefit in Kind rates.
Is driving an EV different to a petrol or diesel car?
There are more EVs on the road than ever before, but if you’re new to electric cars, you’re probably wondering how different this brave new world is. While there are some changes – and many benefits – you needn’t worry about driving an EV. Fundamentally, it still operates like most other automatic cars.
1. Silence is golden
Electric cars aren’t powered by a series of small explosions like the engine of a combustion (petrol or diesel) model, instead instantaneous power is delivered from a battery and electric motor with this featuring very few moving parts. The net result is that electric cars are near silent, something that makes for a more relaxing driving experience.
2.Regenerative braking
EVs are all about efficiency, and so energy typically lost as you slow down in a combustion car is actually recaptured in an electric model. This system is called regenerative braking and it uses that otherwise lost energy and puts it back into the battery. From behind the wheel you’ll notice that the car naturally slows down faster with this effect able to be increased or decreased via the car’s settings. In its most aggressive mode, you can actually drive some EVs just using the accelerator with the car bringing itself to a stop. This is known as “one pedal” driving.
3. No more trips to the petrol station
One of the biggest differences is that you don’t fuel an EV with petrol or diesel. Plugging into a home charger or public charger tops up the battery just like in your mobile phone. Some EVs only need 30 minutes to charge the battery to 80% via rapid charging, and many have large batteries that reduce how frequently you’ll need to charge.
Plugging in at home is not only convenient, but you can also set your EV to take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs overnight which can also save you significantly compared to the petrol pump.
Find out more about Home Charging
4. Instant performance
Electric cars don’t build their power like a petrol or diesel car. Acceleration is instant, like turning on a light switch at home, making the driving experience rather empowering. Overall performance will be dictated by which EV you drive, but all possess that instant off-the-line punch that’s perfect for overtaking.
5. Most advanced technology
As car manufacturers focus on developing electric and hybrid cars, these models often have the most advanced technology and infotainment systems of all new cars available.
6. Environmental benefit
Electric cars don’t emit any local emissions, making the air around them much cleaner. Local cities are frequently banning or fining polluting cars, and so driving an EV might also be good for your wallet.
There is an argument about how the electricity you charge your car with is generated and how much CO2 that may cause, but increasingly charging an EV can be done via renewable sources so the environmental benefits can be even greater.
Electric Car Options on the Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
BMW 4 Series
Mercedes EQA
Polestar 2
Volkswagen ID.5
Hybrids
Hybrids are often a good choice for drivers who want to cut down their emissions and fuel use when compared with traditional petrol or diesel cars.But with the introduction of the Euro 6e-bis Regulations, which have been designed to provide stricter emissions measurement protocols for Plug-in Hybrids, it’s more important than ever for drivers to understand the different hybrid options to make sure they choose the right type that meets their needs.
Understanding the different hybrid options
You can split hybrids into four groups, mild hybrids (MHEVs), full hybrids (FHEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVS).It is important that when considering a hybrid vehicle, you understand these options so that you choose the car that best suits your driving style, your annual mileage, and your budget.
Mild hybrid
(i.e. Ford Puma EcoBoost Hybrid): The electric motor and internal combustion engine (ICE) work together to deliver power to the wheels. Regenerative braking is used to charge the battery as you drive, so there is no need to recharge the car.
Full hybrids
(i.e. Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid): These are considered the most versatile option, as they can run on the ICE engine, electric motor, or a combination of both. Like MHEVs, they use regenerative braking to help repower the battery, letting you enjoy even more time running on electric power and improving your overall fuel consumption.
Plug-in hybrids
(i.e. BMW 330e): As the name suggests, the hybrid needs plugging in to recharge the battery and the available electric miles depends on how big the car’s battery is. Compared to Mild and Full Hybrids, these have a larger battery which enables drivers to travel greater distances on battery power – sometimes up to 70 miles on the latest models. New Plug-in Hybrids will be affected by new Euro 6e-bis legislation, which could see them having a higher CO2 rating.
Find out more about Euro 6e-bis
Range-extended electric vehicles
(i.e. Mazda MX-30 R-EV): These are primarily electric vehicles, with an ICE back-up engine for when the battery is empty. The small petrol engine is only intended to recharge the electric motor and does not power the wheels.
Getting the best from your PHEV and REEV
PHEVs and REEVs can face challenges when not used as the manufacturer intended, as it can compromise reliability and the overall efficiency of the car.
For PHEV models, the EV battery can degrade over time through infrequent charging which reduces its range. PHEVs are primarily designed as petrol or diesel cars for longer trips, with the EV mode in place for shorter commutes, and occasional charging is enough to keep the battery in tip top condition.
For REEVs, however, the combustion engine acts solely as a range extender and is not connected to the wheels. The petrol engine in these cars is designed to be used infrequently, so too much reliance on it can lead to increased oil consumption in the short term that will potentially reduce the engine’s lifespan and overall reliability in the long term.
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is the key to keeping both fuel and battery efficiency at their best and will maximise enjoyment for hybrid drivers. It also avoids any unnecessary additional charges being passed on to the driver, if there’s damage caused by driving the car outside of how it’s intended to be.
Want to learn more about the Euro 6e-bis regulations?Hybrid Options on the Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
Audi A3
Cupra Formentor
Kia Sportage
Volvo xc40