Plug-in hybrids use both electricity and gasoline or diesel, and an experienced car dealer in Ipswich shared why they’re becoming so popular and how they can save money.
The government intends to ban sales of new gasoline and diesel cars from 2030 and is offering financial assistance to those who wish to make the switch.
Dan Le Cocq works at Donald’s Ipswich garage on Crane Boulevard and believes there are a number of misconceptions about hybrid electric cars flying around.
Dan Le Cocq of Donald’s Garage Ipswich on Crane Boulevard
– Credit: WPR Agency
He said; “Investing in something unknown can be a daunting experience, especially something as important and important to everyday life as a car.
“Contrary to popular belief, the basics of hybrid vehicles have been around for more than a century – although there have obviously been some major technological advances during that time.”
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- Hybrid electric vehicles are a new technology:
Although hybrid cars may seem like a 21st century product, the technology actually dates back to 1900, when Ferdinand Porsche produced the first known gas-electric hybrid prototype.
Five years later, the American engineer H. Piper applied for the first patent for a gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
Unlike today, little attention was paid to the environmental impact of gasoline vehicles in the 20th century, so they simply became the dominant technology by default. -
Driving a hybrid electric vehicle is different from driving a gasoline or diesel car and requires that you change the way you drive: This is not at all true, most people don’t even realize they are driving a plug-in hybrid.
Since the technology in the car automatically detects whether using the electric motor, the gasoline engine or both together is most efficient, no behavior change is required – control remains firmly in the driver’s seat. -
Hybrid electric vehicles are more expensive than gasoline engines: Plug-in hybrids are highly efficient, making them a good choice when it comes to saving money in the long term.
Some plug-in hybrids have an all-electric range of up to 60 km, which is more than the average daily commute in the UK.
That means it is possible not to spend a dime on gasoline during the week, but have the option to use gasoline for a longer trip on the weekend.
For most people, the electricity to charge the car costs significantly less than the fuel to drive the corresponding mileage on electricity alone. -
Hybrid electric vehicles take too long to charge: People often say that one of the biggest barriers to buying a hybrid car is that they’ve heard that it takes days to charge – which it really doesn’t.
It only takes three hours to fully charge the hybrid system’s battery with a quick charger or four hours from a three-pin household socket.
Most users get used to plugging in the car when they get home. So it’s fully charged and ready to leave in time for your next trip. -
You don’t save any money with hybrid electric vehicles: With councils across the UK including Ipswich looking for ways to reduce air pollution, charges for gasoline or diesel vehicles going downtown are becoming a staple of urban life.
Plug-in hybrids can avoid such charges due to their low emissions.
Owners also benefit from tax exemptions for their first 12 months of road tax, while employers and manufacturers may offer additional incentives.
Electric car owners benefit from a tax exemption for their first 12 months of vehicle tax
– Credit: WPR Agency
