At Hendy Ford, we're delighted to introduce you to the Ford Hybrid and Electric range. Electric vehicles have taken the world by storm the past couple of years - with registrations of plug-in cars surging from just 3,500 in 2013 to more than 246,000 by the end of October 2019.* Ford UK is committed to releasing 13 electric vehicles by 2020 and here, we will discuss the marque's mild hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles that have already been released or announced.
Electrified powertrains offer a whole host of benefits, including convenient home-charging, lower running costs, fewer moving parts and therefore less maintenance costs, tax reductions and free entry into zero-emissions zones. Different electrified powertrains can suit different lifestyles - scroll down to view each type in detail, with example Ford models.
Check out the information below and, to find out more, get in touch with our expert team at your local Hendy Ford. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the different powertrains available, and the benefits of making the switch.
It’s easy to make the switch to electric, so don’t be fooled by the various types of electrified powertrains on offer. Each powertrain is designed to suit different driving styles and lifestyles - for example, electric cars are perfect for city dwellers, whereas mild hybrids are ideal for those who want to ease themselves into electric powertrains, and don’t wish to plug their car in.
Mild hybrid vehicles are a brilliant way of introducing yourself to electrified driving. These models are not plugged in or charged, but they do feature a small electric motor that assists the engine, in order to improve efficiency when driving at low speed or when stationary. The separate battery is automatically recharged using the energy usually lost when braking.
In short, hybrid vehicles use two sources of power - a traditional petrol/diesel engine and an electric battery and motor. They can automatically switch between conventional mode, pure electric mode (for short distances) or use both to power the vehicle as needed. The battery is charged by recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted, and feeds this energy to the electric motor to help with acceleration or even driving the car at low speeds. No plugging in required!
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) have all the functionality of full hybrid technology, with a larger high voltage battery and the added advantage that, as the name suggests, they can be charged from an external electricity supply. The larger battery capacity makes them capable of zero-emissions driving for certain distances - perfect for city commutes! And, of course, for those longer distance escapades, you have the petrol/diesel engine ready and waiting.
All-electric vehicles run on electricity alone - no petrol/diesel and no emissions on the road! EVs are therefore much better for the environment and are also kind on your finances, with cheaper ‘fuel’, government purchase incentives, and free travel in Clean Air Zones and London’s Congestion Zone. To charge your vehicle up, simply plug it in using a home-charging system or a public charging station.
