Are Friends Electric?
Or, as this article should have been titled – but being partial to a bit of Gary Numan, we couldn’t resist – Your Guide to Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles.
What exactly is an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)? Well, it’s defined as a car or van that emits 75g of carbon dioxide (CO2) or less per kilometre travelled. By way of comparison, the most fuel efficient Vauxhall Corsa model and a 1.0litre automatic Ford Focus both emit 128g/km.
So far, so good for the planet. Read on to find out more, and see some myths busted…
We’re partial to a bit of Gaz.
What different types of ULEVs are there?
Pure electric vehicles (PEVs) use an electric motor powered by a high-performance battery. They need to be charged.
Self-charging hybrid also run on electricity, but they also have a small petrol engine that is able to act as a generator to top up the battery charge when needed.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) feature an electric motor powered by a small battery, and a petrol or diesel engine. PHEVs typically only have a short electric driving range, possibly between 20-30 miles (depending on make and model); the vehicle will operate on its petrol or diesel engine for longer journeys.
Myths and facts about ULEVs
Myth #1: There’s only a small variety of electric vehicles
The range of electric vehicles is increasing month by month, and this trend is set to accelerate over the coming years. The following manufacturers already produce ULEVs…
Cars: Audi, BMW, BYD, Citroën, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Morgan, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Smart, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Vans: BD, Citroën, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Ford and LDV.
Things have come a long way since the ‘80s.
Myth #2: Electric vehicles are expensive
Some electric vehicles are more expensive to buy than similar petrol vehicles, but they have much lower running costs – usually around one-fifth of the running costs of petrol vehicles – so work out cheaper in the long run.
Myth #3: Electric vehicles have limited driving ranges
Electric vehicles can run for 200 miles before needing to be charged, depending on the make and model. Given that 56% of car trips in England are under five miles*, this is more than sufficient to cover the daily gallivanting. (*source: National Travel Survey: England 2017).
Myth #4: Electric vehicles are difficult to charge
Most electric vehicle owners charge their vehicles at home overnight. But there is an ever-expanding public charging infrastructure, with rapid chargers at virtually all motorway service stations.
Myth #5: Electric vehicles aren’t good to drive
This is a common statement from people who haven’t driven electric vehicles. People who have driven electric vehicles have a very different view. Electric vehicles have instant responses when accelerating due to 100% of torque being available at all times, they’re extremely quiet, and very refined. Most EVs have their batteries in the floor, resulting in a low centre of gravity, and therefore excellent handling.
Want to talk to us about your ULEV options? Call us on 01925 713 212 for an informal chat, or email info@whittlehallfinance.co.uk and we’ll get right back to you.