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At Forest Gate Ford we are here to answer any queries you have regarding Hybrid and Electric Vehicles ranging from how they work, what the key differences are and how they can be serviced. Please find a number of FAQ's listed below.
What is a plug-in hybrid vehicle?
Put simply, a plug-in hybrid vehicle is one that combines a traditional combustion engine with an electrically charged battery motor. This battery requires charging from a suitable charging point, either at home or at a public charging station.
Where can I charge my electric car?
While charging your electric car can, of course, take place at home, you will also find thousands of public charging points throughout the UK, with supermarkets, service stations, workplaces and more offering suitable solutions.
How much does it cost to run an electric car?
On average, the running costs of an electric car are in the region of 2-4p per mile, meaning choosing such a model represents fantastic value for money.
What is regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking is an innovative charging solution for hybrid vehicles that converts energy normally lost through braking into an electrical charge for the battery in the vehicle. This often negates the needs for your vehicle to be plugged in to be charged.
Are electric cars safe?
Yes. In fact, without the presence of fuels and without CO2 emissions, it’s thought that fully electric vehicles represent a safer alternative to traditional combustion engine models.
How often do hybrid batteries need replacing?
Many hybrid batteries are designed to offer up to 100,000 miles of reliable motoring, with many even able to cover 150,000 miles.
What are alternative fuels?
Alternative fuels refers to those energy sources that don’t burn fossil fuels; in the case of vehicles, this means electricity.
Do hybrid cars cost more to maintain?
No. Although, regular servicing should continue to be carried out to ensure that your model operates at its most efficient and safest.
Can I charge my electric car at home?
Charging your electric car at home is easy, with most models enabling you to connect to a standard three-pin output. Of course, dedicated charging points can be fitted (often with a government grant helping fund them) which will charge your vehicle at a faster rate. Speak to the team at Forest Gate for details.
What is the best hybrid car?
Choosing the best hybrid car comes down to a number of factors including budget, space requirements, must-have features, and more. As such, you should speak to a member of our team direct in order to find the model that best suits you.
What is the best used hybrid car to buy?
This is very much dependent on your own specific needs. As such, we recommend liaising with a member of our team in order to discuss the suitability of the options we have available.
How do I charge my hybrid car?
Depending on the model you choose, your hybrid may be self-charging through the use of regenerative braking. For plug-in hybrids, you will need to connect to a suitable charging outlet at home or at public charging stations.
How does a Hybrid car save energy?
Hybrid cars are able to save energy by complementing the performance of a traditional fuel combustion engine by stepping in to offer zero emissions motoring and then seamlessly transitioning back to petrol/diesel power when required.
What is an electric car?
An electric car is one that runs on electric alone, meaning there is no other source of power featured in the vehicle. As such, you can tackle the roads knowing that you are emitting no CO2 whatsoever and running costs are more affordable.
How do I drive a hybrid car efficiently?
Like any car, driving a hybrid efficiently comes down to careful acceleration and managing your speed. Plus, by limiting the use of such features as air conditioning and climate control, you will be able to limit the amount of charge being used.
How does an electric car work?
An electric car is powered solely by its battery, meaning that all power is derived from this single source which itself is charged from a suitable electrical outlet.
Are electric cars worth it?
Yes. In fact, running costs are significantly reduced and there’s no need to pay any congestion or road tax charges, meaning that in the long run you will be saving more.
Are electric vehicles cheaper to run than petrol?
Yes. On average, an electric car costs between 2-4p per mile to run, while a petrol model costs approximately 12p per mile.
Are electric cars better for the environment?
They are. With zero CO2 emissions from the vehicle, you can be confident that you are playing a vital role in supporting the environment. Text here ...
What electric cars are available?
There’s a host of electric cars from a range of manufacturers available, including a selection of electric models from Ford. Speak to a member of the team at Forest Gate today to learn more.
Should I buy an electric car?
Absolutely. With governments around the world pledging to reduce carbon emissions, now is the ideal time to invest in an electric car. As more and more manufacturers are developing such models, prices are also more affordable than ever.
Are all electric cars automatic?
Electric cars predominantly feature an automatic transmission, making them simple and efficient to drive.
How far can an electric car go?
The overall range of an electric vehicle varies from model to model, so please liaise with a member of the team at Forest Gate today to learn more.
How many miles can an electric car go?
This very much depends on the vehicle that you select. Please liaise with a member of the Forest Gate team for full details.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Charge times are determined by the type of vehicle and the electrical outlet being used, with home chargers and high-powered public charge points differing significantly. Speak to the Forest Gate sales advisors for full details.