What is the difference between HEV and PHEV?

The main difference between a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and a Hybrid (HEV) is that PHEVs need to be plugged in to charge their batteries to full capacity. They also have bigger batteries, meaning they can run on electric-only power for longer distances than Hybrids (HEVs).

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

The charging time of an electric car will depend on several factors, including the type of EV, the size of the battery, and the power of the charging point. For typical EVs with around 60kW batteries charging at a 150kW rapid charging station, you can expect to go from empty to full in around 30 minutes . When using a 7kW home charging point, you can get from empty to full in 7 hours, and 3 hours with a 22kW charging point.

Are public electric car charging points free?

The cost of EV charging points or charging stations will depend on the provider. Some will prompt users to pay via a dedicated app, while others may offer charging for free. It’s important to note that there are fewer places still offering free public EV charging. But some supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's still offer free charging, and certain hotels provide complimentary charging as part of your stay. It's worth considering these options when planning a trip. If you own a Porsche electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid model, you get access to free charging as a guest at a range of exceptional hotels, restaurants, golf courses or marinas that are part of the Destination Porsche Charging Network.

How do you pay for electric car charging?

When using a public charging point , you’ll likely need to download an app to access and pay for the charge. Alternatively, some charging points may simply allow contactless payments. Some brands like Porsche and MINI, for example, offer drivers simple and hassle-free methods of charging their EVs. With Porsche Destination Charging , Porsche owners can enjoy free EV charging at over 5,500 charge points at select hotels, resorts, and restaurants. It’s designed to make road trips smoother, letting drivers relax or stay overnight while their car powers up. With more charging spots popping up, it’s an easy way to keep your car ready to go, hassle-free, while you enjoy a range of luxury destinations. MINI is another brand that simplifies the process of paying for your charging. When you register online, you can select from a number of tariffs, activate your MINI Charging Card, and download the MINI App to access over 800,000 charge points across Europe. You use your card to pay for the charge and then you pay a monthly invoice that is sent to you.

- Welcome To The EV Hub -

Types of EV

Q: How many electric vehicle categories are there?

There are five types of electric car: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) Mild Hybrids (MHEVs) Self-charging Hybrids (HEVs or FHEVs) Fuel-cell Electric Vehicle (FCEVs)

With the world shifting towards more sustainable driving options, understanding the electric vehicle landscape has never been more important.

Electric vehicle sales have grown exponentially in recent years, with demand surging at an accelerating pace. This rapid growth shows no signs of slowing, as the shift toward sustainable transportation is key to reducing carbon emissions and is mandated in law by the UK Government.

From Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), Mild Hybrids (MHEVs), Self Charging Hybrids or Full Hybrids (HEVs/FHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), we’ll explore the different types of EVs, unpacking how they work, which EV is best for you, a guide to buying them, and more.

Fuel Cell Electric Hybrid Vehicles (FCEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell stack, powering an electric motor and emitting only water vapour. This makes them a zero-emissions alternative with benefits like smooth acceleration and long driving ranges.

While offering rapid refuelling compared to battery-electric vehicles, FCEVs are currently more expensive and limited by the UK’s smaller hydrogen refuelling network. For drivers seeking innovative, sustainable mobility, FCEVs represent an exciting step towards the future of clean transport.

How do EV Batteries work?

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) don’t need to burn petrol or diesel in an internal combustion engine to produce the power to move. Instead, BEVs get power from a lithium-ion battery pack. The battery cells inside the pack store and release the energy when required.

These battery cells produce an electrical current which powers the motor when the car is started.

When the battery cells deplete, you can recharge them and have energy in store for the next time you hit the road.

Electric Car Battery Charging

To charge your electric vehicle, you’ll first and foremost need a charging point. Charge points can be installed in homes with off-street parking, on residential streets, in public spaces like car parks, and at destinations such as shopping centres or motorway service stations.

A 7kW home charger will typically give you 25-30 miles of range per hour—perfect for leaving your car on charge overnight so it’s fully charged and ready to go the next day (just like you would with your mobile phone). Ultra-rapid charging stations (between 100kW and 350kW) can get you up to a 100-mile range in only 10 minutes or so.

When using a public charging point, you’ll likely need to download an app to access and pay for the charge. Alternatively, some charging points simply allow contactless payments for convenience.

Cost Comparison

It’s important to note that while the upfront cost of an electric vehicle may sometimes be higher, it’s highly likely that the running costs will be lower thanks to the use of electric power and not petrol or diesel.

For petrol and diesel cars, assuming the average commuter distance is 19.5 miles (one way) and that an average car consumption is 40 miles per gallon, this is how much you could be saving per day, per week, per month, and per year if you make the switch to electric.

_{*Please note these are estimated calculations and are subject to fuel price changes; calculations are based on £5.52 cost per gallon for petrol and £5.72 cost per gallon for diesel. EV Cost per Mile: Based on overnight charging tariff rates (e.g., Octopus), the cost per mile for EVs can vary but typically ranges between £0.02 and £0.05.}

_{*The graphs to the right are calculated based on 5 days for cost per week, 4 weeks for cost per month, and 260 days for cost per year.}

Finding the right EV for you

Choosing an electric vehicle is an exciting step towards a more sustainable future. Whether you’re leaning towards a fully electric BEV for zero tailpipe emissions or a versatile Plug-in Hybrid, there’s an EV out there that’s just right for you.

If you’re curious about making the switch, we’re here to help. At Dick Lovett, we’ve got a wide range of electric vehicles ready for you to explore – and all of our dealerships have dedicated EV Specialists to help you along the way. Let’s find the perfect one that fits your lifestyle – because driving greener doesn’t have to be complicated.

Take our quiz below and see which EV is best for you!

Tips To Make Your EV Battery Last Longer

Once you’ve picked the EV that’s right for you, it’s good to understand what steps you can take to maximise the life of your EV battery. The battery life will deteriorate over time, subject to factors such as the number of charge cycles it’s been put through and how many of those were rapid charges.

However, unlike your typical mobile phone battery, an EV battery has an average degradation rate of just 1.8% per year. This indicates that the loss in range over time is minimal and also confirms that the vast majority of EV batteries outlast the usable life of the vehicle itself.

However, it’s reassuring to know the battery will typically be covered by an extensive warranty, giving many miles of worry-free motoring. For example, new BMW and MINI BEV vehicles come with an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty for the battery.

Avoid Charging to 100%

If possible, avoid frequently charging your electric vehicle to 100% as it can put stress on the battery, affecting its long-term health.

Instead, try to keep your EV between 20% and 80% charge - you can set this up via your car or home charging app.

You can charge to 100% if you’re going to be travelling a long distance.

Let the Battery and Car Warm Up

Before heading off for the day, set your car to precondition for departure time. This will warm or cool your cabin while the car is plugged in, which is both a lovely comfort feature and reduces the demand for power from the battery.

If you are able to do this a long time before leaving on your journey, the car will have its battery warmed too - and batteries work more efficiently at about 22℃.

This can usually be done via the car brand's dedicated app.

And don’t worry, you can keep your EV on charge while it’s warming up so the battery doesn’t drain.

Stick to Slower Charging

Slower charging, typically operating around 7kW, is considered to be better for the overall health of your electric vehicle. This is because more powerful chargers (50kW+) can wear down the battery at a faster rate.

Where possible, try using Rapid Chargers for short top-ups when you’re out and about or on longer journeys.

Charging Options

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) is easy, offering three main options:

Home charging (typically 7kW, albeit if your home’s electrical connection can support it, up to 22kW can be available)

Rapid Charging (43-59kW)

Ultra-rapid charging (100kW or more)

Read More About How to Charge an Electric Car

Factors to consider when going electric

When buying an electric vehicle (EV), consider key factors like range, charging options, and incentives.

Keep your driving habits in mind to choose an EV with a suitable range and make sure you can access convenient charging stations at home or work. Compare different models for features, performance, and reliability.

You can also test-drive the EVs we have on offer to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Explore Our Available Electric and Hybrid Cars

There’s no better time to make the switch to an all-electric or hybrid car.

At Dick Lovett, we're committed to offering our customers a wide range of new and used electric vehicles from up to 6 brands. Each brand offers electrified or hybrid driving models, from BMW, MINI, and Porsche to Land Rover, Jaguar and Ferrari.

Whichever model you're looking for, we have an abundance of body styles to choose from, so you can get your hands on your dream electric car.

How many electric vehicle categories are there?
There are five types of electric car:
1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
2. Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs)
3. Mild Hybrids (MHEVs)
4. Self-charging Hybrids (HEVs or FHEVs)
5. Fuel-cell Electric Vehicle (FCEVs)
What is the difference between HEV and PHEV?
How long does it take to charge an electric car?

The cost of charging your electric vehicle will depend on home, work and public charging points. Charging at home is generally cheaper and influenced by your specific electricity tariff and the time of day you charge. Off-peak rates offer the best savings. Public charging costs vary widely based on the type of charger. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are more expensive due to their higher power delivery and convenience. Additionally, location and network providers can impact prices, with some networks offering membership discounts.

For example, the charging costs for MINI Cooper E would be:

Charging Method	Cost per kWh	Cost (0-100%)
Home Charging (Price Cap as of 1st October 2024)	27.03p	£11.00
Home Charging (Octopus EV)	7p	£2.56
Public Charging	50p	£18.30

Are public electric car charging points free?
How do you pay for electric car charging?

Types of EV