There is still a lot of misunderstanding around electric vehicles, with many people put off by ‘range anxiety’ – that is, concern as to whether your vehicle will be able to reach it’s destination on a single charge.
However, this is increasingly becoming a redundant argument as the range for pure electrics increases, and that’s before you consider plug-in hybrids or range-extender vehicles.
To decide whether an electric vehicle is the right fit for you, you first to consider the different types of electric vehicle available. Essentially they fit into three categories:
- Pure Electric – these vehicles have no combustion engine, so are driven by electric power alone. Older models typically have a real-world range of 70 to 80 miles, but newer models are rapidly edging towards the 200 mark.
- Pure Electric with Range Extender – these vehicles are pure electric vehicles, but with a combustion engine on board. However, the combustion engine serves as a generator, and doesn’t drive the wheels. Typically these give up to an extra 80 miles of range, and can of course be topped up at any petrol station.
- Plug-in Hybrids – these vehicles have both electric and combustion engines, and both are connected to the transmission so the vehicle can drive on either electric or combustion power.