Hybrid Car Leasing

A hybrid car utilises both a conventional combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and an electric motor. The electric element can work in conjunction with the combustion element to provide additional power or, if required, operate on the electric element independently for a very short period of time (covering low speeds). Hybrid cars have been available for a number of years. Popular examples of hybrid cars include the Toyota Rav4, Kia Niro (hybrid) and Lexus UX.

It's a low-cost, relatively simple set of components that helps petrol and diesel cars use less fuel and emit less CO2. It usually comprises of a small electric generator that replaces the starter motor and alternator (the mechanism that keeps the 12-volt battery charged), as well as a small lithium ion battery.

The majority of mild hybrids are powered by a 48-volt electrical system, which is higher than typical 12V systems. This allows the engine to function more efficiently by powering components that would have previously been powered by the engine.

Hybrid cars work by combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery that can be charged by the gasoline engine or by using regenerative braking.

The hybrid car technology is more efficient than traditional cars and offers better fuel efficiency, as well as lower emissions. Hybrid cars are becoming popular because they offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than their traditional counterparts. They also require less maintenance and are cheaper to maintain in the long run.

They mainly differ in the way the car is powered. Electric cars are powered by electricity and need to be plugged into a charge point in order to be charged and therefore able to move. Whereas, hybrid cars use both a conventional combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and an electric motor. Unlike electric cars, hybrid cars are not restricted by an electric range. Although, as hybrids use a combustion engine, drivers needs to ensure there is sufficient fuel in exactly the same way as any other standard combustion engine vehicle.

If you opt for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or a Mild Hybrid (MHEV), then the answer is no. The battery charges as the car moves or brakes and therefore a hybrid does not require charging via an external charging point. As such, the full system will operate effectively when the car is regularly accelerating and braking.

Parallel hybrids are unique in that they solely charge the battery by capturing and converting excess energy to electricity. Excess energy is saved in the battery for later use, such as regenerative braking, instead of being wasted when the car is idle or decelerating.

As a hybrid car uses an electric motor and so emits lower CO2 emissions, it is generally better for the environment than an equivalent petrol or diesel car. However, a hybrid car will not be able to offer pure electric motoring for more than a mile or so. Therefore, environmentally-minded customers might prefer to opt for a pure electric car instead as this is better for the environment. 

Hybrid batteries are expected to last up to 20 years, although this does depend on usage. Extended use with regular charging will inevitably reduce its capacity over time. However, for peace of mind, most manufacturers will supply a battery guarantee of anywhere between 5-8 years or 100,000-125,000 miles (whichever lands sooner).

At first glance, it may seem impossible to drive a hybrid car without fuel. After all, hybrid cars are designed to run on both electricity and gas, and electric vehicles require a constant supply of energy in order to keep running. However, as many drivers have discovered, it is indeed possible to drive a hybrid car without fuel. One simple way to do this is by charging the vehicle's battery before your trip so that it contains some amount of energy when you get behind the wheel. Alternatively, you can harness the power of solar energy by connecting your car to an electrical device called a solar panel. Either way, there are several ways that you can drive a hybrid car without relying on gas or other fuels. So, if you're looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to get around town, a hybrid car just might be the perfect choice for you!

Around 2012 a new variant of hybrid was introduced – the PHEV.  This utilises both a conventional combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and an electric motor. Using similar technology to the hybrid, the PHEV offers bigger battery capacity (but which is smaller than a pure electric vehicle). This allows the car to be driven for a modest amount of time on its electric element – 15 to 30 miles depending on the make and model. Popular examples of a PHEV include the BMW 330e, Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV) and Volvo XC60 Hybrid.

The main difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid car lies in their charging capabilities and electric range. Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrids differ as the latter can be plugged in to recharge, whereas the HEV recharges via regenerative braking. Also, due to battery improvements, the Plug-In Hybrid Car can travel at higher speeds (and for longer) on the electric element in comparison to a hybrid option. 

This will depend on the capacity of the car/battery and the power output of your charging unit. For drivers using a standard household plug, this will take approximately 5-6 hours. For those with a dedicated home charging unit, this will take 3-4 hours depending on the output (there is a choice of between a 3.6KW (16Amp) or a 7.2KW (32Amp) option). There are a growing volume of fast charging points and rapid charging units which could do this in less than 30 minutes.

Yes, plug-in hybrid cars still require oil, although they may require it less frequently compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While the electric motor of a plug-in hybrid provides some power source, the conventional combustion engine still needs oil for lubrication and cooling purposes. The oil in a plug-in hybrid car is responsible for maintaining the engine's performance and longevity. Checking your engine oil at regular intervals is important to ensure it runs smoothly and is safe to drive. It's important to consult the specific vehicle's owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oil change intervals.

If you opt to lease a plug-in hybrid car then a power source is required to charge it. Some customers do decide to get a charging point installed at home, however this isn't mandatory. If you prefer, you can charge your PHEV at public charging stations, with thousands available throughout the UK. 

If you do want a home charging point installing, off-street parking is required. Also, it's important to ensure you get a a certified professional to install the charge point.