Electric vehicles - an exciting option for your next vehicle

Types of Electric Vehicles

To help you understand the different types of electric vehicles available here’s some more information:

Electric Vehicles, or EVs, do not use any fuel at all – they run solely off a battery.

As a result these vehicles have zero emissions and provide a benefit for the environment and for the owner.

With no fuel costs your running cost is the electricity to recharge the battery, which the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has calculated as being the equivalent of 30c per litre.

There are fewer moving parts in an EV engine so your maintenance costs are lower than a petrol or diesel engine.

These vehicles are sometimes also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).

PHEV

A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEV, has both a petrol and an electric engine powered by a plug-in battery.

As in a full hybrid, the battery will charge when you brake or slow down but you also have the option of plugging it in and running the vehicle solely with the electric engine. Both engines will drive the wheels, so on a long trip once the battery has run out you have the back-up of the petrol engine.

These vehicles have lower emissions on a like for like vehicle basis, and fuel savings are good but may not be as good as a full EV.

HYBRID

Full hybrid vehicles use both a petrol and electric engine.

In some hybrids the petrol engine is only for re-charging the battery which powers the electric engine, while in others you have the option for the petrol engine to drive the wheels. Charging the battery happens when you brake and slow down.

Having an EV is becoming increasingly popular as manufacturers are now offering upto a 10 year battery warranty, and more charging stations are becoming available.

A major difference between a hybrid and other EVs is that there is no option to plug in to recharge in hybrid vehicles.

A hybrid is great for longer distances because while you have less battery range than an EV, you have the backup of petrol if you need it.

Electric vehicles - an exciting option for your next vehicle Brendan Foot Supersite

Charging Electric Vehicles

Charging your vehicle is easy and convenient too. Most daily vehicle travel is over a small distance so charging is not an issue. For longer distances, there are large savings and plenty of ways to stay charged.

PHEVs and hybrids are self-charging, and for EVs there are fast charge options. Some vehicles have a range of 400km, and options to charge at home, at work or at the 127 charging stations across New Zealand.

What Our Customers Think

“Very happy to be saving $50 per week, and to be driving in a hybrid that looks like a normal car”
– Erik purchased an Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

“Saved $600 in two months and wouldn’t have bought without help from Brendan Foot Supersite”
– Chris & Danny from Gisborne purchased a Kia Niro Hybrid.

“So quiet, safe and fun. We love our Outlander and help from Brendan Foot Supersite”
– Jaime purchased a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Reviews

Find The Right Electric Vehicle For You

If you are interested in an electric vehicle keep an eye on the latest new electric vehicles available as well as the pre-owned models. We’ve a great range of new vehicles and quality used electric vehicles.