Lemac Power - Blog , Hybrids

Home Charging isn't just for EV's

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:24:54 +0000

The most common use for a 7kW home charger is to power an EV, but here's why they are just as important for PHEV charging

In today's ever-changing automotive world, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have emerged as a popular choice for drivers who prioritise environmental consciousness and practicality. The beauty of PHEVs lies in their ability to seamlessly blend electric and traditional fuel power, offering a wide range of benefits to suit a driver’s needs. While EV’s are the flagship for zero emissions, there is as many choices for a PHEV for drivers who are still unsure, or unable, to take advantage of the current fully electric vehicles.

One of the main advantages of PHEVs is their remarkable capacity to significantly reduce CO2 emissions when compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Recent data reveals that petrol plug-in hybrids boast up to 24% lower g/km CO2 emissions when compared to a similar petrol or diesel vehicle, making them an attractive option for those looking to minimise their emissions without giving up the convenience of traditional fuel engines.

PHEVs deliver impressive fuel efficiency benefits. In real-world scenarios, these vehicles exhibit notably lower fuel consumption rates, with petrol PHEVs averaging 47.88mpg, outperforming their traditional counterparts by a significant margin. This heightened efficiency translates to cost savings for drivers, positioning PHEVs as a financially savvy choice in the long term.

Beyond their environmental and economic advantages, PHEVs offer the added perk of extended driving ranges. By switching electric and fuel modes, drivers can enjoy the emission-free serenity of electric driving during short trips, while also accessing the extended range of a fuel engine for longer journeys. This dual functionality ensures that PHEVs are well-equipped to handle all driving conditions, from daily commutes to extensive travels. There’s also a growing number of PHEV performance vehicles where the hybrid drivetrain is used to increase the power, acting like KERS has in Formula 1.

However, to unlock the full potential of PHEVs, having a home charger is indispensable. Home charging stations offer the convenience of overnight recharging, guaranteeing that your vehicle starts each day with a fully charged battery. This strategic approach enables you to maximise the electric driving range of your PHEV, minimising reliance on the internal combustion engine, and consequently reducing fuel expenses and environmental impact. By seamlessly integrating home charging into your daily routine, you can consistently reap the benefits of cost savings and emission reductions associated with electric driving. PHEV’s also usually have the same pre-conditioning benefits as EV’s, letting you make sure you car is the perfect temperature to you in any season and ready to go.

Investing in a home charger serves as a stepping stone towards preparing for the future of transportation. As electric vehicle (EV) technology progresses and the market increasingly shifts towards electric-only vehicles, owning a home charging setup becomes an invaluable asset. Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer a compelling choice for drivers seeking an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile driving experience. With their diminished emissions, heightened fuel efficiency, and the adaptability of dual electric and fuel power, PHEVs are poised to play a key role in the realm of sustainable transportation. When paired with the convenience and long-term advantages of a Lemac Power home charger, the PHEV journey is not only optimised but also sets the stage for a seamless transition to full EV ownership, making it a savvy investment for any forward-thinking driver.

BYD expands model line with Seal U DM-i

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 08:21:41 +0000

BYD SEAL U DM-i: BYD’s first vehicle in Europe with Super DM Technology offers pure electric ranges from 43 to 78 miles depending on trim

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), launches the SEAL U DM-i. This is BYD’s first Plug-in Hybrid vehicle (PHEV) with BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology in Europe. SEAL U DM-i provides an efficient, practical, accessible, and eco-conscious solution for daily mobility needs and long worry-free journeys. The D-segment Family SUV will be available as from this summer for European customers that embrace an environmentally friendly vehicle without compromising on range, practicality, and affordability.

BYD Super DM Technology prioritises electric power with minimal reliance on fuel, making it kinder to the environment, with greater energy efficiencies and lower fuel consumption. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the vehicle becomes pure-electric, and when State Of Charge (SOC) is low, in transforms into an ultra-low fuel consumption hybrid vehicle alleviating concerns about electric range. Producing a quiet and comfortable ride, exhilarating high power performance and responsiveness, this innovative hybrid system redefines the driving experience.

SEAL U DM-i in Design-trim features two high-power electric motors (150 kW front and 120 kW rear) and an efficient 18.3 kWh BYD Blade Battery, complemented by the in house developed 1.5L four-cylinder turbo powered petrol engine producing 96 kW to work in conjunction with the two electric motors. The total system max power is 238 kW and the total max torque 550 Nm. The BYD SEAL U DM-i Design has a four-wheel-drive configuration.

The Boost and Comfort-trim versions are offered with a front-wheel powered 1.5L hybrid engine producing 72 kW to operate together with the 145kW high-power electric motor. Boost features the same 18.3 kWh Blade Battery as in Design. The total system power for Boost and Comfort is 160 kW. The maximum torque power is 300 Nm. The Comfort trim-version has a larger 26.6 kWh BYD Blade Battery offering an uncompromising pure electric range of 78 miles. More details of this version will be revealed later.

BYD SEAL U DM-i has 2 driving modes for all trim levels: EV and HEV. In the first mode the driver can select ‘EV only mode’ for smooth daily commuting, or city driving. In the second mode the vehicle will mostly use the power that is delivered by the battery. Only whilst accelerating, the petrol engine boosts extra power to the wheels supporting the battery. SEAL U DM-i smoothly shifts through the different modes so it feels like that of pure electric vehicle experience thanks to its unique technologies. Additionally, drivers will not worry about the cruising range or where to charge. Also, the engine charges the battery (between 25 to 70 % which is adjustable) so electric driving is always available. The battery is also charged by regeneration technology.

The BYD DM-i super hybrid electricity-based structure prioritizes on ultra-low fuel consumption and a quiet and smooth driving experience and excellent power output. The vehicle can achieve an attractive fuel consumption of just 313.8 mpg for Boost and 235.4 mpg for Design WLTP (weighted combined). The electric combined consumption for Boost is 21 kWh/km and for Design 23.5 kWh/km. The electric consumption during city driving for Boost is 14.5 kWh/100 km and for Design 16.1 kWh/100 km.

Also, BYD SEAL U DM-i offers worry-free mileage. The four-wheel-drive Design version has a full electric driving range of 43 miles (WLTP) securing a range of 540 miles (WLTP). The front wheel powered Boost version offers 50 miles pure electric range, securing a total range of 671 miles (WLTP). The BYD SEAL U DM-i in Comfort-trim – which will be available after the summer – has a 26.6 kWh Blade Battery with a reassuring pure electric range of 78 miles securing a total range of more than 684 miles (WLTP).

BYD SEAL U DM-i combines power and efficiency for every journey. With a system total power of up to 238 kW, expect a dynamic driving experience with high power performance; fast acceleration and agile responsiveness. In terms of acceleration time BYD SEAL U DM-i sets the pace. With a staggering 0-62 mph acceleration in just 5.9 seconds the SEAL U DM-i Design is much faster than similar fuel vehicles.

All BYD SEAL U DM-i trim versions offer 11 kW 3-phase AC charging and 18 kW DC charging 11kW AC capabilities. With this the DC charging time (30-80 percent) takes only 35 minutes.

Inside, the BYD SEAL U DM-i exudes a premium atmosphere with a tasteful mix of modern and elegant design, soft-touch surfaces, high-quality finishing, and wrap-around multi-colour ambient lighting. The seats, parts of the dashboard, door panels and centre console are upholstered in vegan leather with double contrasting stitching.

BYD’s Intelligent Cockpit System is operated by the 15.6-inch BYD-signature rotatable screen - with which you can choose whether you want the screen in landscape or portrait format - while a variety of driver information is displayed on the 12.3-inch full instrument LCD panel.

As with all BYD’s in the line-up, the brand sets high standards for passive and active safety. The BYD SEAL U DM-i has therefore been developed to be one of the safest electric family SUV’s in its class. In addition to the extensive use of high-strength steel and an ultra-strong honeycomb panel structure to protect the battery pack, BYD SEAL U DM-I also offers solid chassis dynamics and a safe road holding with its MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

UK deliveries will begin in autumn 2024. The Comfort is to be expected after the summer of 2024. SEAL U DM-i will be available in five colours: Delan Black, Time Grey, Snow White, Tian Qing (Blue) and Boundless Cloud. Pricing of the vehicle will be announced in the run-up to the market launch. The BYD SEAL U DM-i will be offered with a 6 year/150,000 km (93,750 miles) full manufacturer’s warranty, 8 year/200,000 km (125,000 miles) warranty on at least 70% of the battery’s original capacity, as well as 8 year/150,000 km (93,750 miles) warranty on the electric motor as standard.

New BMW M5 packs PHEV punch

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:56:49 +0000

With the same V8 M Hybrid powertrain as flagship XM, the new M5 embraces low CO2 high performance.

The imposing power delivery and emotionally engaging performance experience served up by the new BMW M5 are accompanied by a new interpretation of the high-performance car design for which M is renowned. Prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, the sculptural front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar – including an embossed “M5” logo for the Hofmeister kink – give the car an athletic appearance that helps to differentiate it more clearly than ever from the BMW 5 Series Sedan. At the same time, an unusually high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour create a puristic appearance with stylish references to its superior dynamic talents.

As such, the exterior design – like the ambience of the luxurious interior, which is enhanced with M-specific features – accentuates the multi-layered character of the new BMW M5. Its sense of poise and assurance is fuelled by vast reserves of power that can be summoned at any time. Kept discreetly in reserve during relaxed, electric-only cruises, this performance comes vividly to the fore as the BMW M5 reveals the “sporty sedan” side to its personality over longer distances – and is unleashed in full during sessions on the track.

The power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor is channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive system M xDrive, whose rear-biased setup is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. However, the driver can also select 2WD mode, sending drive exclusively to the rear wheels with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system switched off, which will appeal to experienced drivers who prefer a performance experience of the pure-bred variety. As yet there is no word if BMW plan to contest their own Guinness World records of "Longest continuous vehicle drift" and "Longest twin vehicle drift (water assisted) set by the previous generation of M5 which featured a similar 2WD mode. This further developed iteration of M xDrive – like the electronically controlled Active M Differential at the rear axle – is tailored specially to the performance characteristics of the M HYBRID drive system.

The M HYBRID drive system in the new BMW M5 brings a 4.4-litre V8 engine with classical high-revving character together with an electric motor, whose performance characteristics are tuned specifically for the BMW M5 and which is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. This M HYBRID system, plus power transmission and chassis technology tuned to its specific performance characteristics. The new BMW M5 boasts figures of up to MPG 166.2 MPG and 37 g/km of CO2 combined according to WLTP, with a maximum output of 727hp/737 lb-ft. The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds. While that puts it slightly slower compared to the outgoing model in a standing start, having an M-car that returns just short of a potential 138mpg improvement in fuel economy, and sits in a road tax band of £0 a year, will probably make the trade off worth while!

In all-electric operating mode, the new BMW M5 can hit speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph). The high-voltage battery located low in the car’s underbody has 18.6 kWh of usable energy, enabling an electric range of 67 – 69 kilometres (42 – 43 miles) in the WLTP cycle, which is unmatched by any rival. The Combined Charging Unit of the new BMW M5 allows AC charging at up to 7.4 kW.

Together with its similarly outstanding elasticity, the new BMW M5 takes M performance into a new dimension. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW M5 will start in November 2024 and be accompanied by the introduction of the new BMW M5 Touring at the same time. This new M5 Touring ins the first time the model has returned to the M-car line-up since the V10 powered E60 model, and given the success in the M3 Touring sales, it's easy to see why the Touring has been brought back with this generation.