Lemac Power - Blog #Hybrid

Demystifying EV Jargon

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:17:00 +0000

A simple guide to all the terms used in the world of electric vehicles.

If you're new to the world of electric vehicles (EVs), you're probably excited about the idea of driving a car that's eco-friendly, cost-effective, and packed with the latest technology. But as you dive deeper into the EV landscape, you might find yourself tripping over a few confusing terms—like kWh, range anxiety, or regenerative braking. Don’t worry; you’re not alone!

The good news is that understanding these terms is easier than you think. In this blog, we'll break down the most common EV jargon into simple, bite-sized explanations. By the end, you'll be speaking the language of EVs like a pro and feeling more confident about your journey into the future of driving.

Drivetrain: overall term that combines the engine and gearbox combination that moves the car.

EV or BEV: Electric Vehicle and Battery Electric Vehicle. Any vehicle where the only power to the motor comes from the onboard high voltage battery.

ICE: Internal Combustion Engine. Any vehicle that produces power by burning fuel to power the motor. This can be petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas, or is some cases hydrogen.

Hybrid: A general term that describes a vehicle that uses a combination of an electric and fuel burning drivetrain to reduce emissions.

MHEV: Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle - hybrid that uses the engine to charge a small battery and has a limited electric motor to help drive the vehicle. A good example of this is the Toyota Prius.

PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle - a hybrid that has a larger battery and motor than a MHEV. Can be driven further distances on its electric drivetrain, and is designed to be charged like an electric vehicle to make the most of the electric motor.

kWh (Kilowatt-Hour): A unit of energy that measures the capacity of an EV battery or the amount of energy used. It's crucial for understanding how far an EV can travel on a single charge.

Gross kWh/Net kWh: the difference between the total capacity of the vehicle’s battery. For example, an EV might have a gross capacity of 80 kWh, but only 75 kWh might be usable (net capacity) to power the car, with the remaining 5 kWh reserved for battery management. This difference is used to help protect the battery and increase its life.

Range: The distance an EV can travel on a fully charged battery. It's often the first thing potential EV buyers look at. See also WLTP

Regenerative Braking: A system that recovers energy typically lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, extending the vehicle's range. This can be adjusted in most cars to suit the type of driving.

Charging Station: A location where EVs can be recharged. They vary in type, from home chargers to fast chargers found at service stations or other public places.

Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging: Different levels of charging speeds. Level 1 is the slowest (using a standard household outlet), Level 2 is faster (like those found at public charging stations or installed at home), and DC Fast Charging is the fastest, typically used for long-distance travel.

State of Charge (SoC): The current level of charge in an EV’s battery, usually expressed as a percentage. Similar to the fuel gauge in a traditional car.

V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): A technology that allows EVs to return electricity to the grid, helping to balance supply and demand or provide backup power.

Charging Network: A system of charging stations provided by companies like Tesla (Supercharger network), ChargePoint, Osprey, offering EV drivers access to public chargers.

ZapMap: A UK-wide map of electric car charging points that helps electric car drivers locate and navigate to their nearest EV charging point.

Kilowatts (kW): A measure of power output or consumption. In EVs, it can describe the power of the motor or the rate of energy transfer during charging. Similar to the use of BHP (brake horsepower) in traditional engines. 1 kW is equivalent to 1.34 BHP

EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. The hardware that delivers electrical energy to charge an EV. It includes everything from home chargers to public charging stations.

DNO: Distribution Network Operator – see our article for more information.

WLTP: Test protocols used to estimate the range and efficiency of EVs. This isn’t always the actual range achievable and actual range will vary by conditions and the drive. While not accurate in real world conditions, this helps compare cars on a level playing field.

Miles per kilowatt-hour (miles/kWh): A measure of an electric vehicle's (EV's) efficiency, indicating how many miles the vehicle can travel on one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. It is similar to miles per gallon (MPG) for gasoline vehicles but applies to electric power.

CT clamp: Current Transformer clamp - a device used to measure electrical current flowing through a conductor without directly connecting to the circuit. It’s used with a home charger for load management and balancing to make sure the charger isn’t overloading the mains supply.

A milestone in affordable electric mobility

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:48:42 +0000

Vauxhall's new Frontera is UK's first to have equal pricing for Electric and Hybrid models

Vauxhall are disrupting the UK car market by offering the New Frontera Electric and Hybrid at the same list price, a groundbreaking move in a market where electric vehicles (EVs) typically command a significant price premium over their petrol counterparts. Starting at £23,495, this pricing strategy marks a major step towards making electric mobility more accessible to a broader audience. With the average list price increase for EV models across the market being an average of 31%, offering an EV at the same price as a traditional ICE vehicle narks a turning point in adaption strategy and hopefully more car makers follow Stellantis’ lead.

James Taylor, Managing Director at Vauxhall, emphasized the brand's commitment to democratizing access to electric vehicles. With initiatives like the Electric Streets campaign and equivalent monthly PCP offers, Vauxhall is making EV ownership more attainable. The New Frontera, priced equally whether you choose the electric or hybrid variant, eliminates the usual cost barrier, offering cutting-edge technology at an affordable price point.

The New Frontera boasts a bold and rugged design, featuring Vauxhall’s signature Vizor front-end, prominent wheel arches, and a choice between 16-inch black steel wheels or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the trim level. With a similar footprint to the Astra hatchback, the Frontera offers impressive boot capacity, particularly with the rear seats folded. Inside, the Frontera continues its modern aesthetic with a spacious interior, a Pure Panel cockpit, and practical features like wireless Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ and clever storage solutions. The vehicle is available in two trims—Design and GS—each offering a range of features from driver assistance systems to optional comfort packs.

The New Frontera offers two powertrain options: a petrol hybrid with 48-volt technology and a fully electric model. The hybrid version pairs a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor, offering a balance of performance and efficiency, while the electric model features a 113hp motor with a 186-mile range on a single charge, extendable to 248 miles in the upcoming Long Range version. Sharing the same platform as Auto Express' Car of The Year - Citroen's e-C3 - the Frontera EV is bound to appeal to a market where drivers are looking for affordable, practical EV models over cars aimed at the luxury buyers.

The New Frontera is more than just a car; it's a statement of Vauxhall’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible and practical for everyone in the UK, including the launch of an EV in every model in their range. With equal pricing for both electric and hybrid models, Vauxhall is setting a new standard in the industry.

July's Growth in the UK new car market

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:35:05 +0000

Battery electric vehicle uptake outpaces overall market, up 18.8%, but remains behind mandated transition trajectory.

With new car registrations increasing by 2.5% in July 2024, the UK car market is continuing its two-year ongoing growth as s steady rebound from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. July alone saw 147,517 new cars hitting the road, making it the best performance since the post-lockdown surge of 2020.

A significant amount of this growth is the fleet sector, which recorded a 13.0% increase in registrations, securing a dominant 62.0% market share. In contrast, private demand has been declining, falling by 11.1% to account for only 36.2% of deliveries in the month. One interesting factor contributing to this decline is the rising popularity of salary sacrifice schemes.

Electrified vehicles (EVs) are making significant inroads in the UK market, outpacing overall market growth. In July, 42.0% of new car registrations were for electrified vehicles. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) saw a notable 31.4% increase, capturing 14.5% of the market, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) grew by 12.4%, representing 8.9% of registrations. However, the real standout is battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which surged by 18.8%, capturing an 18.5% market share. Despite a 3% drop in the private share of the BEV market compared to last year, the volume of private BEV registrations still increased.

The UK government requires zero-emission vehicles to comprise at least 22% of each brand’s new car registrations. This ambitious target necessitates a significant acceleration in the pace of EV adoption. However, industry forecasts suggest that meeting this target may be challenging under current market conditions. The overall market growth forecast for 2024 has been revised downwards, with expectations of 1.968 million new car registrations by year-end. Similarly, the anticipated BEV market share has been adjusted downwards to 18.5% from the previously expected 19.8%, however this still represents a further 364,000 electric vehicles forecast to be registered by the end of 2024. These vehicles will then feed into the used car market in the coming 3-4 years as the fleets change in the future.

These trends underscore the dynamic shift towards electrified vehicles in the UK, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. As more consumers and businesses embrace EVs, the market is poised for continued evolution, albeit with some challenges along the way.

Salary sacrifice schemes are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. These schemes allow employees to lease electric vehicles through pre-tax salary deductions, making EVs more accessible and financially appealing. The financial incentives are compelling, with significant tax benefits, including lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rates and National Insurance savings, making electric vehicles a cost-effective choice for employees. Additionally, employers benefit by managing costs effectively and supporting their sustainability goals, aligning with broader environmental initiatives and enhancing corporate social responsibility profiles.

Many salary sacrifice schemes now include essential services like maintenance, insurance, and home charger installation. These inclusions simplify the transition to electric vehicles and provide additional value to employees. For instance, Octopus Electric Vehicles includes a home charger installation in their package, enhancing the overall appeal of their salary sacrifice scheme. Similarly, The Electric Car Scheme offers straightforward options for home charging solutions, addressing one of the common concerns about EV ownership—convenient and accessible charging.

If your chosen salary sacrifice scheme does not include a home charger, there's a compelling alternative: Lemac Power. Lemac Power offers convenient, clever, and compact home charging solutions that can be seamlessly integrated with your new electric vehicle. The journey towards a greener future is well underway, and it’s exciting to see how these developments will continue. For those transitioning to EVs, home charging solutions like those from Lemac Power can provide the necessary support to make the switch smooth and efficient.

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.

Golf PHEV models added to MK8.5 range

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 08:55:12 +0000

From 27th June, two eHybrid models featuring latest update are available to UK drivers

Since the launch of the Giugiaro designed MK1 Golf in 1974, over 37 million VW Golf's have been made, and has made it the best-selling European car of all time. After turning 50 this year, an updated 8th generation was launched earlier this year, and the updated PHEV models have been announced bringing better charging rates, and a new battery pack.

Two variants are available: a Style trim that combines the benefits of electric driving with a 204 PS engine and six-speed DSG, plus the exciting GTE that comes with a punchy 272 PS engine and the same six-speed DSG. They use a new 1.5 TSI evo2 engine that features variable turbocharger geometry (VTG) and a highly efficient TSI-evo combustion process.

Both these newcomers combine electric power with the same head-turning good looks seen already with the latest Golf models, and the illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front. A new 19.7 kWh battery offers fast DC charging of up to 40 kW, and AC charging of up to 11 kW (previously 3.6 kW), with official electric-only ranges of 89 miles for the Style eHybrid and 82 miles for the GTE – meaning both cars offer everyday electric-only driving for the vast majority of customers. An attractive Benefit in Kind (BiK) rate of just five per cent will also appeal to company car drivers.

Other Style eHybrid features include three-zone Climatronic air conditioning, Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist; the GTE adds keyless access, heated front seats, tinted rear glass, front fog lamps and cornering lights.

VW have been highlighted recently after Arno Antlitz's announcement of $65 billion on continued research on ICE powertrains. This was seen by some as a signal that VW re-evaluating their overall EV strategy, rather than a stepping stone to producing better and more efficient options to help continue to make their PHEV range like these new models attractive for those not ready to make a full transition to EV driving.

Cap HPI helps dispel EV scrappage myths

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:55:34 +0000

Automotive industry experts review scrapping data

Despite the myths around the long term life of EV's that continue, and industry fears, there is no evidence to suggest that EV cars are being scrapped at a higher rate than equivalent ICE vehicles according to the data from market data experts Cap HPI.

Despite higher repair costs related to the electric drive train, electric cars are being written off at half the rate of their petrol and diesel equivalents. This review of the data came from demands of the automotive industry as a whole to review the rates at which the various vehicles were being scrapped.

When looking at purely EV to ICE vehicles at 5 years old or newer, of the 1,130,581 EV's registered, only 1,433 had been written off or scrapped. This compares to 10,278,745 ICE vehicles registered in that time, with 33,700 being scrapped. Moving Hybrid vehicles to reflect their electric elements of the drivetrain doesn't significantly change the end result at this 5 year stage.

Jonathan Clay, Cap HPI identification director, commented: “It’s essential that the industry has an accurate picture of emerging trends as the EV market continues to develop. With repair costs for EVs running up to 29% higher than ICE vehicles, according to a Solera study, it’s important to understand the impact on scrappage rates.”

From a consumer and market point of view, this data helps put aside the myth that persists of current EV's having a limited lifespan, and that overall, the market for these vehicles will continue to grow as more of the cars being registered make it to 2nd and 3rd owners. With as high as 35% of dealers reporting that consumers being concerned that used EV would have a degraded battery.

The importance of a home charger grows with this used EV market place. Where the 1st owner of a new car is likely to have an offer at point of sale for the manufacturers choice of charger, as a 2nd or 3rd owner, you will need a charger that can provide the power needed to drive your vehicle. In a recent study, over 50% of dealers came up against the objection of not having an EV charger at home being a barrier to entry to Zero Emissions motoring. To find out more about the Lemac Chargers and how we can help charge your new or used EV, get in touch.