Lemac Power - Blog #PHEV

Making the Most of EV Savings

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:43:47 +0000

Electric vehicle (EV) owners are always looking for ways to reduce their charging costs, and with the right combination of a smart energy tariff and an efficient home charger, the savings can be significant. Pairing the new Utilities Warehouse (UW) EV tariff with a Lemac Power 7kW Charger is an excellent way to drive down costs and enjoy convenient, hassle-free charging.

Off-peak tariffs allow you to charge your EV during hours when energy demand is low, often at a fraction of the standard rate. The UW EV tariff stands out with its highly competitive 7p/kWh off-peak rate, making it one of the best options on the market for cost-conscious drivers.

Pairing the Utilities Warehouse EV tariff with a Lemac Power 7kW Charger offers even greater benefits:

Cost Savings: By using the Lemac Power smart charger, you can easily schedule charging during the UW off-peak window (12am to 5am), ensuring you always benefit from the 7p/kWh rate. For most EV owners, this could mean over 75% in savings compared to standard rates and public charging.

Smart Charging Features: Lemac Power chargers are equipped with smart functionality, allowing you to set your charging sessions to start automatically during off-peak hours. You won’t need to worry about manually adjusting your charger every night—simply plug in your EV, and the charger will handle the rest.

Optimized for Home Use: The Lemac Power 7kW charger is perfect for overnight home charging, delivering a full charge for most EVs within the UW off-peak window. Whether you have a Nissan Leaf, a Kia e-Niro, or any other EV or PHEV model, this pairing ensures your car is ready to go each morning at a fraction of the cost.

Bundled Savings with UW: Utilities Warehouse doesn’t just help you save on electricity—by bundling your gas, broadband, and mobile services, you can cut costs across your household bills, making UW one of the best all-around options for budget-conscious homeowners.

For example, charging a Nissan Leaf (40kWh battery) using the UW tariff costs just £2.80 for a full charge. By comparison, a standard home tariff at 22.36p/kWh would cost £8.94, while public chargers average £20 or more. Clearly, the savings with UW and other off peak tariffs are substantial.

Tariff Provider	Off-Peak Rate	Off-Peak Window	Cost of a 40kWh charge
Utilities Warehouse	7p/kWh	5h (12am to 5am)	£2.80
Octopus Go	7.5p/kWh	4h (12:30am to 4:30am)	£3.00
British Gas Electric	9p/kWh	5h (12am to 5am)	£3.60
EDF GoElectric 35	9p/kWh	5 Hours (12am to 5am)	£3.60
Standard Home Tariff	22.36p/kWh	N/A	£8.94
Public Charging	56p/kWh	N/A	£22.40

For EV owners looking to maximize savings and convenience, combining the Utilities Warehouse EV tariff with a Lemac Power 7kW Charger is a smart move. With UW’s low 7p/kWh off-peak rate, you’ll see dramatic reductions in your charging costs. Add in the smart features of the Lemac Power charger, and you’ve got a solution that delivers cost-effective, hassle-free charging every night.

Not only will you reduce your EV running costs, but by bundling other services with UW, you can simplify your bills and enjoy savings across multiple utilities. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and your EV!

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.

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.

The evolving UK used EV market - July 2024

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:42:22 +0000

Now that 2024 is past the halfway point, what has been shaping the UK used EV market so far?

Over the past three years, the used EV market has evolved dramatically. In 2021 and 2022, the market was full of higher prices and limited supply due to the still early state of the EV industry and production slowdowns. The Tesla Model 3, one of the early mainstream electric vehicles that lead the way to the marketplace we see today, has only just turned 5 years old in the UK.

By 2023, the influx of new EV models and improvements in charging infrastructure are beginning to stabilise the market, making EVs more attractive to used car buyers. Now in 2024, the market is benefiting from these foundational changes. Improved battery technology, longer ranges, and faster charging times have made older EV models more competitive, sustaining their value over time.

The UK used electric vehicle (EV) market has seen dynamic changes over the past few years, reflecting broader trends in consumer behavior, technology, and market dynamics. As of mid-2024, this market is vibrant, with both opportunities and challenges. In the first week of July alone, nearly 700 EVs were sold, with BCA (British Car Auctions) on track to record over 30,000 units sold in the next 12 months. This surge in sales is driven by increased demand and pricing stability, making EVs more appealing compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Auto Trader's recent analysis underscores unprecedented shifts in the supply dynamics of the used car market. The reduced production of new cars during the pandemic has led to a significant decrease in the number of sub-five-year-old vehicles, particularly affecting brands like Vauxhall, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. By contrast, brands like MG and Tesla have seen substantial increases in the number of younger vehicles available. Due to the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, there are an estimated 2.7-2.8 million cars which would have been 3 years old now, but never hit the roads due to finance extensions and lack of supply.

The surge in EVs entering the market is another key trend. Auto Trader estimates that by the end of 2024, around 4% of the total cars on UK roads will be electric, with this figure expected to rise to over a third by 2033. For the hold-outs on traditional ICE vehicles, there will never be more choice of these vehicles than there is right now, in particular the number of diesel vehicles in the market. Each month the remaining models that fall into this category will dwindle, with car makers moving to PHEV and EV production.

Cap HPI reports encouraging signs of price recovery in the used EV sector, with increased consumer demand driving prices up. Conversely, Indicata highlights a 43.8% drop in used EV prices over the past 18 months, bringing them closer to ICE vehicle prices. This price parity is crucial, as it marks an important tipping point for more people to switch to electric driving. Specialist EV trade buyers are thriving, driven by their market knowledge and ability to dispel myths about EVs, particularly around battery health and warranties. With a used EV not having the same offers of free charging points as many newer options, it's important to pick the best EV home charger for any potential car you might be looking at.

As the market continues to adjust and mature, now is an ideal time to invest in a home EV charger. Investing in a home EV charger not only supports current needs but also future-proofs homes as the shift towards electric driving accelerates. We highlighted this in our post about the point at which the cost of driving electric from a home charger has covered only 6 months of ICE driving. Home EV chargers provide a range of benefits that make them a valuable investment for electric vehicle owners. They offer the convenience by enabling you to charge your vehicle overnight or whenever it's parked at home, ensuring it's always ready to go without the hassle of frequent trips to public charging stations. Charging at home can lead to significant cost savings compared to using public stations, as you can take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours or take advantage of home solar to charge your car, ultimately reducing your energy costs.

Installing a home EV charger can boost your property's value and appeal to potential buyers interested in electric vehicles. Lastly, regular charging at home can help maintain your EV's battery health, providing a consistent and safe charging environment compared to public stations. Embrace the electric revolution today and enjoy the benefits of cleaner, more efficient transportation.

2024 so far in the New Car Market

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:32:58 +0000

UK registrations hit over 1 Million cars since the start of 2024

After the recent release of the SMMT figures for June, the UK new car registration market's trend for the first half of 2024 is quite evident. Despite reports pointing out a decline in retail sales, both monthly and year-to-date registrations show growth of 1.1% and 6.0% respectively compared to the previous year.

If this growth rate persists, the year-end projections suggest over 2 million cars could be registered by the end of 2024. The market is witnessing a rise in electric vehicles and Plug-in hybrids, constituting nearly 30% of new cars in June and almost 25% of the total registrations this year. Notably, Tesla maintains the lead in registrations, but other brands like Volkswagen are swiftly closing the gap. With traditional automakers expanding their EV offerings and EVs becoming available in all market segments, Tesla's current 22% new registration share is expected to diminish as the market transforms.

In response to the overall figures SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes says “The year’s midpoint sees the new car market in its best state since 2021 – but this belies the bigger challenge ahead. The private consumer market continues to shrink against a difficult economic backdrop, but with the right policies in place, the next government can re-energise the market and deliver a faster, fairer zero emission transition. All parties are agreed on the need to cut carbon and replacing older fossil fuel based technologies with new electrified powertrains is the essential step to achieving that goal.”

From within the industry Ian Plumber, Auto Trader commercial director says “June marked the 8th consecutive month of decline in retail sales - quite a contrast to the months of huge demand we've been tracking in the used car market. With average new car prices rising almost 40% over the last five years, it’s clear cost is the culprit. Manufacturers are responding with discounts but they're failing to keep pace, which is forcing many buyers to opt for a used alternative. Whoever forms the next government needs to address electric car affordability and provide long term stability for the market, securing the future of the salary sacrifice and Benefit in Kind schemes is essential as these drive the majority of new electric car uptake and it will be very difficult to scale without these. The market for used EVs is much stronger, which shows drivers are willing to go electric when the price is right”

However, looking at the bigger picture, Fleet sales of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are on the rise. Although new registrations for these vehicles among private buyers are slower, overall sales are increasing. This growth can be attributed to the surge in Salary Sacrifice schemes that are particularly favorable for electric vehicles. These schemes are attracting customers who would typically have purchased a vehicle as consumers and are now shifting them to become Fleet users.

Ian Plumber points out that pricing and discounts are steering customers towards considering used alternatives. The expanding presence of electric vehicles that are up to 5 years old in the second-hand market offers customers a wide selection to transition to electric options. There are nearly ten times more used electric vehicles up to 5 years old compared to those introduced in the UK after that period. With this abundance of choices, buyers who previously had to purchase a new EV to enjoy the benefits can now opt for a relatively new used vehicle and still experience improvements in range and features.

Auto Express Awards highlights EV Choice

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:15:07 +0000

PHEV and EV options make up 61% of the New Car award categories, and Citroen e-C3 takes top award

The UK car market is revving up for an electrifying transformation in 2024, as highlighted by Auto Express in their latest awards ceremony. With the ZEV mandate pushing for 22% of new car sales to be fully electric, the automotive landscape is experiencing a wave of disruption with new brands entering the scene. It's an exciting time to be a car enthusiast, as the industry evolves towards a more sustainable future.

“2024 was one of the most competitive years for the New Car Awards, which makes the fact that the new Citroen C3 scooped two category wins on the way to the overall win an even more outstanding achievement,” said Auto Express editor Paul Barker. “Citroen’s Advanced Comfort tech, applied to its suspension and the seats inside a spacious cabin, give the C3 plenty of appeal on its own. However it’s the prospect of a fully electric version, priced from less than £22,000, that cements its place at the top of a very impressive list of shortlisted cars.”

Auto Express recognized excellence in 26 categories, with a notable trend towards electric and plug-in hybrid models dominating the winners' circle, with 16 of the categories going to EV's outright, or models where a PHEV option is available. The shift towards electrification is evident, with many traditional petrol and diesel-powered models being outshined by their eco-friendly counterparts. Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai emerged as frontrunners, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Hyundai's impressive performance in the awards, including the repeat success of the Hyundai Kona and the groundbreaking win in the Performance Car category with the Ioniq 5 N, demonstrates the brand's dedication to pushing boundaries in the EV market. The Ioniq 5 N is the first electric vehicle to secure the category typically dominated by Porsche, surpassing models from Alfa Romeo and McLaren. The Citroen e-C3's victory further solidifies the growing appeal of electric vehicles, offering a winning combination of style, performance, and affordability.

As Stellantis gears up for further growth in the UK EV market, the spotlight is on models like the Citroen e-C3 to drive the country towards a greener automotive future. With an increasing focus on zero-emission motoring, these award-winning electric vehicles are not just setting new standards in performance and design but also paving the way for a sustainable and eco-conscious driving experience. The future of the UK car market is electric, and these exciting developments are just the beginning of a thrilling journey towards a cleaner and greener automotive industry.

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.

How much does EV charging cost?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:40:41 +0000

One of the biggest benefits to switching to EV driving is cost savings. But how does home charging help?

Switching to driving an electric vehicle not only helps the environment, but also your wallet. With the cost of electricity at an average 22.36p per kWh from the 1st of July 2024, these savings can add up significantly over time.

A typical EV needs around 72kWH to fully charge and can travel 3-4 miles per kWh. By investing in having an charging station at home, EV owners can take advantage of lower electricity rates, and maximise their efficiency. Between the convenience of being able to connect at home, and reducing reliance on more expensive public charging stations, the cost of the charging station can be balanced out relatively quickly.

With more and more energy providers offering a household tariff that includes an EV charging rate, it makes sense to have smart charging capabilities for your car. These savings can bring the cost of driving down to less than £10 per month with some energy providers for the average driver doing just under 7000 miles a year.

Unleaded - £1.43/litre (38.8mpg)	£1,103.00
Standard variable tariff - £22.36p/kWh (4miles/kWh)	£382.50
EV Specialised off-peak tariff 7p/kWh (4miles/kWh)	£119

Our Lemac Power chargers are compatible with the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff that can go as low as 7p/kWh, making it the smart choice to consider for your EV home charging. With any other provider that offers off-peak charging, simply use the Monta app to schedule your charging at the times where your pricing is best for you.

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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.