If you're looking to purchase an electric vehicle for the first time, you may come across a variety of acronyms. A summary of the commercially available electric car types is as follows:
Electric vehicle (EV)
Hybrid (HEV)
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Mild electric vehicle (MHEV)
Range-extended electric vehicle (RE-EV)
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Hydrogen vehicle (FCEV)
This term is used for cars that run solely on electricity and therefore produce no exhaust emissions, a leading example being the Kia e-Niro, our 2019 Electric Car of the Year. Also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), instead of a petrol or diesel engine, they have an electric motor that is powered by batteries, which you charge by plugging the car into a socket.
A hybrid car combines a conventional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and batteries. Although not as 'green' as fully electric cars, hybrids generally consume less fuel and produce less CO2 than conventionally powered cars.
The most common type is the parallel hybrid - sometimes known as a self-charging hybrid - and is found in cars such as the Toyota Prius. The engine is still the main power source, but the wheels can be powered in three different ways: either directly by the engine, by the electric motor alone, or by both working together. You never need to charge these hybrids. Most can run on electric power only for just a few miles at low speeds.
As the name implies, this type of hybrid can be plugged into an electric outlet to recharge its batteries, as well as being charged on the move.
A mild hybrid car is very similar to a Self-Charging Hybrid car, but with a smaller battery. So, it can't drive on battery power alone. The battery is there to help the petrol or diesel engine perform more economically.
Warranty Direct can provide cover for a number of EV or Hybrid cars, please see below some of the vehicle we cover
For a hybrid model, all of the following will be covered in our Gold Warranty Cover
Generator
Electric Motor
Electronic Control Unit
Reduction Gear
Power Split Device
Power Control Unit
DC Converter
System Main Relay
Energy Storage Systems
Wiring (if required as a consequence of a covered failed part)
Batteries and/or cells are excluded for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Find more information about Warranty Direct electric and hybrid vehicles coverage here.
We offer trusted, cost-effective cover for new and established electric vehicles—plus added benefits.
Cover from day one
Easy claims process
Wear & Tear up to 70,000 miles.
Free cancellation
Interest Free monthly payments
Underwritten by leading 'A' Rated Global Insurer
FCA regulated product
No Pre-Inspection required
Parts, labour up to 12 years old/120,000 miles
*Multimedia including Sat Nav/Camera equipment
AA Roadside Assistance and Home Start
* Gold Coverage Only