Electric & Hybrid Frequently Asked Questions

A hybrid car is a type of vehicle that uses two or more sources of power to move. The most common type of hybrid car is a gasoline-electric hybrid, which uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. The electric motor is powered by a battery, which is charged by the gasoline engine and through regenerative braking.
When the car is started, the electric motor powers the vehicle, and the gasoline engine kicks in when the car needs more power, such as when accelerating or climbing hills. The battery is charged through a process called regenerative braking, in which the electric motor acts as a generator to convert the car's kinetic energy into electricity when the brakes are applied. This helps to extend the range of the electric motor and improve fuel efficiency.
Overall, a hybrid car is able to combine the benefits of a gasoline engine, such as its long range and high power output, with the benefits of an electric motor, such as its low emissions and high efficiency. This makes for a vehicle that is able to offer the best of both worlds.

The frequency with which you need to charge a hybrid or electric vehicle will depend on several factors, including the size of the battery, the distance you drive, and how you drive.
Most hybrid vehicles have a small battery that is primarily charged by the gasoline engine, so you do not need to plug them in to charge the battery. However, some hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Kuga PHEV, have a larger battery that can be charged by plugging the car into an electric outlet. In this case, you may need to charge the battery every few days, depending on your driving habits.
Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are powered solely by electricity and must be plugged in to charge the battery. The frequency with which you need to charge an electric vehicle will depend on the size of the battery and the distance you drive. Most electric vehicles have a range of around 100 miles per charge, so if you drive less than this per day, you may only need to charge the vehicle once per day. If you drive further than this, you may need to charge the vehicle more frequently.
In general, it is a good idea to plug in your hybrid or electric vehicle whenever you can, to keep the battery charged and ensure that you have enough power to get where you need to go. This can help to maximize the efficiency and range of your vehicle.

The pros of buying a pre-owned hybrid or electric vehicle include the potential to save money on the purchase price, as well as the ability to avoid the depreciation that occurs with new vehicles. Additionally, pre-owned hybrid and electric vehicles may have more advanced features and better fuel efficiency than older, non-hybrid or non-electric models.
On the other hand, the cons of buying a pre-owned hybrid or electric vehicle include the potential for the vehicle to have unknown issues or a less-than-perfect maintenance history. It is also possible that the battery or other components may have degraded over time, which can affect the vehicle's performance and range.
Overall, the decision to buy a pre-owned hybrid or electric vehicle should be based on your individual needs and circumstances. It may be worth considering a pre-owned vehicle if you are looking for a more affordable option, but it is important to do your research and carefully inspect the vehicle before making a purchase.

Ford offers a number of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, including the Ford Puma mHEV, the Ford Kuga PHEV, and the Ford All-Electric Mustang Mach-E. All of these vehicles are highly rated and offer a good balance of performance, efficiency, and convenience.
The Ford Puma is a mild hybrid (mHEV) comparable to cars powered only by a traditional engine and is therefore one of the cheapest hybrid cars in the Ford range. Electricity never drives a Puma completely, but instead supports it with Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine.
The Ford Kuga is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers an all-electric range of up to 35 miles and uses two sources of power to get you there more efficiently than ever. An advanced electric powertrain lets you make shorter trips with zero emissions, and can charge anywhere you have access to mains. For longer journeys, 2.5L Duratec petrol engine ensures you can go as far as you want, and helps recharge the battery in the process.
The new Mach-E gives you all-electric, zero-emissions driving for hundreds of miles in a supercharged car that befits the Mustang name. Range anxiety is eliminated with the Mustang capable of up to 370 miles on a full charge, and for even greater distances, it’s possible to boost the battery from 10% to 80% in just 38 minutes at a high-powered charging station. Fuel costs are reduced significantly thanks to electricity’s cheaper per-unit price compared to petrol or diesel, and you’ll find further savings on road tax and congestion charges.
Overall, any of these vehicles would be a good choice for someone looking for a plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle from Ford.

The cost of an electric car can vary depending on the make and model, as well as the features and options that it includes. In general, electric cars tend to be more expensive than comparable gas-powered vehicles, due to their advanced technology and the cost of the battery.
However, the higher upfront cost of an electric car can be offset by the savings on fuel and maintenance over the long term. Additionally, many governments offer tax credits and other incentives to encourage people to buy electric cars, which can make them more affordable.
As of 2022, the average cost of a new electric car is around £40,000. However, there are many affordable electric car options available, with some models starting at under £30,000. It is also possible to find used electric cars at a lower cost.

Electric cars really come into their own when you consider the potential long-term savings from charging and running the vehicle. Not only are they more affordable than fuel models, but the advanced technology and lower emissions bring reduced road tax and exemptions from congestion charges.
Using an all-electric car brings excellent savings in fuel costs as electricity is cheaper than petrol and diesel. Currently petrol costs an average of 120.8p per litre and diesel an average of 123.6p per litre*. Domestic electricity prices, by comparison, are between 13-15p per kWh**.
Which means that with the Mustang Mach-E your fuel saving could be over £1,000 annually, with a year’s electricity typically costing between £600-700.
What’s more, your wallet will thank you for the savings in road tax and in the exemptions from congestion charges too. All-electric cars are free to tax in their first year, and will be cheaper than petrol/diesel cars in subsequent ones. They’re exempt from the London Congestion Charge and Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges as long as the vehicle is registered, and may even enjoy cheaper parking in some cities. Thanks to their electric engine and battery instead of an internal combustion engine, all-electric cars have fewer parts and are essentially a simpler construct – meaning that maintenance and servicing savings are also likely.
With these benefits and many more, electrified cars are the future of automotive travel. Explore the range and find the perfect model to complement your lifestyle.

What are the benefits of purchasing a hybrid or electric car?
There are many benefits to purchasing a hybrid or electric car, including the following:

• Reduced emissions: Hybrid and electric cars produce significantly lower emissions than gas-powered vehicles, which can help to reduce air pollution and improve public health.
• Lower fuel costs: Hybrid and electric cars are more fuel-efficient than gas-powered vehicles, which can save you money on fuel costs over the long term.
• Government incentives: Many governments offer tax credits and other incentives to encourage people to buy hybrid and electric cars, which can make them more affordable.
• Improved performance: Hybrid and electric cars can offer a smooth, quiet ride and advanced technology features, such as smartphone connectivity and advanced safety systems.
• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: By using electricity as a power source, hybrid and electric cars can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which can help to combat climate change.

Yes, many hybrid and electric cars are available for disabled drivers. In fact, many of these vehicles offer features and technologies that can make them especially well-suited for people with disabilities.
For example, some hybrid and electric cars are available with features such as automatic transmission, power-assisted steering and brakes, and adjustable pedals, which can make them easier to operate for drivers with limited mobility. Additionally, the smooth, quiet ride of these vehicles can be more comfortable for passengers with certain medical conditions.
Furthermore, many hybrid and electric cars offer advanced technology features, such as voice-activated controls and touchscreen interfaces, which can be easier to use for drivers with limited hand function. These features can also help to make the driving experience safer and more convenient for all passengers.
Overall, there are many hybrid and electric cars available that can be a good fit for disabled drivers. It is important to do your research and consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a vehicle.

Yes, in general, hybrid and electric cars are better for the environment than gas-powered vehicles. This is because they produce significantly lower emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and improve public health.
Hybrid cars use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. The electric motor is powered by a battery, which is charged by the gasoline engine and through regenerative braking. This allows the car to switch between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, depending on the driving conditions, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Electric cars, on the other hand, are powered solely by electricity and do not produce any tailpipe emissions. They are charged by plugging the car into an electric outlet, and the electricity can be generated from a variety of sources, including renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This means that electric cars can be even more environmentally friendly than hybrid cars, depending on the source of the electricity.
Overall, hybrid and electric cars are a more sustainable transportation option than gas-powered vehicles, and can help to reduce our impact on the environment.

Yes, many hybrid and electric cars are family friendly. In fact, many of these vehicles offer features and technologies that can make them especially well-suited for families.
For example, hybrid and electric cars are often available in larger sizes, such as sedans and SUVs, which can provide more space for passengers and cargo. Additionally, the smooth, quiet ride of these vehicles can be more comfortable for passengers, especially young children who may be sensitive to noise and vibration.
Furthermore, many hybrid and electric cars offer advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which can help to protect passengers and other road users. These features can also help to make the driving experience safer and more convenient for all passengers, including parents with young children.
Overall, there are many hybrid and electric cars available that can be a good fit for families. It is important to do your research and consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a vehicle.

No, hybrid and electric cars are available in both automatic and manual transmission versions. However, the availability of manual transmission may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
In general, hybrid and electric cars are more commonly available with automatic transmission, as this type of transmission is well-suited to the smooth, efficient operation of these vehicles. Automatic transmission can also be more convenient for many drivers, as it does not require the driver to shift gears manually.
However, some hybrid and electric cars are available with manual transmission, which can offer a more engaging driving experience for some drivers. If you are interested in a hybrid or electric car with manual transmission, it is a good idea to check the availability of this option for the specific make and model that you are considering.

Electric cars are a type of vehicle that are powered solely by electricity, whereas petrol and diesel cars are powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. There are several key differences between these types of vehicles, including the following:

• Emissions: Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, whereas petrol and diesel cars produce significant emissions that can contribute to air pollution and climate change.
• Fuel efficiency: Electric cars are generally more fuel-efficient than petrol and diesel cars, as they convert more of the energy from the battery into power for the vehicle. This can save you money on fuel costs over the long term.
• Maintenance: Electric cars require less frequent maintenance than petrol and diesel cars, as they have fewer moving parts and do not require regular oil changes.
• Performance: Electric cars can offer a smooth, quiet ride and instant torque, which can provide quick acceleration and a sporty driving experience. Petrol and diesel cars, on the other hand, can offer higher horsepower and a wider range of engine options.
• Cost: Electric cars tend to be more expensive than petrol and diesel cars, due to their advanced technology and the cost of the battery. However, the higher upfront cost can be offset by the savings on fuel and maintenance over the long term.

Overall, the choice between an electric car, a petrol car, and a diesel car will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is a good idea to consider all of the factors mentioned above, as well as the availability of charging infrastructure and other factors, when making your decision.

There are several steps that you can take to ensure the best fuel performance from your hybrid and electric vehicle, including the following:
1. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule: It is important to keep your vehicle well-maintained, as this can help to maximize its efficiency and performance. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which can include tasks such as regular oil changes, tire rotations, and battery checks.
2. Use the most efficient driving mode: Many hybrid and electric vehicles have multiple driving modes, such as ECO mode, which can help to optimize the vehicle's performance and efficiency. Be sure to use the most efficient driving mode for the conditions, as this can help to extend the range of the vehicle and save fuel.
3. Avoid excessive idling: Idling can waste fuel and reduce the efficiency of your vehicle. Whenever possible, try to avoid excessive idling, such as when waiting in traffic or at a stoplight. Instead, turn off the engine and save the fuel for when you are actually driving.
4. Keep your tires properly inflated: Properly inflated tires can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, as they can reduce rolling resistance and improve the vehicle's aerodynamics. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
5. Avoid unnecessary weight: Extra weight in the vehicle can reduce its fuel efficiency, as it requires more energy to move. Try to avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle, such as heavy items or excess cargo.
Overall, by following these steps and practicing good driving habits, you can help to ensure the best fuel performance from your hybrid and electric vehicle.

Yes, you can charge your electric vehicle when it rains. Most electric vehicles are equipped with waterproof charging ports, so you can plug in and charge your vehicle even if it is raining. However, it is important to make sure that the charging port on your electric vehicle is completely dry before you plug in the charging cable to avoid any electrical issues. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast before charging your electric vehicle to avoid any potential thunderstorms or lightning strikes, which could pose a safety hazard.

At the end of a battery's life, up to 95% of the elements used in manufacture can be recycled and used to make new EV batteries.
We're working with partners to develop closed-loop EV battery recycling — targeting zero-waste manufacture and making electric vehicles more affordable.

How far you can drive on electric power depends on the type of vehicle. Plug-in hybrids have an electric driving range of up to 28 – 39 miles (WLTP test results)†. While an all-electric car’s range is much further thanks to the larger battery. Newer models like the Mustang Mach-E are capable of driving up to 280 – 379 miles‡ (WLTP test results) on a full charge.
It’s not just about battery capacity. Public charging stations are appearing in more and more locations, making topping up even easier while you’re on the go. The BlueOvalTM Charge network gives Ford owners access to over 21,000 charging points across the UK.