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Volvo Electric & Hybrid Vehicles

With 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, we take pride in embracing change and adapting to the evolving landscape. As a forward-thinking business, we have dedicated significant effort to cater to the growing popularity of electric vehicles, ensuring that we can provide all our customers with a satisfying buying experience.

We understand that electric cars can be a complex topic, but there's no need to worry. We are here to assist you with clear and straightforward guidance, ensuring that we find the perfect car that meets your needs.

Prepare to be amazed by our impressive selection of new and used electric vehicles. You'll have a wide range of options to choose from, leaving you spoiled for choice.

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Vocabulary commonly associated with electric vehicles:

Different categories of electric vehicles

The world of electric vehicles can be overwhelming, as various acronyms and terms are used to describe the different options. To help you navigate this landscape and make an educated choice, we'll provide an overview of the various types of electric vehicles available.

Mild Hybrid

In the case of a mild hybrid, the traditional combustion engine receives support from an electric motor powered by a battery. While the electric battery cannot solely propel the vehicle, its assistance significantly reduces emissions.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) combines two power sources, namely a conventional engine and an electric motor. The vehicle intelligently switches between the two power sources based on the speed of travel. For instance, during slow movement in congested city traffic, an HEV will switch to electric power and rely solely on the electric motor without engaging the conventional engine.​

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) operates similarly to an HEV, employing both conventional and electric power sources. However, PHEVs are equipped with larger batteries, allowing them to cover longer distances solely on electric power. To recharge the electric battery, PHEVs need to be plugged into a charging point.

All-Electric Vehicles (EV)

An All-Electric Vehicle (EV) operates solely on electricity, with no reliance on a combustion engine. Charging an EV is as simple as plugging it into a charging point, and the vehicle takes care of the rest. For example, the e-Niro model can cover a distance of 282 miles on a single charge. When planning a long journey, it's essential to plan your charging points in advance to ensure uninterrupted travel.

EV Charging: Locations and Methods

Charging an electric vehicle differs from refuelling with petrol or diesel, but the fundamental idea remains unchanged. It is crucial to ensure that your car has enough power to travel from point A to point B, making stops for recharging if needed. Fortunately, with the presence of over 100,000 charging points throughout Europe, you can be confident that your next charging opportunity is never too far away.

Home Charging

If you have access to off-street parking, installing a charging point at your residence is possible.

Upon purchase, the EV manufacturer will provide you with a cable that can be connected to the charging socket. Simply plug it into your electric vehicle, similar to charging a smartphone.

Alternatively, you can also use a standard 3-pin socket in your home to charge your electric car, although this method requires significantly more time to achieve a full charge.

On-the-Go Charging

Numerous public locations now offer electric charging points, such as supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants, and car parks. Many of these places provide free charging to incentivize customer visits, but it's typically necessary to bring your own charging cable.

For longer journeys, most motorway service stations are equipped with rapid charging points to facilitate quick charging sessions.

Workplace Charging

Many workplaces are embracing the electric revolution by installing charging points in their parking lots, allowing employees to recharge their electric vehicles during the workday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do electric vehicles work?

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Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on rechargeable batteries instead of traditional combustion engines. This fundamental difference eliminates the need for fuel or oil and results in zero emissions during operation.

To charge the EV's battery, the car is plugged into a charge point, drawing electricity from the grid. This electricity powers an electric motor that propels the vehicle by turning its wheels. One notable advantage of EV motors is their ability to deliver instant power, enabling quick acceleration and providing a lighter driving experience compared to petrol-powered cars.

Will an electric vehicle save me money?

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While the initial purchase cost of an electric vehicle (EV) may be higher compared to petrol or diesel cars, owning an EV can lead to significant savings in running costs. Not only can you save on fuel expenses since electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel, but you can also benefit from lower maintenance and service costs. EVs have fewer moving parts and require less frequent maintenance compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

Additionally, fully electric vehicles are exempt from road tax in many jurisdictions, resulting in further savings. Over time, these cost savings can offset the higher upfront investment, making EVs a financially viable choice for many individuals.

What are electric vehicles like to drive?

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Indeed, it is true that the majority of electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with automatic transmissions. This characteristic contributes to a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience for EV owners. Unlike manual transmissions, which require gear shifting, EVs with automatic transmissions offer seamless acceleration and deceleration, making driving more convenient and effortless. This feature, combined with the instant torque delivery of electric motors, enhances the overall comfort and satisfaction of driving an electric vehicle.

How quiet are electric vehicles?

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Electric vehicles are very quiet, which means less distraction for the driver, and a better experience for passengers.
They also don't give out too much noise in busy towns and cities, so both neighbours and the outside environment benefit from this.

How far can an electric car travel before recharging?

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You are correct that the range of fully electric vehicles can vary significantly depending on the model. While the average range is currently around 130 miles, advancements in battery technology and vehicle design have led to increasing ranges with each new model release.

To keep drivers informed about their remaining range, electric vehicles provide regular reminders and displays to ensure awareness of the available driving distance. Additionally, many EVs offer economy modes that optimize energy efficiency, helping drivers reach a safe location or charging point when the battery charge is running low.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect even further improvements in the range of capabilities of electric vehicles, offering drivers increased confidence and convenience for longer journeys.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

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There are a number of different types of chargers, which you have access to and they all have other charging times.

Types of chargersThe time it takes to charge
Fast chargerswithin 3 - 8 hours
Slow chargerswithin 6 - 12 hours
Rapid chargersTo around 80% in about 40 - 60 minutes
Ultra-Rapid chargersTo around 80% in about 20 minutes

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