Why Choose an Electric or Hybrid?

For many, electric vehicles or hybrids are the future. But while there are still issues such as an EV's driving range and lack of recharging options, the Hybrid vehicle is a viable alternative.

Hybrid and electric cars are part of the drive from manufacturers to produce cleaner and less polluting engines. With many governments and cities now signing up to new and decisive anti-pollution measures, a vehicle that includes at least some electric based power is seen to be a good solution.

The basic idea of a hybrid vehicle is for the battery to be charged by the petrol or diesel engine when it is being driven. The battery component then becomes a temporary energy storage device which supports the main engine.

If you're thinking of buying an electric car a full-EV fully electric model will still only be suitable if you have off-street parking and only typically undertake short-to-medium-length journeys, but they've come on a long way.

There are the four driving choices or modes to select from - the petrol or diesel fuelled engine alone or the electric motor alone, or a mix of both.

Mild hybrids

Mild hybrid technology differs from full-Hybrid technology in that with a mild hybrid, the car is never running fully under electric power but has a small battery powered by brake regeneration.

Full-hybrids

The engi...