What is a mild-hybrid (MHEV) car?

Aug 10, 2023 | EV | 0 comments

We regularly hear the term mild hybrid come up, what exactly does it stand for? And what are the pros and cons? Hybrid cars have grown rapidly in popularity and may be a good (and affordable) alternative to fully electric driving. By 2035, it will be illegal to market cars that emit CO2, but until then, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars will still be on the market. If you are looking for a new (or second-hand) car and a mild hybrid model is on your list, you probably want to know more about what exactly a mild hybrid car is.

What types of hybrid cars are there?

First, it is important to say that a hybrid car is not the same as an electric car. All hybrid cars combine a combustion engine and an electric motor. In an all-electric car, there is no combustion engine.

First, let's take a look at what types of hybrid cars there are:

• full hybrid
• mild hybrid (or half hybrid)
• plug-in hybrid

What are the differences?

As the name suggests, hybrids are very similar yet different. All hybrids combine a combustion engine and an electric motor.

• A full hybrid car can drive small distances fully electric, but does not need to be charged at a charging station or socket. You can choose to drive fully on the electric motor and/or fully on the combustion engine. Using the fuel engine will charge the battery. Popular full hybrid models include the Toyota Prius, Lexux CT200h and Kia Niro.
• A plug-in hybrid you do need to charge and often has a larger battery and powerful electric motor, allowing you to drive longer distances fully electric. Plug-in hybrids are abbreviated to PHEV. There are more and more plug-in hybrid cars on the market, examples of plug-in and combustion engine cars include the BMW 330e, Volkswagen Golf GTE and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
• A mild hybrid (or half hybrid), as the name suggests, is right at the other end of that spectrum and is simpler than a regular hybrid. You cannot drive fully electric with this but is supportive of the fuel engine. This is also called a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle or MHEV for short. We discuss this type in more detail below:

Mild hybrid car

The addition of 'mild' means that a mild hybrid car does it in a smaller scale and less powerful way than a plug-in or full hybrid car, the main difference being in the battery. Unlike hybrids where only the battery can power the car and therefore works just like an electric car, a mild hybrid cannot. This means that besides the battery, you are always using your internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel). While this may not seem very useful, the concept has proved popular enough for many brands such as Audi, Kia, Volvo and Ford to all develop mild hybrid models.

The mechanics of a mild hybrid work just like a full hybrid, with a battery that recharges every time the car brakes. A mild hybrid car never has a plug and the battery in these cars cannot run the wheels without the engine also running.

In terms of handling, a mild hybrid offers little difference between a normal petrol or diesel car. In that sense, it is more an evolution of a standard car than a range for zero emissions. Mild hybrids, unlike electric cars, can be driven with manual transmissions. Ultimately, they offer the same driving experience people are used to, with the added support power of a battery.

Should I buy a mild hybrid car?

This naturally leads us to the next most obvious question: why do people buy a mild hybrid rather than a hybrid or fully electric vehicle? There is no advantage in terms of road tax and they don't have the ability to run purely on battery power. This is unfortunate for short drives because you will always consume fuel with MHEV. Nevertheless, for drivers who are not quite ready for the electric switch, there are a few reasons to go mild hybrid:

• Lower emissions: They are not completely emission-free, but they are better than traditional internal combustion engine cars without the added help of an electric battery. During coasting, the engine can be switched off completely and transfer the battery to help reduce fuel consumption and hence emissions.
• Lower costs: The addition of a battery means less work for the engine, thus saving fuel. For those looking for driving experience they are used to while benefiting from electric car technology, a mild hybrid is an excellent choice.
• Cheaper than a hybrid: Mild hybrids are cheaper than hybrids or electric cars, so for some they serve as a good alternative on the basis of finances alone. Of course, ideally we could all get into an electric car and be prepared for the zero-emission revolution, but in practice, mild hybrids occupy an important place in the market.
• No charging stress: Since mild hybrids never run on the electric motor alone, there is no risk of coming to a standstill somewhere along the road with a flat battery. Mild hybrids drive quietly as long as their tank is full.

Popular mild hybrid cars

There are several mild hybrid cars on the market today, some examples:

• Ford Cougar
• Ford Fiesta
• Audi A4 and A8
• Fiat 500
• Fiat Panda
• Kia Sportage
• Hyundai Tucson
• Suzuki Swift

The precise mild hybrid technology in each car varies. The Audi A8's system, for example, ensures that the engine is completely switched off for up to 40 seconds while coasting. This allows the battery to take over and deliver lower fuel consumption. In other models, such as the Suzuki Swift, the battery exists to support rather than replace the engine.

Not all cars with mild hybrids are made to be environmentally friendly. The addition of a battery means more power, so in race cars, one may be added to improve the performance of the vehicle, rather than for environmental reasons.

Is a mild hybrid car worth it?

Depending on your priorities, a mild hybrid car could be a good choice. They offer lower fuel consumption and emissions. While you will not get the zero emissions of an electric vehicle or even a full hybrid, it is certainly a step in the right direction compared to a traditional car.

Because the battery can also lead to more torque while driving, many will feel that mild hybrids allow for a smoother ride, with the engine working noticeably less during hard acceleration.

Do mild hybrids need to be charged?

No. Unlike full hybrids that come with plug-in options, you do not need to charge the battery in a mild hybrid. This is mainly because the battery is smaller than a full hybrid. Regenerative braking is enough to keep it powered. Since this means you charge the battery every time you brake, the small battery doesn't need any help to stay on sufficient power.

Are mild hybrids suitable for long distances?

A mild hybrid car works like a regular car, so there is no reason why you cannot make the same journey as with a petrol or diesel car. The difference is that you will notice that the engine sometimes works a bit harder. Unlike full electric cars that have a fixed electric range per charge, a mild hybrid does not run the risk of a dead battery stopping working. Of course, you should then remember to fill up your tank from time to time!

Electric car battery: lifespan, warranty, repair

Aug 7, 2023 | EV | 0 comments

The battery is the most important and expensive part of an electric car. It is the battery that powers the car and determines its range. The lifespan of a battery electric car is about 8 to 10 years, but this can vary depending on use and conditions.

Therefore, it is of course logical that as an EV owner you want to know: how long will the battery last? Does an EV's battery need to be replaced periodically? What guarantees does the manufacturer give? And can batteries be repaired? On this page tips and information.

How long does an electric car battery last?

In general, you can expect a long service life. Confidence in expensive batteries and manufacturer reliability is necessary for the acceptance and sale of electric cars. After all, customers know from electronic devices such as mobile phones or laptops that batteries lose performance over time and intensity of use (degradation) and need to be replaced.

The good news is that electric cars, unlike lithium-ion batteries, have intelligent battery management. This measures the temperature and voltage of each individual cell in the battery. This ensures that they do not overheat or get too cold and thus lose performance. The aim is always to protect the cell chemistry in the battery.

The systems seem to prove themselves: several endurance tests show that the first electric cars on the market can actually achieve acceptable battery life. Example BMW i3, 2014 model year: after five years and 100,000 kilometres, the battery's energy capacity was still 86 per cent. Several specialists and test organisations cautiously assume that the capacity reduction to 70 per cent will only occur after about 200,000 kilometres.

As a result of continued development to date, manufacturers - with a few exceptions - have agreed on a battery warranty of eight years and 160,000 kilometres. Lexus even gives the new UX300e 10 years and 1 million kilometres - a promise that sets new standards.

Battery electric car warranty

Unlike legal liability for material defects during the first two years, the warranty is a contractual agreement between the manufacturer and the buyer. But can you rely on the manufacturer's warranty promises? What does the small print say?

Important to know: Manufacturers always only guarantee a minimum percentage of usable battery capacity within a certain period of use. For almost all electric models, manufacturers set this lower limit at 70 per cent after eight years of use or 160,000 kilometres. For example, if a battery no longer reaches this 70 per cent capacity after six years of use after a full charge, a warranty case can be filed. If the manufacturer accepts the warranty claim, it will replace individual battery modules or replace the entire battery at its own expense.

Rules of use must be followed

Most car owners are less aware that they need to know and follow the usage rules in their electric car's user manual and warranty conditions. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing any claims. Essentially, the conditions and rules mean that the electric car should be serviced on time and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

In addition, there are additional grounds for exclusion with regard to a warranty: for example, faulty work, incompetent repair or retrofitting in the car. This includes tow bars if no trailer load is entered on the registration certificate ex-factory.

Manufacturer's instructions to charge the battery with high charging power as little as possible or not to always fully charge the battery should be understood more as a recommendation for longer battery life. Not following these recommendations does not automatically lead to exclusion from the warranty, according to the manufacturer. So read the manual and conditions carefully.

Deep discharge can compromise warranty

More problematic is the deep discharge of the battery due to longer life, even though manufacturers do not address this problem uniformly. For some manufacturers like Nissan and BMW, deep discharge is a clear reason for warranty exclusion. Other manufacturers look at these situations on a case-by-case basis, and yet others - especially the VW group - say deep discharge is excluded from the design of their vehicles.

In normal daily life, deep discharge should really hardly play a role. However, this can become relevant if you go on holiday for several weeks or if an EV is stationary for a long time. For buyers of used cars, it is therefore wise to ask how long the vehicle has been stationary and you can ask the seller for a contractual guarantee that the vehicle has not been deeply discharged and has been charged regularly.

Software updates are usually mandatory

Problems can also arise if a manufacturer's software update has been missed. If a software update is announced as a result of a recall or as a service measure, it should be considered mandatory. Non-compliance could adversely affect a subsequent warranty claim. At Tesla, implementation of a SW update is a prerequisite for granting warranty claims. And Škoda also inevitably implements software updates as part of servicing.

Clearly identifiable: improper handling of the battery

But how does the manufacturer know about improper use? When in doubt, can he prove it? The answer is clear: manufacturers know very well the history of the battery. Critical states of the electric car's battery along with environmental data are stored in the battery management system or transmitted directly online to the manufacturer. So this is often insightful for the manufacturer by reading the data.

Guarantees remain legally unclear

Even if the manufacturer's warranty sounds generous: unfortunately, from a legal point of view, it remains unclear to what extent the information in the user manual should be understood only as recommendations or as provisions relevant to the warranty. Therefore, buyers should be careful and follow the user manual. Otherwise, in case of doubt, they might depend on the goodwill of the manufacturer or even get nothing.

Cost of replacing electric car battery

If an existing car's battery pack needs to be replaced, it can be costly. A battery on a Nissan Leaf, for instance, can easily cost €5,000 and that of a Renault Zoe just under €8,000. And for a Tesla, you'll easily spend more than €15,000. So 'just' replacing an electric car battery can be quite expensive. Fortunately, with normal use, most battery packs remain in good condition for a long time. This is proven by the experience of Tesla's Model S, which has covered many hundreds of thousands of kilometres as a taxi in Amsterdam, and the first Nissan Leafs, among others. They too have now covered the necessary kilometres.

Battery test report

The battery is the most expensive part of an EV and basically wears out over time and use. The more charging cycles, the stronger the ageing. It is therefore important, even in the case of a proposed sale, that the owner knows and can objectively demonstrate the battery's state of health as accurately as possible. During regular maintenance and checks in the manufacturer's workshop, drive batteries are checked for their condition. It is therefore advisable to ask for the battery test report when servicing. In practice, many workshops do not (or do not want to) do this as standard, but it is certainly advisable to ask for it at a future service.

What buyers of electric cars can do:

• Please read the information on warranty conditions carefully.
• Have the usable battery capacity certified when new.
• Observe the operating instructions for longer battery life.
• Comply with instructions for longer downtime (charging and risk of full discharge).
• Strictly adhere to all maintenance intervals.
• Submit warranty claims immediately.
• Make it clear in advance what the costs are for checking a warranty claim.
• Always have software updates carried out during recalls or service actions.
• When buying a used car, pay attention to the warranty conditions at the time of purchase.

Battery replacement/ refurbishment

Most manufacturers launching EVs are building repair services. This will mean training workshop staff in the use of high-voltage technology. The subject was in its infancy for a long time but with the rapidly increasing number of electric vehicles, manufacturers have to keep up with the times in this. Thus, Open has set up a "Battery Refurbishment Centre" at their headquarters. Specially trained technicians take care of those cases where dealers cannot help. Think of a control unit that stopped working properly or a battery cell that is faulty. In such a case, the battery can be simply repaired and refitted.

The mechanic begins the procedure with a comprehensive diagnosis, reading the existing data and taking measurements. If necessary, the battery pack is then removed from the car and the well-screwed and carefully sealed battery housing is carefully opened. Before you can work on the modules, the circuit within the connected battery modules must be interrupted and the capacitor must be de-energised. Only then can you start removing a single module.

In the Volkswagen ID.4, for example, the largest battery consists of 12 modules, the small one of nine. Each battery module in turn consists of several units, the cells. Individual cells are not repaired, but an entire module is always replaced if it is faulty or its energy capacity is severely limited.

Of course, repairing a module is much cheaper than replacing the battery completely. A module repair, including removal and installation of the entire battery housing and checks, takes about a day. A module repair is roughly comparable to engine damage repair in terms of effort and cost. Either way, this requires training of craftsmen/women who know everything there is to know about batteries, so there is a big challenge here for the automotive industry. Also, with the surge of many Asian brands in the European market, the question is to what extent (and how fast) reperations can be carried out.

Unfortunately, manufacturers still find it difficult to give specific prices for battery repairs after the warranty has expired, even though they should be able to estimate the material and time required very well. It is hoped that manufacturers will address customer concerns in the future with transparent information on repair costs.

Top 10 electric cars with the greatest range

Jul 31, 2023 | EV | 0 comments

That the electric car can no longer be thought away from Dutch roads should be obvious. There are more and more new models on the market with an ever-increasing range. This page lists the range of fully electric models and also a list of plug-in hybrid models.

Range of electric cars

The range of an electric car is the distance a car can travel on a full battery. The range is expressed in kilometres. The range of an electric car is determined by a number of factors, such as the size of the battery, the aerodynamics of the car and the driving style of the driver.

A bigger battery means a longer range. A car with good aerodynamics consumes less energy, increasing its range. An economical driving style, such as city driving, also increases the range.

The range of an electric car is an important factor when buying an electric car. If you drive a lot, it is important to choose a car with a large range.

Range top 10 EVs

Below is a top 10 all-electric cars with the greatest range, based on the WLTP standard.

1. Lucid Air Dream Edition Range: 837 km
2. Mercedes-Benz EQS: 770 km
3. Tesla Model S Long Range: 652 km
4. BMW iX xDrive50: 630 km
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Extended Range: 610 km
6. Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo: 598 km
7. Tesla Model 3 Long Range: 580 km
8. Audi e-tron GT Quattro: 590 km
9. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range: 528 km
10. Kia EV6 Long Range: 528 km

The Lucid Air Dream Edition Range is the electric car with the largest range in the world. The car has a 113-kWh battery pack, allowing it to cover a distance of 837 kilometres on a full charge. In 2nd place is the Mercedex EQS and in 3rd place is the Tesla Model S Long Range with a range of 652 kilometres. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo is the only SUV in the top 10 with a range of more than 500 kilometres.

The cars in the top 10 all have large battery packs and are designed for efficient driving.

Top 10 range plug-in hyrbide cars

Looking at the top 10 for plug-in hybrid cars, the list is as follows:

1. Toyota Prius Prime: 64 kilometres
2. Ford Escape PHEV: 61 kilometres
3. Hyundai Tucson PHEV: 60 kilometres
4. Kia Niro PHEV: 57 kilometres
5. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 57 kilometres
6. Audi A7 TFSI e Quattro: 53 kilometres
7. BMW X5 xDrive45e: 52 kilometres
8. Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid: 51 kilometres
9. Mercedes-Benz GLE 580e 4Matic: 50 kilometres
10. Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: 49 kilometres

The Toyota Prius Prime is the plug-in hybrid car with the greatest range. The car has an 18-kWh battery pack, allowing it to cover a distance of 64 kilometres on a full charge. The Ford Escape PHEV is in second place with a range of 61 kilometres. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Kia Niro PHEV rank third and fourth with a range of 60 kilometres.

The range of a plug-in hybrid car is also determined by a number of factors, including the size of the battery pack, the car's aerodynamics and the driver's driving style. A larger battery pack means a greater range. A car with good aerodynamics consumes less energy, which increases its range. An economical driving style, such as city driving, also increases the range.

Because the market is in a state of flux, these lists will constantly change and may not be up to date at the moment. Check with your dealer for the most up-to-date info!

The importance of a good charging station

Jul 27, 2023 | EV | 0 comments

With an electric car, you are constantly looking for good charging stations. You want to recharge the battery again and again. However, not all charging stations are the same. In fact, there is quite some difference in quality. You should therefore always look for charging stations The Hague that meet all your needs. But what then are the main reasons for finding the best charging station? And how to ensure reliability? After reading the information below, you will know exactly what you all need to consider.

Faster vehicle charging

A good charging station can make a significant difference in the charging speed of an electric vehicle. Modern charging stations are equipped with advanced technologies, such as fast-charging options, which enable much faster charging times compared to standard sockets. This means that drivers need to spend less time at a charging point and can charge their vehicles faster, boosting the efficiency and usability of electric driving. A good charging station therefore also provides a user-friendly experience for drivers. This includes features such as clear instructions, user-friendly interfaces and easy access to charging points. Modern charging stations can also be integrated with mobile apps and payment systems, allowing drivers to remotely monitor and pay for their charging sessions.

Greater safety thanks to a good charging station

A good charging station offers not only faster charging, but also a higher level of safety. Professional charging posts are designed and built to strict safety standards to minimise the risk of electrical failure or fire. They are equipped with protection mechanisms, such as earth leakage switches and overvoltage protection, to ensure that the charging process is safe. This gives drivers peace of mind and confidence in using the charge point. So you no longer have to worry that your car will be damaged while charging or that the battery will not have a long service life. This does matter if you want to enjoy your car for as long as possible.

Charging reliability

A good charging station is reliable and available when needed. This is especially important in case of long trips or when a driver needs to quickly recharge a flat battery. You don't want to get stranded on the road and run into other problems. A reliable charging station ensures that drivers are not stranded with a flat battery and minimises the risk of inconvenience and delays. In addition, advanced charging stations can be connected to smart networks that provide real-time information on charge point availability and status, allowing drivers to better plan their charging sessions. So you know exactly where to go for your next charging session.

More charging points in the future

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, it is important that the charging network can grow with them and is scalable. A good charging station can be easily integrated into an existing infrastructure and can be expanded to meet growing demand. In this way, each city ensures that more and more charging stations are added, without overloading the network and making the charging stations unusable.