Electric vehicle technology has opened up a world of possibilities for premium manufacturers such as Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, while offering New Zealand drivers the ability to go further with less repercussions for the planet and wallet alike. But what do these new electric models offer, and how do you decide which one is right for your lifestyle? Let’s explore the options.
PHEV? BEV? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A PHEV features both an electric motor and a petrol engine. When fully charged, the vehicle will run on battery power until available power is exhausted (battery-only distances vary depending on model). Then the power source automatically switches over to the conventional petrol engine. The driver doesn’t need to do anything to enable this switch-over, and the vehicle’s battery can easily be charged up again at home or at a public charging station ready for your next commute. In the meantime, the petrol engine allows you to cover those extra miles.
A BEV operates using a combination of electric motor and large capacity battery. There’s no internal combustion engine under the bonnet at all, meaning whenever you are driving the vehicle is powered electrically the whole time, providing for zero CO₂ exhaust pipe emissions. In exactly the same manner as with the battery in a PHEV, the BEV’s battery can be charged either at home overnight or at a public charging station while you are out and about. The battery capacity – and available driving range – in a BEV is generally larger than in a PHEV meaning you don’t need to charge as often.
In both instances available battery charge is assisted while on the move by Regenerative Braking. This technology means the vehicle’s electric motor can harvest kinetic energy while braking, converting it to electrical energy that is used to incrementally recharge the battery. This process begins the moment you remove your foot from the accelerator, as well as during braking.
The great thing is, the Archibald & Shorter brands you know and love have already adopted these technologies, giving you all the benefits of cleaner, more efficient motoring for both town and country within the footprint of familiar premium vehicles from brands you trust.
Let’s take a look at some of the models on offer for Kiwi drivers.
RANGE ROVER PHEV & RANGE ROVER SPORT PHEV
Models such as the forthcoming Range Rover PHEV and Range Rover Sport PHEV utilise advances in battery design and platform architecture to incorporate batteries that allow emissions-free travel in an iconic vehicle that features the same generous specification and space Range Rover customers have come to expect over many generations.
Using the combination of an advanced 2.0-litre 300PS Si4 Ingenium petrol engine and a high capacity 85kW electric motor, the Range Rover PHEV delivers a total output of 404PS (297kW), and CO₂ emissions from 64g/km.
The capability of Range Rover’s PHEV model option is signified in its performance and real-world efficiency. Typical Range Rover customers will be able to complete 75% of their journeys using pure-electric power alone.
And because it remains one of the world’s most capable SUVs, the Range Rover PHEV and Range Rover Sport PHEV still boast the same sort of offroad capabilities as their conventionally powered siblings. The PHEV models are as precise, uncompromising, and remain fully capable of handling off-road situations like wading or rock crawling.
https://www.archibaldandshorter-ns.co.nz/offers/asns-land-rover-phev-range/
VOLVO RECHARGE EV & VOLVO TWIN ENGINE PHEV
It is perhaps no surprise that iconic Scandinavian manufacturer Volvo has embraced electric technology and plans to transform itself into a 100% fully electric vehicle company within the next decade.
For New Zealand buyers right now, there are already a variety of stylish options that provide for both plug-in hybrid electric and fully electric Volvo models.
The range of Volvo Twin Engine hybrid vehicles, featuring both an electric motor and petrol engine, has grown considerably in recent times. Whether you’re a fan of Volvo’s superbly designed SUVs, such as the XC40, XC60 or XC90, or prefer the sleek silhouette of the acclaimed carmaker’s station wagons and sedans – whether that be the V60, S60 or larger V90 and S90 duo – the seamless and efficient combination of Volvo Twin Engine hybrid technology is available in every iteration.
Meeting the needs of New Zealand commuters, Volvo Twin Engine models provide for up to 51km of zero emission range (from a full charge), with the back-up of a powerful conventional petrol engine when your journey takes you further.
Meanwhile, combining stylish compact SUV dimensions with award-winning design and detail, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is the first electric car from the Swedish brand. The electric powertrain of the XC40 Recharge consists of two 150kW/300Nm electric motors, providing for eager on-road performance and a smooth driving experience, matched with over 400km maximum range from the vehicle’s large 78kWh battery.
https://www.archibaldandshorter-ns.co.nz/offers/asns-land-rover-phev-range/
JAGUAR I-PACE EV
Which Jaguar is electric? You only have to have your head turned once by the sensational styling of the I-PACE to know that this is the legendary British brand’s unique take on all that is exhilarating about electric mobility.
The I-PACE proves that electric vehicles can retain all the performance DNA you’d expect from a company with the pedigree of Jaguar. Thanks to the instant torque and lightning quick responsiveness of its full-electric powertrain, the I-PACE is a genuine performer. It has total power of 400PS (294kW) and 696Nm of usable instant torque on tap, and with built-in All Wheel Drive traction, the I PACE can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
As to be expected from a Jaguar, the I-PACE boasts a sumptuous, minimalist interior, mixing handcrafted touches that reaffirm the car’s luxury appeal with the latest in infotainment technology. The I-PACE is a BEV that acknowledges its rich, tailormade heritage while fully embracing the exciting future of electric mobility.
THE BOTTOM LINE
So, what to look for in your new electric vehicle? The surprising and rewarding fact is, you really only need to decide what sort of vehicle will work for your lifestyle – sedan, station wagon, SUV – and which attributes of a vehicle’s exterior styling and interior design appeal most.
There will be factors you’ll need to think about in terms of your daily commute, vehicle usage, what you might tow on the weekends, and your ability to charge at home, which will all add to your decision between a PHEV or BEV.
But with Archibald & Shorter North Shore’s extensive range of Range Rover, Volvo, and Jaguar models to select from, combined with the peace of mind of an experienced after sales team who’ll travel the road ahead alongside you, going electric is easier than you might realise.