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Hybrid & Electric Information

Hybrid & Electric Cars

What is an electric car?

An electric car or EV is a vehicle that is propelled by one or more electric traction motors, using only energy stored in batteries. Click here to choose and configure your electric vehicle.

What is a plug-in hybrid car?

The CUPRA e-HYBRID plug-in hybrid technology combines the efficiency and ease of use of an electric vehicle with the functionality and performance of an internal combustion vehicle. An e-HYBRID car is able to travel in all-electric mode thanks to the battery. When fully charged, you can travel between 50 and 60 kilometres using only the power accumulated by the battery. On short trips, the e-HYBRID operates as an all-electric model (BEV) and does not need petrol. However, unlike a BEV, it can return to normal hybrid operation once the electric range ends. Charging the e-HYBRID reduces fuel use, but is never mandatory.

Full battery charging can be achieved via the on-board generator through an electrical outlet or a charging point at a charging station. The innovative interaction between the electric and combustion engines reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, while providing the driver with exceptional driving pleasure.

On shorter, low-speed trips, a plug-in hybrid generally uses only electricity, such as in urban areas. For maximum efficiency in various driving situations (such as long distances or during rapid acceleration), it uses the combined power of the electric motor and the combustion motor. If the battery that powers the electric motor is not charged, the vehicle uses only the combustion engine.

What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?

The difference between hybrid and electric cars is basically how the car is powered. A hybrid is powered by both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, with separate batteries for each. However, an electric car is powered only by a battery and an electric motor.

What is the difference between a mild hybrid, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

The main differences between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid lies in how they are charged. A plug-in hybrid has a charging point to charge the battery and like a self-charching hybrid it can be also charge using the car's internal combustion engine. A self-charging hybrid is charged from the on-board traditional fuel engine. Lastly, mild hybrids don´t require charging and are instead powered by a battery pack.

What is the range of a plug-in hybrid in pure electric mode?

The range in purely electric mode of a plug-in hybrid car depends on the size of the battery. In the case of the CUPRA, the maximum electric range is between 50 and 60 km, depending on the model. In combination with the combustion engine, the overall range is of clearly much higher. Of course, the range depends on the model, driving style, topography and road conditions. The main advantage of a plug-in hybrid? You can always use the petrol engine as a reserve between charges, so range will not pose any problem.

What are the advantages of a plug-in hybrid? / And of an electric car?

Those who drive a plug-in hybrid can enjoy a unique driving experience, characterised by virtually non-existent noise in purely electric mode, as well as greater torque guaranteed by the presence of an electric motor.

Many plug-in hybrid owners are already able to make most trips electrically, as daily journeys usually involve a distance of well under 50 kilometres. Depending on the electricity tariff, significant savings are possible compared to a model with a classic combustion engine. But with a plug-in hybrid, you never have to give up full range. If charging or battery capacity is not sufficient, the combustion engine automatically kicks in as needed.

This category of car also offers economic advantages thanks to the incentives and tax advantages that vehicles with reduced CO2 emissions benefit from.

Which CUPRA models are equipped with plug-in hybrid technology?

The CUPRA Leon (180 kW) 5 doors, CUPRA Leon Sportstourer (180 kW) and CUPRA Formentor (150 kW and 180 kW) are all available with CUPRA e-HYBRID plug-in technology. If you have doubts as to which would suit you best, try the CUPRA Match tool.

Which CUPRA models can be electric?

The CUPRA Born and the CUPRA Tavascán are both 100% electric models. To learn more about all CUPRA's models click on the following link. If you have doubts regarding which vehicle would suit you better, try the CUPRA Match tool.

What's the difference between a PHEV and a BEV CUPRA?

On the one hand, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a fuel engine and a small electric motor (battery). The electric motor can drive the car independently in most situations for emissions-free driving, though it often works with the engine to save fuel, improve performance and enable longer range. On the other, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are any motor vehicle that only uses a high-density battery as its source of power and does not emit any pollutants from the tailpipe.

How can I configure my electric or hybrid car?

You can customise and configure your CUPRA by using CUPRA's car configurator tool.

Why are hybrid and electric cars costlier?

The main reason for the increased cost is the extra equipment required to build the vehicle, such as an electric motor and high-voltage battery pack. Moreover, in many cases, hybrids tend to be equipped with higher-end features such as power options and technology and safety add-ons that can further drive up the MSRP.

Is the cost of electricity cheaper than fuel or diesel?

Usually, yes. Even if electric / plug-in hybrid cars are costlier, we can drive 100km for less than 2€ or even charge the batteries with a domestic solar panel system. An electric vehicle has fewer maintenance costs than a combustion vehicle as it has fewer parts (meaning less wear and tear).

Is there any government aid for acquiring an electric vehicle?

Yes, check out the Moves III Plan, the new Spanish help pack to facilitate access for drivers to electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

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