Plug-In Hybrid FAQs
GENERAL
What is a Hybrid?
What are the types of hybrid?
Mild hybrid (MHEV): As the name would suggest, MHEVs have very little electric assistance. Usually, they are a larger version of a standard car battery and have a very small electric motor that lends a hand to the conventional engine when the car is starting from a standstill or accelerating at a rapid pace. MHEVs are not capable of being propelled by the electric motor alone.
Hybrid (HEV): A hybrid has a larger battery than an MHEV which is able of propelling the car using electricity alone for very short distances, such as in a traffic jam. The battery cannot be connected to a main socket and is recharged continuously by the petrol engine as the car moves forward, or by harnessing the energy when the car slows (regenerative braking).
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): The PHEV is the Hybrid vehicle that can utilise pure electric battery range with the largest battery of them types of hybrid vehicles all. The car can be connected to the mains to recharge. It can cover reasonable substantial distances using only its electric motor. As PHEVs can be run on pure electric power, they also offer higher fuel efficiency and savings on petrol, particularly when charged daily or after journeys, when compared to HEV’s and MHEV’s.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
What is it like to drive an electric/PHEV?
There is simply nothing like getting into an electric or PHEV and trying it for yourself. Although, we can tell you what to expect, as the experience really is a pleasant surprise to most motorists. You can request a test drive today with your local PEUGEOT dealer to try one yourself. Most of the car’s controls will be well known to you so there is nothing to new to worry about. Plug-in hybrid cars are all automatic, so there is no clutch pedal or gear lever. To start driving the car, press the start button to activate the system, select ‘D’ for drive, release the parking brake and set off on your journey.
As an electric motor delivers all its power as soon as you press the accelerator pedal, it feels faster than most cars powered by a combustion engine only. They're also great at holding the road. As the heaviest part of the car – the battery pack – is directly under the car. This means they have a very low centre of gravity which makes them extremely stable when driving around corners.
How do I get the best out of my new Plug-In Hybrid
All PEUGEOT PHEV cars feature selectable driving modes which change the way the car feels and responds. These range from an ‘Eco’ setting which enables you can prolong your precious energy over more distance to ‘Sport’, which gives you more power and an exhilarating driving feel but consumes more power and fuel.
PEUGEOT’s PHEV cars will normally start in electric mode when charged. Within the car, settings allow you to lock the system into electric-only mode, which allows you to make the most of the silent and emission-free powertrain. The next feature that stands out on plug-in hybrid cars is regenerative braking. This is a braking system that when you lift your foot from the accelerator pedal the electric motor switches to become a generator, harnessing the power that is normally wasted to funnel power back into charging the battery. You can select the level of regeneration depending on the way you drive, ranging from low to very strong.
BATTERY
How long will a battery last?
Does the battery need special care?
Your PEUGEOT battery pack is maintenance-free, so you won't ever need to carry out maintenance to keep it healthy - all you will need to do is charge it when needed.
When your car is serviced, your PEUGEOT technician will plug into the car’s computer and perform a health check of the battery and advise you on how to optimise your driving to give the battery the longest life possible.
The internal computer will do most of the work for you, making sure that the electrical cells are kept at the correct temperature in extreme weather or while rapid charging. This will make sure it can charge at the fastest possible rate but will also ensure the long-term health of your battery.
Also, it isn't optimum for the battery to be left with only a small amount of charge. Be sure to keep this in mind if you are going away on an extended holiday or not using the car for longer than a week or so.
Can the battery be repaired?
All PEUGEOT EV batteries are specifically designed to not require maintenance and shouldn't need any repairs or maintenance it its lifetime. Additionally, it is also protected within a strong, sealed steel case to stop damage from water, road debris or an accident.
Although in the rare event there happens to be an issue caused by external damage or a malfunction, the car’s systems will make sure it remains safe. The entire battery pack can then be removed and looked at by PEUGEOT technicians to diagnose the issue. For Australia individual cells will not be replaced, we will be replacing the entire traction battery.