Heading
Close X
Menu
An electric car is quite simply that - a car which runs on electricity. An EV is charged up with electricity which is stored in batteries and used to power the car via an electric motor. An electric car doesn't need any other type of fuel for it to run and is charged using an electric power cable.
Examples of battery electric Nissan’s are Nissan LEAF, New Nissan ARIYA, e-NV200 and All-New Nissan Townstar EV.
A ‘mild hybrid’ powertrain features a lithium-ion battery which stores energy recovered during braking to reduce emissions and ensure smoother stop start functionality. There’s no charging to be done, power is generated when the car decelerates. The mild hybrid system will only assist the petrol or diesel engine, to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Examples of Mild Hybrid technology Nissan’s are Nissan Qashqai and All-New Nissan X-Trail.
You may have heard the term ‘self-charging hybrid’. These cars use a combination of the petrol engine and electric motor to power themselves. At higher speeds, it’s usually the combustion engine which is powering the wheels. The battery charges whilst the vehicle is on the move, typically through regenerative braking which harvests energy when you take your foot off the accelerator.
Nissan Juke is available with Hybrid technology.
Nissan’s innovative ‘e-POWER technology’ offers full electric motor drive, meaning the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The powertrain is integrated with a gasoline engine, used as a power generator which charges the high-output battery when necessary. The e-POWER drivetrain delivers instant torque, similar to electric cars, which enhances drive response and results in smooth acceleration. The system operates very quietly, much like a full EV. e-POWER has none of the potential charging or range anxiety reservations typically associated with an electric car. It can be refuelled straight away at a petrol station, with the added benefit of electric power to maximise efficiency.
e-POWER is unique to Nissan and available on Nissan Qashqai and All-New Nissan X-Trail.
A ‘plug-in hybrid’ houses a slightly larger battery than a self-charging hybrid, which allows you to run on pure electric power for a short distance, typically up to around 20 miles, before the combustion engine takes over. You can also drive using a combination of the battery and fuel, improving efficiency. The battery is charged from a power source, publicly or at home, using a plug-in electric cable and through regenerative braking.
A ’range extender’ is similar to a plug-in hybrid in that it allows you to use a combination of engine and electric power. The key difference is the engine serves as a small generator to charge the batteries and never drives the wheels directly. The engine can be topped up at a petrol station, or you can charge the batteries using an electric cable.
An electric car doesn’t emit any exhaust fumes so they’re much less harmful to the environment than petrol or diesel cars. The UK is preparing itself for the removal of petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030. In 2021, the number of electric cars sold in the UK was 190,727 (Source: SMMT).
In Scotland, Low Emissions Zones will be introduced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2022 with the aim to improve air quality. Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set will not be able to drive within the Low Emission Zone. These standards are based on proposed Euro emission engine classifications.
Vehicle age can be used as a compliance guide:
We recommend using the LEZ vehicle checker here. Or speak with a member of our Sales team who will be able to assist you further.
Calls may be monitored for quality and training purposes. Eastern Western Motor Group Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and insurance distribution activities under reference number 310505 – we are a credit broker not a lender. Registered Office: 8 Westerton Road, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn West Lothian EH52 5AU Registered in Scotland No. 14833 VAT Registration No. 269233051 We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers.