PHEV FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has a conventional combustion engine and a powerful electric motor which work in parallel. The electric motor is powered by a large capacity high voltage battery which can be charged externally and will be re-charged using regenerative braking during journeys. The large capacity battery enables the vehicle to run as a pure electric vehicle for up to 68km* following a full charge, which will be appropriate for most regular journeys such as commuting and school runs.

^{*Figures are calculated using NEDC2 Electric Only Range.}

At high temperatures, the range is reduced because energy is used to cool the battery. Battery life is only affected if this extreme heat lasts for a very long time. Similarly, at very low temperatures, the range is reduced because energy is used to heat the battery. Batteries can be stored at -40℃ but must be plugged in and heated to -20℃ before driving.

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries can be charged thousands of times with little deterioration.

BEV and PHEV batteries normally have a warranty of eight years, which is significantly longer than standard vehicle warranties.

Plug-in hybrids offer many of the advantages of Electric vehicles such as refinement, low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions for short regular journeys, whilst offering the flexibility of a conventional combustion engine for longer journeys without the need to re-charge. The combination of the combustion engine and electric motor also means that the vehicle can deliver the power, torque and performance more associated with a large capacity conventional engine.

A plug-in hybrid offers many of the benefits of an electric vehicle to customers for whom a full electric vehicle would not be an appropriate choice. With electricity supplies increasingly being delivered from renewable sources, electric cars offer environmental benefits over traditional fuel-burning engines too. This is increasingly being recognised by governments around the world with the availability of a wide range of incentives to reduce purchase costs and company car taxation. This, together with the reduced running costs of an electrified vehicle, create a compelling financial case for many people, whilst operating as a conventional combustion-engine vehicle when required.

The greatest benefits of a plug-in hybrid will be experienced by owners who can use external charging for a significant proportion of their mileage. While longer journeys can be undertaken without any need for external charging, the fuel consumption of the vehicle on these journeys will be comparable with that of a conventionally-engined vehicle once the initial charge has depleted, although a residual charge is maintained to provide electrical assistance to the combustion engine when full power is required.

The energy source is an internal combustion engine, PHEV battery or a combination of both, which can be selected manually or automatically. On the battery alone, the range can be up to 68km*.

^{*Figures are calculated using NEDC2 Electric Only Range.}

Operating the cooling or heating systems will use the battery quicker and reduce the vehicle’s electric vehicle (EV) range. Performance driving will also reduce battery charge quicker and therefore the vehicle’s EV range.

When in the default driving mode (Parallel Hybrid) you can optimise fuel economy or battery charge by utilising one of two alternative charge management functions:

• SAVE function – manually selected through the touchscreen, SAVE function prevents the battery charge dropping below the level which has been selected. This allows you to provision for quiet, zero-emission travel at a later point in the journey. The vehicle will only use the electric motor if the battery has received a charge over and above the saved level through regenerative braking.
• Predictive Energy Optimisation (PEO) function – entering a destination in the vehicle's navigation system will automatically engage the PEO function. By utilising altitude data for the chosen route, PEO intelligently switches between the electric motor and petrol engine to maximise fuel economy throughout the journey.

Destination charging is found at places you are visiting for reasons beyond primarily refuelling your vehicle. Found at local shopping centres, hotels, gyms, etc.

More rapid charging equipment may be found at service stations or dedicated electric vehicle charging stations to provide the most charge possible in the shortest of times. This is known as ‘Journey Charging’.

Our plug-in hybrid vehicles come with a Home Charging cable as standard which is suitable for charging from a domestic power supply. However, for convenience and speed of charge, a wall box is recommended (but not essential) in order to charge an electric vehicle at home. Installation costs vary by market (and electricity supply) but are affordable and continue to fall in price as take up increases. The wall box may come equipped with a built-in charge cable, alternatively a ‘Public Charging Cable is available as an Accessory which can be used with a wall box or at public charging points.

A Universal Charging Cable is also available as an Accessory which can be fitted with different adaptors and plug variations to meet global standards. They are supplied with both domestic and industrial socket options, the latter being suitable for faster charging as it can accommodate up to 7kW.

Our plug-in hybrid vehicles come equipped as standard with a charge cable that can be plugged directly into your domestic plug sockets. For faster and more convenient charging solutions it is recommended that customers use a qualified electrician to fit a separate, dedicated charging circuit to their home electrical system and install a dedicated charging socket or vehicle charging wall box.

Each Land Rover sales region has a preferred supplier in their market that can assess your premises (work or home) and make recommendations and arrange fitment for charging solutions based on your budget and electrical supply capabilities. If other suppliers are used they must guarantee the compatibility of the equipment.

Not necessarily: this depends on a number of different factors. There is a growing network of public charging points, with both standard and fast charging points available. In cities and on major roads, there are also many 'journey' and 'destination' charging points provided for your use.

Land Rover plug-in hybrid vehicles will offer an 8 year or 100,000 mile (whichever comes first), 70% state of charge warranty. The warranty is contingent upon proper use and maintenance of the vehicle and regular charging of the battery.

Kilowatt-hours is a measure of how much energy can be stored in a battery. For a given vehicle, a battery with greater capacity ‑ more kWh ‑ will have greater range and/or performance. For a given capacity, actual range will vary dependent on driving style and environmental conditions.

Motor manufacturers are currently working with governments and energy providers for them to ensure that increases in electric vehicle usage do not cause issues with national electricity networks.

Electric motors consume energy to provide motion. When this motion is no longer required (for example when a vehicle is slowing), the braking force can be harnessed to reverse the action of the motor and generate electricity. This is known as regenerative braking and the electricity generated can be fed back to the battery. Under the right conditions, the range of an electric vehicle can be extended by over 10% through the collection of regenerated electricity.

Electric motors generate instant and full torque from standstill, leading to stunning response and acceleration times.

The electrically deployable towbar is not available due to the location of the high voltage battery and associated electrical equipment in the vehicle. However, the detachable tow hitch accessory can instead be used. Towing is available in EV mode, but range will be reduced.

The off-road capabilities of our PHEV vehicles are uncompromised and in some circumstances enhanced relative to the conventional-engine vehicles. The additional torque provided by the electric motor at low speed is an advantage in a variety of off-road situations. Additionally the Electric Vehicle mode is available in some of the Terrain Response modes. EV mode is available in low range for off-road usage, but range will be limited.

Our plug-in hybrid vehicles are fitted as standard with a tyre repair system and a spare wheel cannot be accommodated in the usual under-floor location. However, for Land Rover vehicles, a wheel bag and location strap system are available through your local Land Rover Retailer. These will enable a reduced section or full-sized wheel to be stored safely in the loadspace when required.

All our vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, are designed and engineered to meet the most stringent global safety standards.