Start your electric driving journey with Ray Chapman Motors
The introduction of electric and hybrid cars over the last few years can make the choosing the right powertrain for your next car a confusing subject. As a forward thinking business we have embraced this change and all of our teams are fully trained on providing advice and guidance to ensure you pick the right fuel type for your needs. With an extensive range of petrol, petrol hybrid and fully electric cars, you will be spoiled for choice!
The Powertrains
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV)
MHEV is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) system with a small electric motor. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle or better performance. They are charged through energy recovered from regenerative braking with no plug.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEVs can recharge the battery through both regenerative braking and "plugging in" to an external source of electrical power. While "standard" hybrids can (at low speed) go about 1-2 miles before the gasoline engine turns on. With Co2 emissions of 55g/km or less, our plug-in hybrids are a more conscientious choice. Click below to find out more information.
Pure Electric Vehicle (EV)
Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs, and more frequently called EV's, are fully-electric vehicles with large rechargeable batteries and no gasoline engine. They can easily be charged at home or at a DC fast-charging station. Battery electric vehicles store electricity onboard with high-capacity battery packs.
Why buy an electric car from Ray Chapman Motors?
At Ray Chapman Motors, we’re dedicated to making your switch to electric as seamless as possible. Having made investments in training, technology and infrastructure, we have EV experts available to assist with your purchase and specialist technicians to support you, even after you've driven away in your new car.
Our Sales Advisors are all experts in electric vehicles and can provide you with accurate and helpful information
We have EV specialist trained technicians at every Ray Chapman Motors dealership
All Ray Chapman Motors dealerships have the latest state-of-the-art technology to carry out servicing and repairs on electric vehicles
We have hundreds of New and Used electric cars available
We offer extended test drives on most electric vehicles to give you a real feel for electric driving, especially if you’re making the switch from a conventional engine for the first time
All Ray Chapman Motors Dealerships have the latest charging stations and EV infrastructure
The Benefits of Buying Electric
Electric cars are greener than internal combustion engine vehicles by a number of key measures, with the exception of the carbon intensity of the manufacturing process.
As EVs become more mainstream, the costs are dropping rapidly and there are wide variety of benefits for drivers making the switch. From the environmental impact to the savings you can make on fuel, tax and maintenance costs, electric vehicles could help you save significant amounts of money. On a cost per mile basis a fully electric car could cost you a quarter or less of what a traditional petrol or diesel car might. These savings quickly add up, see how much you could save on each journey when driving an EV by using our special Journey Cost Calculator below.
What charging times can I expect?
The charging time depends on the charging equipment you use and the electric installation at your home. The standard home charging cable with a household connector is primarily an auxiliary cable. Charging an empty battery to 100 per cent with this cable takes approximately 40–72 hours depending on market, at a charge rate of about 7–14 km range per hour.
For regular and considerably shorter charging times at home, we recommend a 3-phase 11 kW wallbox. This installation can give you approximately 8 hours charging time (from empty to 100 per cent), or around 50–60 km range per hour.
Please note: Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.
How much does it cost to charge the battery of a pure Electric car?
The cost for electricity varies depending on local conditions, but the cost can be lower compared to petrol or diesel. The lowered fuel cost is also one of several reasons to switch to an electric car. And for even lower costs, you can pre-set your pure electric Volvo car to charge at the times when the tariffs are the lowest, often at night.
What Warranty does Volvo Cars have on the battery?
The Volvo Cars Warranty for the battery is 8 years or 160,000km, whichever occurs first, provided that the car and battery are maintained and used in accordance with Volvo Cars’ recommendations.
What's the fast way to charge my pure Electric Car?
You will find the fastest charging at a DC fast-charging station along the route. To charge as fast as possible, we recommend you to limit the car's charging level to 80 per cent. This helps keep your charging times short because the last 20 per cent of charging takes the longest time.