Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Put a spark into your range
Copart's Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Copart has a huge and growing selection of both electric and hybrid vehicles, and we pride ourselves on having one of the most comprehensive ranges of accident damaged low-emissions vehicles in Europe. As a company who cares about the environment, Copart is very proud to invest in electric salvage vehicles and to grow our expertise in this exciting, and possibly world-changing, new technology.
What is an electric vehicle?
An electric vehicle (sometimes called all-electric and EV) is a car, van, motorcycle or any other type of mechanically propelled vehicle where their sole source of power is electricity.
Typically, these vehicles are charged from an external electricity source, such as a home socket, and then the electricity is stored in a set of batteries. These batteries then feed into a system of converters and chargers, which drive the electric motor.
The motor then spins the wheels and the car drives. Examples of all-electric cars are the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and the entire Tesla Range. (Definition from EV News)
What is a hybrid?
A hybrid, essentially, means a vehicle which contains both a traditional combustion engine and an on-board electric motor. There are a few different types of hybrid, these are explained below;
Parallel hybrid
A parallel hybrid is a vehicle that can be filled with traditional fossil fuels, like petrol and diesel, this is currently the most common hybrid system.
This fuel then charges an onboard set of batteries. An intelligent algorithm then decides what is the most fuel-efficient way of powering the vehicle, based on various factors like what speed the driver is going, the external weather conditions and the weight inside the vehicle. Examples of this are the Honda Jazz Hybrid and the Toyota Prius. (Definition from Hybrid Centre)
Other Hybrid Types
Range-Extender Hybrid
Range-extender hybrids (otherwise known as series hybrids) are filled with fuel, and then the combustion engine is used purely to charge the batteries, which in turn power the wheels. The engine never directly powers the vehicle, it only does so through the electric motor. This is perhaps a more outdated hybrid design. (Definition from Hybrid Centre)
Plug-In Hybrids
Plug-in hybrids (often shortened to PHEV), are hybrid vehicles that can be charged externally from the mains, as well as utilising fossil fuels. These vehicles are gaining popularity because they can travel longer distances on electric power alone, but also have the convenience of being filled up at the pumps. Examples of plug-in hybrids are the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the McLaren P1 and the BMW i8. (Definition from WhatCar)
Why buy salvage EVs and Hybrids?
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the environment, climate change and the general welfare of the planet, and more and more people are determined to ‘do their bit’ to reduce their levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of fossil fuels, such as petrol and diesel obviously releases such gasses, but an electric motor does not emit them. As the new EV and hybrid market grows, so will the used EV market, and any reputable vehicle trader who is selling these low-emission vehicles should garner interest from an environmentally conscious customer base.
EVs are the future!
Copart is aware that electric vehicles, whether they are charged from the mains, the sun or a hydrogen fuel cell, are going to grow in popularity as oil becomes scarcer and petrol and diesel become more expensive. We take pride in our range of electric vehicles, for which the market is constantly developing and growing. Here’s how we’re embracing EVs and hybrids and aiming to become the flag-bearers of the EV Salvage Market.
We are switched on to safety
Copart has teamed up with independent training provider PAAS Ltd to certify 22 of our vehicle damage evaluators with an IMI Level 2 qualification in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance, enabling safe intervening, assessment and maintenance to EVs and Hybrids at all 15 of our UK Operations Centres. Read More...
