How we inspect a car before it ships
What our specialists check before a car leaves China: bodywork, electronics, software and the spec you ordered. Plus what happens if something doesn’t match.
sourcing, delivery and service in one place
sales@autoimport.demo
Mon–Sun 10am–9pm
Plug-in hybrid or full EV: which suits you?
Range, charging at home and on the road, running costs and resale. A quick guide to choosing between the two.
Most cars in our stock are plug-in hybrids or range extenders. Here’s how they compare with a fully electric car, and who each one suits.
Plug-in hybrid
A battery big enough for daily driving, plus a petrol engine for longer trips. If you can charge at home, most of your mileage will be electric. If you can’t, it still drives like a normal hybrid.
Range extender (EREV)
The wheels are always driven by electric motors. The engine only works as a generator to top up the battery. It feels like an EV to drive, without the range worries. The Li Auto L7 works this way.
Full EV
No engine at all, so servicing is simpler and cheaper. It makes the most sense if you can charge at home or at work and rarely drive long distances in one go.
A simple rule
Can you charge at home and rarely drive more than 300 km in a day? An EV will do. Regular long trips, or no charger at home? A plug-in hybrid or range extender is the safer choice.
Questions about a specific car?
Ask a manager and get a price breakdown for your case.
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What goes into the final price of an imported car
The car itself, shipping, customs, registration and extras. A breakdown of every line you’ll see in your contract.