Frequently Asked Questions

Here at DG Weaver, we want to make your car buying experience as pain free and easy as possible. With that in mind, we've compiled a selection of our most frequently asked questions and answers.

Take a look at our Ford FAQ page and find out more about why you should buy Ford vehicles, which model might be right for you and what DG Weaver, one of the largest and longest established independent Ford dealers in the UK can offer you.

New Cars

What is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (mHEV)?

A Mild Hybrid Vehicle, a vehicle that is powered by both a normal combustion engine and a small electrical motor that helps improve efficiency. The electric motor is merely there to assist the combustion engine, not power the entire vehicle and therefore cannot drive on electric energy alone. The mHEV electric motors can be recharged in one of two ways: through regenerative braking or through the conventional engine.

What is regenerative braking?

Regenerative braking is energy harnessed from braking and coasting which helps charge the battery.

Do you need to charge a mHEV?

You do not need to charge a mHEV, the 48V Li-ion battery is automatically recharged by regenerative braking during coasting and braking. There is no requirement to connect the battery to a power source.

What are the benefits of a mHEV?

Mild hybrid powertrains have reduced CO2 emissions between 8% to 22% and are more fuel-efficient when compared to traditional petrol/diesel vehicles. These vehicles can be a cost-effective way to join the electric revolution. They are a great option for people who drive shorter journeys, especially around town and at lower average speeds. mHEV’s are aided by start-stop technology which increases fuel-efficiency during city driving.

What is the difference between a MHEV and a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (fHEV or HEV)?

Hybrid electric vehicles, also called full hybrid electric vehicles, combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and a small battery. These vehicle batteries do not require external charging, but instead harness electric power from regenerative braking and power split technology. Full hybrid electric vehicles can operate on electric power only at very low speeds (up to 6mph), with the ICE only taking over at higher speeds.

What are the benefits of owning a hybrid vehicle over a petrol or diesel vehicle?

Full hybrid vehicles are more environmentally friendly than their ICE counterparts in that they produce fewer CO2 and NOx emissions (20-30% reduction in CO2 emissions). Depending on where they live, owners of HEV’s can benefit from government subsidies, tax breaks and admission into ultra low emissions zones (ULEZ). Due to their fuel efficiency, HEVs are cheaper to run so owners save on the day-to-day running costs. A HEV powertrain offers an easy transition into the electric revolution as they still have an ICE engine and does not require external charging. This means the customer will feel comfortable with their electrified powertrain.

Is the Puma available as a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) or All Electric Vehicle (BEV)?

The Ford Puma is currently only available in a mHEV, if you would like more information on Ford's future electric vehicle, please send us your question



What is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

A Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is the best of both worlds, these vehicles have a higher voltage battery, allowing you to drive longer distances on all electric compared to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and a normal combustion engine. The PHEV has two charging options;

1. Charged from an external electricity supply, an added bonus from the traditional hybrid.
2. The use of advanced charging technology, which takes advantage of previously lost energy while braking.

It’s ideal for zero-emission electric driving for 30 miles and the manual switch allows you to conserve battery life for longer journeys.

What does EcoBlue mean?

EcoBlue is Fords latest TDCi engine, with the EU constantly imposes stricter emissions regulations on vehicle manufacturers. Ford has designed the EcoBlue range, to comply with these latest Euro VI rules, it produces a lower levels of NOx and the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels have dropped by as much as 10 per cent. The EcoBlue engine also has a new fuel injection system, which delivers an incredibly precise amount of diesel when required, which combined with an optimised air intake system results in an ideal mix of fuel and air at all times. Resulting in Fords EcoBlue engine being 13 per cent more efficient than the unit it replaces, saving you money, as well as giving you the peace of mind that your engine is impacting the environment less than previously.

How far will the Kuga drive in pure electric?

When the Kuga' battery is fully charged, the PHEV will drive up to 35 miles.

What are the Kuga Electric-Vehicle (EV) drive modes?

The Kuga has four EV drive modes, giving the drive complete control over the electric driving experience;

Auto EV

The default EV mode. Enables the vehicle to drive electrically for as long as possible. Automatically switches between electric and combustion engine driving, prioritising the use of the electric motor as much as possible, only using the combustion engine when required.

EV Now

When sufficient charge is available, only the electric motor is used. Automatically uses the combustion engine when needed, ensuring the driver can complete their journey.

EV Later

Use the combustion engine to save power in the battery for later use. Can be used when the driver knows that their journey will include entering a low/zero emission area, to save their electric-only driving range until needed.

EV Charge

Uses the engine to charge the battery up to 80 percent during driving once the vehicle range has been depleted. This provides additional electric range that can be used later in the journey.

Can you over charge the battery on a pHEV?

No, the system is designed to stop charging once the battery reaches 100% even if it remains plugged-in.

How long does the Kuga pHEV battery take to charge?

The All-New Kuga can accept a maximum charge rate of 3.7kW. It will take 6 hours to charge from a domestic socket using the cable supplied. Alternatively, using a wall box or public charging station can reduce this to 3.5 hrs. These times are variable depending upon the power level available.

Does the All-New Kuga come with charging cables?

The All-New Kuga comes with a ‘convenience cable’ or ‘home charging cable’ which allows customers to charge their vehicle using a domestic socket.



What is an All-Electric Vehicle?

All-electric vehicles run completely on battery-power. There is no combustion engine, and therefore they produce zero-emissions whilst being driven. This means they are the most environmentally friendly options for owners. All-electric vehicles are the most economical on running costs as well as total cost of ownership. The range of these vehicles are sufficient for most daily journeys and for a longer distances, customers are supported by the Ionity network.

Which Ford vehicles have All-Electric powertrains?

The Mustang Mach-E is the first all-electric performance vehicle in the Ford portfolio and is available to order online.

Mustang Mach-E

What are the benefits of an All-Electric vehicle?

All-electric vehicles offer the benefit of having the most economical running cots and the least environmental impact, because they do not use petrol or diesel and therefore do not release CO2 emissions. Owners of these vehicles can benefit from tax breaks, access to ultra low emissions zones and other green incentives. All-electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, which lessens the chance of failure, thus reducing maintenance costs. Also, energy costs are usually cheaper compared to petrol/diesel.

What's the fastest way to charge the battery in an all-electric car?

The fastest way to charge is to use DC (Direct Current) charging which provides more power and better charge times. DC rapid chargers can be found on motorway service stations and increasingly in urban areas. Ford is a founding member of Ionity which are the most convenient high-power charging stations. Mustang Mach-E customers have free access to Ionity in the first year including preferential rates. To learn more about the difference between AC (Alternating Current) and DC charging, please refer to the glossary.

How long does the battery in the Mustang Mach-E take to charge?

DC Charging: Mustang Mach-E connects to a Combined Charging Systems type 2 (CCS2) and can charge using up to 150kW, e.g. at Ionity.

AC Charging: The maximum AC charge power will be 11kW at a public charger or at home. (maximum charge power at home depends on country and home installation).

To charge the Mustang Mach-E with the extended range battery using high power (DC) charging (from 10%- 80%) it would take approximately 45 minutes. To charge the Mustang Mach-E with the Standard range battery would take approximately 38 minutes.

If you have a Wallbox installed at home, it would take approximately 6-10 hours to charge your vehicle to 80% (7.4kw - 11kw)

*Charge times may vary depending on battery size and series.

How much does it cost to charge the Mustang Mach-E?

The cost of charging your car will vary between home, work and public chargepoints (below are our estimates).


Place Average Cost Cost/Mile
Home (empty to full)* £10.07 4.34p
Public rapid chargers (20%-80%)** £11.22 8.06p

* Assumes tariff of 14p/kWh. The cost of home charging will vary depending on your electricity rate.

** Assumes tariff of 26p/kWh applicable to most rapid chargers.

What is a wall box?

A wallbox is a personal charging unit mounted to a wall or post. It simplifies charging and delivers the best charge times at home for the Mustang Mach-E. It should be installed by a professional, ensuring safe operation of the equipment. Details for the Ford Connected Wallbox will be provided on the Ford website.

If someone is driving the Mustang Mach-E and they completely run out of battery, what should they do?

There is a full suite of warning lights and pop-up messages when approaching an empty battery, so it is unlikely to happen accidentally. If your battery does end up on empty, you would need to call Ford Roadside Assistance to get recovered.




Who makes Fords?

Ford Motor Company is an American automotive manufacturer with production plants across the world. Until 2002, passenger cars made for sale in the UK were produced here, but today the Dagenham and Bridgend plants only make engines, which are then transported to the EU where the cars are assembled.

Find Out More About Ford


Are Ford cars reliable?

As the manufacturer of some of the UK’s most popular models, Ford is considered to be a solid choice when it comes to vehicle ownership. New car buyers are, of course, covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind. Among the most reliable SUVs in the range are the Ford Kuga and Ford EcoSport – in fact, the Kuga is considered one of the more reliable models in its class by What Car? magazine.

View New Cars


What is the best-selling Ford car?

The best-selling Ford car is also the best-selling model in the UK: the Ford Fiesta. This is closely followed by the Ford Focus, which in turn is followed by the Ford Kuga. All three models appear in the top 10 best-selling models for 2019 as of April 2019.

Is Ford Focus a good car?

As one of the most popular vehicles among British motorists, the Ford Focus is widely considered to be a good car. It provides plenty of room for occupants, comfortable seating, and a good driving position. Ford is also famed for its clever engineering that provides a responsive and agile drive – and the Focus benefits from this. With low running costs too, it’s a favourite for young families.

View Ford Focus


​What Ford SUV has 7 seats?

As yet, there are no Ford SUVs on sale in the UK that offer seven seats. The largest model in the SUV lineup is the Ford Edge, which is a spacious option, but those needing to seat seven will currently need to opt for either a Grand C-MAX, S-MAX or Galaxy.

Are Ford Kugas 4x4?

The All-New Ford Kuga is available as both a front-wheel drive and 4x4, enabling you to choose which option is best for you. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel model with 190PS is four-wheel drive.

View All-New Ford Kuga


Are Ford Fiestas good cars?

As the UK’s best-selling car, many would argue that the Fiesta is a great option, particularly for those in need of a reliable hatchback. Not only does it offer an engaging and nimble drive, it’s also surprisingly spacious inside and economical to run. Newer models and higher trim levels provide a comprehensive amount of in-car and safety equipment, making them popular with tech enthusiasts and young families.

View Ford Fiesta

Servicing

What is a Ford Motorcraft service?

A Ford Motorcraft service is offered to drivers with vehicles of four years and older. It’s clearly and transparently priced, meaning there are no hidden extras. Your vehicle is serviced by one of the trained technicians at DG Weaver, who will use the latest tools and equipment to carry out every check. The service includes an oil and filter change, tyre pressure check, brake check and more. For full details, visit our Motorcraft page.

Ford Motorcraft


What does the Ford service plan cover?

Ford service plans make servicing your vehicle easy and affordable. They enable you to choose the type of service you need and spread the cost over affordable monthly payments. If you’d like to take advantage of a Ford service plan, or any of the Ford servicing offers available at DG Weaver, contact our team today.

Servicing

Ford Privilege

What is Ford Privilege?

Ford Privilege is a scheme that’s available to Ford and Jaguar/Land Rover employees and their families. It enables them to buy vehicles from the manufacturer at discounted prices. To become eligible, employees must have completed six months of continuous employment with Ford; at this point they can also nominate relatives to benefit from the scheme.

Privilege Family Tree

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