While electric vehicles (EVs) may be said to have less maintenance requirements compared to vehicles with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) – which have a powertrain comprising both an engine and electric motor – are more complex vehicles due to their electrification. They have many more electronic and electrical systems and a large battery pack.
Thus for PHEV owners, there is the extra cost (which can be high) of replacing such systems in later years. While the vehicle is still new, there is the manufacturer’s warranty to cover replacements but once it is over, then the owner will have to pay for the replacement costs.
This is where it would be a good idea to spend a bit on an extended warranty that takes over after the original warranty ends. Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS) offers such a warranty for the pre-owned BMW PHEV models it sells. Called +HYBRID, the programme in collaboration with Guard My Ride (GMR) and RHB Insurance, is the first in the market and only available from SDAS.
SDAS now offers +HYBRID with every pre-owned unit of BMW PHEV and it is also available to customers who purchased a pre-owned BMW PHEV from any SDAS branch before the launch of +HYBRID, subject to terms and conditions.
Some of the conditions are that the vehicles must have cumulative mileage of under 140,000 kms and are less than 8 years old. The models applicable at this time are the 330e, 530e, 740Le, X5 40e/45e. An inspection by SDAS must be carried out when applying for +HYBRID. Only vehicles covered by GMR’s Extended Warranty qualify as +HYBRID is an add-on.
+HYBRID should give owners peace of mind as it covers the costly areas of a PHEV, namely the Electrical Machine Electronics (EME), High-Voltage Battery Cell, Integrated Motor Generator (Electric Motor) and Battery Management Electronics (SME). For each claim made, there is a limit of RM15,000, up to a maximum aggregate of RM100,000 per year (depending on the vehicle age and type).
SDAS General Manager, Choong Chin Seong, said the company aims to be a one-stop-centre for customers in the pre-owned vehicle market, catering to all their needs. These needs include retail of good quality and thoroughly checked multi-brand pre-owned vehicles, service and repairs, as well as its latest Extended Warranty Programme, now made available for selected BMW PHEV models
“SDAS strives to keep innovating our offerings in anticipation of customers’ needs, and hopefully exceed the demand of our customers. We aim to set ourselves apart from the competition and are determined to offer only quality products and services that are akin to the 3S centres,” said Mr. Choong.
Warranties are like healthcare insurance – you pay hoping that you never have to make a claim but if you are seriously ill, then you will be so glad you have the insurance. With a warranty for motor vehicles, it’s the same thing. You have the coverage which gives peace of mind, and if the vehicle runs fine, then you don’t need to make a claim. But should there be a failure, the warranty will likely cover repair or replacement costs that can sometimes be shocking.
The extended warranty is a continuation of coverage after the original warranty ends. Some extended warranties have identical coverage to the original one and there are also some where only certain items are covered and are not as extensive as the original warranty from the carmaker. Therefore it is important to understand the warranty conditions and what is covered before purchasing.
