Before we get started, let’s take a moment to define exactly what a hybrid car is. As the name suggests, hybrid vehicles use two different power sources to propel the car – an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
Depending on driving conditions, the two power sources can work together or independently. The goal is to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and offer motorists more flexibility when it comes to range.
Here’s a closer look at what we’ll cover in this article:
Hybrid is an umbrella term for a new generation of vehicles that combines dual power sources – a combustion engine and an electric motor.
A popular type of hybrid and closest to electric cars are the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
Plug-in hybrids set a new standard when it comes to flexibility. As well as a traditional combustion engine, PHEVs feature large battery packs. Like standard hybrid vehicles, PHEV batteries generate charge while braking and as the internal combustion engine runs. They can also be plugged into electrical outlets for a complete recharge.
If the car is used only for short trips, drivers can rely mostly on the electric motor. However, the addition of the combustion engine offers peace of mind that the wheels will keep turning even when the battery is depleted. This flexibility makes plug-in hybrids a great option for both short and long-distance trips.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) are the least common type of hybrid vehicle in the UK. While not as popular as HEVs and PHEVs, they come with unique benefits.
The ‘mild’ prefix sets MHEVs apart from other hybrid technologies like HEVs and PHEVs. While mild hybrids still feature a dual power source, the electric motor and battery are significantly smaller. Instead of powering the car, the electric motor works alongside the combustion engine. The goal is to improve fuel efficiency and boost power when accelerating.
MHEVs don’t generally offer an all-electric mode as the motor isn’t powerful enough to propel the car independently. Mild hybrids don’t need to be plugged in. Instead, the small battery is recharged with energy generated by the combustion engine while braking.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are the most popular type of hybrid cars seen on British roads.
HEVs sit somewhere between PHEVs and MHEVs. The electric motor is a decent size and large enough to propel the car independently at low speeds. However, it’s not powerful enough to bring the car up to full speed or deliver power for more than a few miles.
Instead, the main role of the electric motor is to assist the combustion engine. The benefits kick in when accelerating or driving at low speeds. Full hybrids don’t need to be plugged in to recharge the battery. They use regenerative braking and power generated by the internal combustion engine (ICE) to recharge the battery.
Most hybrid cars, including full hybrids and mild hybrids, don’t need to be charged via a socket. Batteries are relatively small and topped up via regenerative braking and using power generated by the combustion engine.
Plug-in hybrids are an exception. As the name suggests, these vehicles can be plugged into an electric power source to recharge the battery. Here are a few key points to know about charging PHEVs:
The range of hybrid cars varies depending on the type of technology used and the specific make and model of the vehicle. Here’s an overview of how PHEVs, HEVs and MHEVs shape up.
PHEVs have the largest battery packs of all the hybrid car types. The all-electric range varies between models though it typically falls between 20 and 40 miles on a single charge.
HEVs are equipped with an electric engine however it isn’t powerful enough to propel the car for more than a few miles at low speed. HEV manufacturers don’t generally advertise a guaranteed all-electric range as the motor isn’t designed to run independently. Instead, it delivers short bursts of electric power to the combustion engine to improve fuel efficiency.
Like HEVs, the small motors of MHEVs aren’t designed to run independently. Their all-electric range is negligible.
Whether you prefer a hybrid or electric car will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, as well as your driving style and habits. Each has pros and cons which will vary depending on the driver.
Thinking of upgrading to a hybrid car? Get inspired with our roundup of the top hybrid vehicles offered by Leasing Options:
Hybrid cars range in price. For example, the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid starts at around £230 a month while luxury models like the Lexus ES can cost more than £360 a month.
This depends on local regulations and the unique emissions profile of the hybrid vehicle. In many cases, hybrid cars are exempt from emission zones.
No, the British government has confirmed hybrid cars will not be phased out as part of the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2035.
Hybrid cars offer the eco-friendly benefits of EVs with the peace of mind and reliability that comes with a combustion engine.
Most hybrid cars use regenerative braking and power from the combustion engine to recharge the electric battery.
PHEVs can be charged using a standard electrical outlet but some drivers prefer a dedicated electric charger.
No need to panic - the vehicle simply switches to ICE mode.
Hybrid cars not only improve the fuel efficiency of combustion engines but emit less CO2, which makes them better for the environment.
This depends on your unique preferences as a driver. Choose based on the range you’d like and based on your driving habits.
All-electric cars are generally cheaper to run as they require zero petrol or diesel. However, hybrids can significantly increase fuel efficiency and offer a significant all-electric range, depending on the type and mode.
Road tax for hybrid cars is generally cheaper than petrol and diesel-powered counterparts. This is because they emit less CO2, which is used to calculate Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates.
Yes, diesel hybrids are available in the UK, however, petrol is often more common.
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