Unlike a purely electric or fuel engine, a hybrid car, you guessed it, is powered by a combination of both. A hybrid car uses an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors powered by batteries.
Known for their fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the electric engine either assists during acceleration or can be used for short journeys, running entirely on electric to save fuel. As an intermediary between traditional fuel engine vehicles and electric vehicles, hybrid cars often feel a baby step to ‘going electric’.
There are however a few different types of ‘hybrid’ cars, which does complicate things slightly. To help explain how hybrid cars work, their advantages, disadvantages, and a whole host of commonly asked questions, look no further than our in-depth guide below.
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Types of hybrid cars
First things first, let’s clear up any confusion around the different types of ‘hybrid’ cars. There are three types of hybrid vehicles:
Self Charging Hybrid (FHEV)
Self-charging hybrid vehicles, sometimes known as ‘full hybrid electric vehicles’, are the most common and are powered by the combination of a fuel combustion engine and electric batteries. The two are used together, and the batteries are recharged through regenerative braking.
Whilst they have a shorter range (when using just the electric battery engine) than a plug-in hybrid, they’re a great option for nipping around town.
Common self-charging hybrid makes/models:
Mild Hybrid (MHEV)
What is a mild hybrid vehicle? Just like a self-charging hybrid or ‘full hybrid’, MHEVs have a combination of fuel and electric motors powered by a battery. However, unlike FHEVs, and the clue is in the name, the electric power provided by the battery is milder. This means that whilst the electric motor is used to support acceleration, you can’t drive a MHEV using solely the electric motor like you can with a FHEV or a PHEV.
Common mild hybrid makes/models:
- CUPRA Leon MHEV
- Mercedes-Benz A Class MHEV
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
The arrival of the plug-in hybrid vehicle acted as an even closer bridge between electric and fuel-engine vehicles. Rather than using regenerative braking to power the electric batteries, a plug-in hybrid can be plugged into the mains to recharge the battery instead.
The range you can get from a charge will vary by manufacturer but provides at least 20 miles! This makes them ideal if you do a lot of shorter journeys, such as commuting. For these shorter distances, you might only drive using the electric motor, saving on fuel costs and reducing emissions – but still have the backup of the fuel engine for longer drives.
Common plug-in hybrid makes/models:
- Porsche Cayenne Plug-in hybrid
- Volkswagen Tiguan Plug-in hybrid
For an even deeper dive into the different types of electric vehicles, read our blog post.
Advantages of hybrid cars
Reduced range anxiety
The great thing about owning a hybrid is having the best of both worlds. If the electric battery needs recharging, then you’re not stuck on the roadside, your fuel engine can simply kick in.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency will vary depending on the type of hybrid you have and the make/model of car you have. The Kia Niro, which was awarded Carbuyer’s Car of the Year 2023 can achieve a combined fuel efficiency of 64.2mpg. Like many hybrids, the Kia Niro tends to be more efficient on shorter journeys and less so on long motorway drives.
Lower emissions
If you’re looking to do your bit for the environment, then moving to a hybrid vehicle is certainly better than petrol or diesel cars. Having an electric battery motor means that a lower volume of emissions is emitted as you drive.
Resale value
Whilst there’s always depreciation when buying new, hybrid vehicles do tend to depreciate at a slightly slower rate, often depending on vehicle demand. This can mean that when you’re looking to trade in your car, you’ll have the opportunity to trade up too!
Disadvantages of hybrid cars
An interim option
Whilst hybrids are a fantastic option and act as a stepping stone between electric and petrol/diesel engines, they do still fall into the new car ban from 2035. The existence of a petrol or diesel engine means that new hybrid vehicles won’t be sold from 2035 (although used hybrid vehicles will still be available after this time).
Running costs
Parts and technology for hybrid vehicles are generally not more expensive. However, parts and technology for electric vehicles can be more expensive. Although costs will vary between manufacturers and models, it’s important to look at average replacement parts to ensure that they fall within your budget. More often than not, the running costs are similar to a petrol or diesel car.
Which hybrid is right for you?
Like any car-purchasing process, the decision can feel momentous! To you help choose, why not look through our favourite hybrid cars in the last year?
Alternatively, you may also wish to explore our Electric hub which will help talk through all common questions when entering the world of EVs.
Hybrid cars FAQs
With hybrid and electric cars not at 100% adoption, it’s important for you to be aware of how owning a hybrid is different to a petrol or diesel car. Lucky for you, we’ve been asked these questions before...
Will hybrid cars be banned in 2035?
Whilst hybrid cars have been available for years and ownership is growing, their adoption hasn’t been instant. As we prepare for the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the move to electric feels imminent, so where does that leave you with hybrid?
As hybrid vehicles have a petrol or diesel engine, this means that the sale of new hybrid cars will be banned from 2035. However, used hybrid vehicles will still be an option after this time.
Are all hybrid cars automatic?
Fully hybrid and self-charging hybrid vehicles typically have automatic gearboxes, while mild hybrids can come with either automatic or manual gearboxes.
How long do car batteries last in a hybrid car?
Battery life does vary between manufacturers, a rough average electric battery lifespan is around 100,000 miles.
If you’re ready to browse hybrid vehicles, look no further than our range of new vehicles available at a dealership near you.