Cut Through The Technical Jargon - A Simple Guide to Mild-Hybrid, Hybrid, PHEV & Electric Vehicles

If you're considering a more fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly vehicle, understanding the differences between mild hybrids, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles is essential, our Evogo guide will cut through the technical details and give you the details in simple terms.

Mild hybrid Vehicles (MHEVs)

Mild hybrids offer a small boost to fuel efficiency. They use a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine, but they cannot drive on electric power alone. The electric motor aids with functions like start/stop, regenerative braking, and providing a small power boost during acceleration. This results in improved fuel economy compared to traditional gasoline cars, but the improvement is less significant than with other hybrid types. 

Key features of MHEVs:

• Cannot drive on electric power alone

• Smaller battery and electric motor compared to full hybrids.

• Improved fuel economy, but less than full hybrids or PHEVs.

• Generally the most affordable type of hybrid.

• Electric-only range: 0 miles.*

Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid vehicles have a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery than MHEVs. They can drive on electric power alone for short distances and at low speeds, typically in stop-and-go traffic or when maneuvering at parking speeds. However, these electric-only bursts are usually very short, often less than a mile. HEVs also utilize regenerative braking to recharge the battery. 

Key features of HEVs:

• Can drive on electric power alone for very short distances (less than 1 mile in most cases*)

• Larger battery and more powerful electric motor than MHEVs.

• Significantly better fuel economy than traditional fossil fuel cars and MHEVs.

• No need to plug in; the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the fossil fuel engine.

• Electric -only mile range: Typically less than 1 mile.*

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine the features of HEVs with the ability to plug in and recharge the battery from an external power source. This larger battery allows for a significantly longer electric-only driving range. PHEVs can operate as electric vehicles until the battery is depleted, at which point they function as traditional hybrids, using the gasoline engine. 
Typical electric-only ranges for PHEVs vary from about 20 to 50 miles* or more, depending on the model.

• Can drive on electric power for a longer range (typically 20-50miles*+.

• Can be plugged in to a recharge the battery

• Offers the flexibility of electric driving for daily commutes and fossil fuel power for longer trips.

• Electric-only range: 20-50+ miles*

Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles run entirely on electricity. They have no gasoline engine and rely solely on a large battery pack for power. EVs are charged by plugging into an external power source. They produce zero tailpipe emissions. Modern EVs offer a wide range of driving distances on a single charge. 

Current EVs offer ranges from approximately 100 miles* to over 400* miles, depending on the model, battery size, and driving conditions.
Key features of EVs:

• Runs entirely on Electricity; no fossil fuel engine.

• Zero tailpipe emissions.

• Requires charging from an external power source.

• Longer driving range compared to PHEVs in electric mode.

• Generally higher purchase price than other vehicle types, but often offset by government incentives and lower running costs.

• Entirely dependant on charging infrastructure availability.

• Electric-only range: 100-400+ miles*

So, Which Type of Vehicle is right for you?

MHEV: A good entry point for improved fuel economy at a lower cost.
 

HEV: ideal for city driving and those seeking significant fuel savings without the need to plug in.
 

PHEV: Suitable for those who want to maximise electric driving for daily commutes but need the flexibility of a fossil fuel engine for longer trips.
 

EV: The best option for maximising environmental impact and reducing running costs, provided that charging infrastructure is readily available and the vehicle's range meets your needs.
 

* Please note these mileage ranges are industry general standard figures and should not be relied upon. Subject to make, model, road type, traffic, driving style, battery age and weather conditions.