31 July 2025

Understanding Hybrid Types

Hybrid vehicles continue to grow in popularity as drivers look to reduce emissions and cut fuel costs, but with stricter emission testing and legislation - especially for Plug-in Hybrids - it’s important to choose the type of hybrid that best meets your needs.

Hybrid Options Explained

Hybrids fall into four categories: Mild Hybrids (MHEVs), Full Hybrids (FHEVs), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs). Each type offers different benefits depending on your driving habits, mileage, and access to charging.

• Mild Hybrids (e.g. Ford Puma EcoBoost Hybrid): These use an electric motor to support the internal combustion engine (ICE), particularly when accelerating. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery, so there's no need to plug in.
• Full Hybrids (e.g. Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid): Full hybrids can drive on electric power alone, the combustion engine, or a mix of both. Like MHEVs, they recharge via regenerative braking, making them particularly fuel-efficient in urban driving.
• Plug-in Hybrids (e.g. BMW 330e): PHEVs work like FHEVs, but with larger batteries. They can travel further in electric-only mode—up to 70 miles in some newer models. However, regular charging is essential.
• Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (e.g. Mazda MX-30 R-EV): These are mostly electric, with a small petrol engine used only to recharge the battery when needed. Unlike PHEVs, the engine doesn't drive the wheels.

Making the Most of Your Hybrid

To keep your hybrid performing at its best, and to prolong its lifespan, it's important to drive and maintain it in line with how the manufacturer intended.

For PHEVs, battery degradation can occur if the vehicle is rarely charged. Although the petrol or diesel engine can handle long journeys, the electric motor is designed for shorter trips. Regular—but not constant—charging helps preserve battery health and efficiency.

With REEVs, the petrol engine acts purely as a generator. Overuse of this back-up engine—particularly for daily driving—can lead to increased oil use and may shorten its lifespan. Ideally, REEV drivers should aim to stay in electric mode as much as possible.

In short, selecting the right hybrid depends on more than just fuel economy or range. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type, and using them accordingly, can help you get the best out of your vehicle while keeping running costs and emissions low.