Over the last few years, the car market has rapidly evolved, introducing more electric power into vehicles to extend range, improve efficiency, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. But with so many options, from mild hybrids and full hybrids to plug-in hybrids and even fully electric cars, it can be tricky to know the differences.
Here’s our guide to the different engines to help find the right one for you:
1. Full Hybrids (FHEVs)
Full hybrids give you the best of both worlds, allowing the petrol engine and electric motor to work independently or together.
Benefits include improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and potentially reduced running costs. One of the biggest advantages is that they don’t need to be plugged in, instead, they recharge the battery through regenerative braking. The slight disadvantage is that their electric-only range is limited compared to a plug-in hybrid.
Often called “self-charging hybrids,” these are perfect if you don’t have regular access to a charger but still want to enjoy the benefits of electric driving.
Image: Toyota C-hr, Motor Source Group
Example car: Toyota C-HR 1.8 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT – save £5,729 with Motor Source discounts
2. Mild Hybrids (MHEVs)
Mild hybrids are slightly different from full hybrids, and whilst they still use a petrol engine and an electric motor, unlike full hybrids, the electric motor can’t power the car on its own. Instead, it assists the petrol engine, providing extra torque when needed.
The result is smoother acceleration and better fuel economy than a traditional petrol car. Mild hybrids are also generally more affordable than other hybrid options, making them a popular entry point into electrified driving. While you won’t get electric-only miles, they still help reduce emissions and boost efficiency, ideal if you want better fuel economy without changing your driving habits.
Image: Ford Puma, Motor Source Group
Example car: Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid Mhev ST-Line X 5dr – Save £5,139 with Motor Source discounts
3. Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids build on the benefits of full hybrids but with one key difference: they can be charged from an external power source. With a much larger battery, PHEVs typically deliver 20 to 70 miles of electric-only range, often enough to cover short commutes or daily city driving.
The petrol engine is still there for longer trips, giving you peace of mind on the road. However, to get the most out of a PHEV, you’ll need regular access to a charging point. Without charging, fuel economy benefits are limited, and you may find they behave more like a traditional hybrid.
Image: Audi Q3 Sportback, Motor Source Group
Example car: Audi Q3 Sportback 1.5 E-hybrid S Line 5dr S Tronic – Save £5,132 with Motor Source discounts
4. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
While not hybrids, electric vehicles are worth mentioning for comparison. EVs run solely on electricity, with no petrol or diesel engine at all. Thanks to their larger batteries, they can achieve ranges of 150 to over 300 miles, depending on the model.
EVs are perfect if you’re ready to fully commit to electric driving, enjoy low running costs, and want to minimise emissions as much as possible. However, they do rely on regular charging and access to a reliable charging network.
Image: BMW i4, Motor Source Group
Example car: BMW i4 Gran Coupe 250kw Edrive40 Sport 83.9kwh Auto – Save £18,014 with Motor Source discounts
Which is right for you?
- Full Hybrid (FHEV): Best if you want a balance of petrol and electric driving without needing to plug in.
- Mild Hybrid (MHEV): Great for improving efficiency but won’t drive on electricity alone.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Ideal if you can charge regularly and want to cover most short trips on electric power.
- Electric Vehicle (EV): Perfect if you’re ready to go fully electric and have reliable charging access.
The right choice depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. If you mainly drive short distances and can charge at home, a plug-in hybrid or EV could save you the most on fuel. But if you want flexibility for longer journeys without worrying about charging, a full hybrid might be the best fit.
With so many options now available, there’s a hybrid solution to suit almost every type of driver, and with Motor Source Group you can save thousands off the cost too with our exclusive blue light discounts.
