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Hybrid cars are a great way of experiencing the combination of electric and fuel-powered driving, with 740,000 of them on UK roads as of November 2024¹. With several options to choose from, drivers can find a hybrid vehicle that suits their lifestyle for a driving experience tailored to them. But which is best for you?
Below, we’ll explore full hybrid vs plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid cars so you can fully understand the difference and be well-equipped to find a hybrid car to suit you.
While self-charging, plug-in and mild hybrid cars are a good choice if you’re looking for improved efficiency and reduced emissions, you’ll need to consider a few factors to find which is best for your lifestyle. Think about the following:
Mild hybrid vehicles (MHEV) |
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) |
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving habits | Mild hybrid cars rely on petrol or diesel, so you won’t have to worry about range anxiety. They are more efficient than ICE cars | Drive on pure electric power over shorter distances. Range anxiety is reduced as the ICE is used when the electric charge is depleted | Drive short, low-speed distance on electric power. HEVs are a good choice for inner-city, stop-start driving |
| Fuel efficiency | The small motor can improve efficiency but the environmental impact will be more modest | The most significant fuel savings of all hybrid cars. The electric motor reduces daily fuel consumption | Better fuel efficiency than MHEVs because of all-electric driving for short distances. HEVs reduce fuel consumption with the help of an electric motor. |
| Cost | Typically the most affordable option. The smaller battery means lower upfront costs | PHEVs are more expensive upfront but come with a more complex electric motor and engine system. Costs may be offset by money saved on fuel | More expensive than MHEVs due to the larger battery and advanced hybrid system. |
| Convenience | No charging is needed with an MHEV making them a good choice for those without access to charging infrastructure and who want to reduce their carbon footprint | PHEVs need to be plugged in to get the best from the hybrid system. You’ll need access to a charging point to benefit from pure electric driving | HEVs don’t require external charging. They recharge through regenerative braking. If you don’t have access to charging infrastructure, a HEV could be a great choice. |
While hybrid cars are incredibly popular, the number of electric vehicles is increasing on our roads, with 18% of all cars sold in 2024 powered solely by electricity². When weighing up your options when it comes to plug-in hybrid vs hybrid cars, you should also consider fully electric cars. Which would work best for you? Find out more with our guide: HEV, BEV and PHEV explained: What's the difference?
Electric cars rely fully on electric power, unlike hybrid cars which have an internal combustion engine to use when charge is depleted. While pure-electric driving is emission-free, you’ll need access to charging infrastructure to keep your car topped up and ready to drive. You’ll also need to consider how far you’re driving, especially on longer distances so you can plan to stop and recharge.
If you’re looking for a car with zero emissions, an electric car is the best choice. If you can install a home charger or charge at a public charging station, you’ll be able to take advantage of some of the best technology in the automotive market. For example, BYD electric cars boast the Blade Battery for longevity and improved safety, along with a range of internal features to make driving more comfortable and convenient.
If you want to experience a combination of electric and ICE driving, a plug-in hybrid car could be the best choice for you for improved fuel efficiency and reduced range anxiety.
Find out more about hybrid cars including how they work and the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars with our comprehensive guides. Learn more about BYD hybrid cars, including the BYD SEAL U-DMi and the innovative technology used for an enhanced driving experience, including the bespoke Blade Battery and the Ultra-Efficient Xiaoyun Hybrid Engine.
If you’re weighing up your options, learn more about BYD electric cars, including the BYD ATTO 3 and BYD DOLPHIN for an emissions-free experience on the road.
¹ https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/ev-market
² https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/ev-market
