A hybrid car uses two energy sources to maximise efficiency. This is most commonly means combining electrical energy stored in batteries with either a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE).
Some systems use the ICE as a generator and are known as range-extender or ‘series’ hybrids; driven exclusively by electric motors with the ICE providing no direct drive.
Full Hybrid:
They use both the ICE and electric motors to drive the car, either simultaneously or independently. The batteries are recharged through regenerative braking.
Mild Hybrid:
As with full hybrids, mild hybrids use an ICE alongside an electric motor. However, the two power sources can’t be used independently of each other. The batteries are recharged through regenerative braking.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV):
As the name suggests, these have to be plugged in to charge its electric batteries. It’s closer to a full Electric Vehicle (EV) as the batteries are larger and can be charged by an external source, thereby providing a much better EV-only range than a full hybrid.
Most PHEVs have a range of approximately 30 miles, and owners who rarely exceed their car’s EV-only range or can charge before returning home, can theoretically run a PHEV without ever using its ICE!
Once the charge has run out, the ICE can be used to drive, just like the full hybrid.