Hybrid Electric Cars and Vans For Sale

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Hybrid Electric Cars and Vans

What is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)?

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is powered by a combination of an electric motor and either a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE). Fuel consumption figures are lower and they produce less CO₂ emissions than a conventionally-powered vehicle.

Unlike plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), HEVs are self-charging so don't need to be plugged-in for charging.

Full-hybrids still have the ability to be driven in all-electric mode, however as the battery is considerably smaller than in a PHEV or a battery electric vehicle (BEV) it can only maintain this for short distances at a slow speed.

For the majority of the time, HEVs seamlessly switch between the electric motor and the ICE as the power source or utilise both at the same time.

Should I buy a hybrid electric vehicle?

Full hybrids can run in all-electric mode at slow speeds for short distances, resulting in less fuel consumption.

At higher speeds the intelligent hybrid system allows switching between the two power sources; the electric motor and the ICE.

HEVs use the engine and regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Gain benefits such as lower emissions and fuel consumption but you can still rely on the ICE and don't have to worry about charging.

How do hybrid cars and vans work?

A key differentiator between a HEV and a PHEV is the size of the battery. Hybrids have a smaller battery than plug-in hybrids so can't be driven in pure electric mode for as long.

Slow speed journeys, such as driving in city traffic, can be completed in pure electric mode and once the vehicle's speed increases the ICE will automatically kick in to assist, whilst also recharging the battery through regenerative braking.

During deceleration, the electric motor acts as a generator and captures energy that would normally be lost when braking to charge the battery.

HEVs, unlike BEVs and PHEVs don't need plugging in to charge the battery to its full capacity.

What are the different types of electric vehicles?

An internal combustion engine along with a battery driven electric motor are used in a mild hybrid set-up. The electric battery simply assists the vehicle's engine in powering the vehicle.

Just like a mild hybrid, two sources of power are used in this set-up. These are an internal combustion engine and a battery driven electric motor. The vehicle automatically switches between each source when required and the car is self-charging.

Again using two sources of power, with an internal combustion engine and a battery driven electric motor, a PHEV features larger batteries to allow you to travel further. This set-up requires the vehicle to be plugged into the mains to recharge.

A set-up using just batteries, the vehicle is able to travel on electric power only. This set-up also requires the vehicle to be plugged into the mains to recharge and it doesn't need an traditional fuel.

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Hybrid FAQs

How do I charge a hybrid electric vehicle?

HEVs are self-charging so don't require plugging-in to charge, the ICE is able to recharge the battery whilst driving through regenerative braking.

What's the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid?

The main difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid vehicle is the size of the battery. PHEVs have a larger battery, which enables them to drive further in all-electric mode than a HEV, and requires plugging-in to recharge.

What are the benefits of a self-charging hybrid?

Lower CO₂ emissions
Improved fuel economy
Better for the environment
The engine provides back-up to the battery so no 'range anxiety'
No need to plug-in to charge

Do self-charging hybrids make good company cars?

HEVs tend to be an affordable company car due to them having lower rates of benefit in kind (BIK) tax than petrol and diesel alternatives.

Can you get a self-charging hybrid with a manual transmission?

Currently, the only type of hybrid car with a manual transmission is a mild hybrid.

Find your perfect hybrid vehicle

Now you've discovered the benefits of a hybrid electric vehicle and understand how they work, perhaps you've decided a HEV is the right vehicle is for you.

Whether you're looking for a new or used car; we have plenty of full hybrid vehicles available from popular manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Renault and many more.