What is a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)?
A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) is powered by a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE), but it relies on additional assistance from an electric motor.
Although MHEV's do have an electric motor and a small battery, the vehicle can't be driven in pure electric mode. The electric motor and battery simply support the engine, improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions.
The majority of mild hybrids utilise a 48-volt electrical system, powering components that would usually rely on the ICE.
No charging is required with mild hybrid cars and vans, they also tend to have a lower initial purchase price compared to full hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Should I buy a mild hybrid electric vehicle?
Cheaper Initial Cost
Purchasing a MHEV is often cheaper than a PHEV or HEV but they tend to cost more than a conventionally-powered vehicle.
Transmissions
Manual gearboxes are available with MHEVs, unlike with PHEVs, HEVs and BEVs.
Charging
MHEVs have a small battery but can't be driven solely on electric power, therefore they don't need plugging-in to recharge the battery.
Advantages of a MHEV
Benefit from lower emissions and fuel consumption whilst enjoying a traditional driving experience, with no need to charge the vehicle.
How do mild hybrid cars and vans work?
Utilising a combination of an ICE and an electric motor, like HEVs and PHEVs, mild hybrid electric vehicles are able to deliver benefits such as reduced CO2 tailpipe emissions and improved fuel economy.
However, unlike HEVs and PHEVs, MHEVs are unable to use electric motor independently to power the wheels; hence the term 'mild' hybrid.
Regenerative braking allows mild hybrid vehicles to harvest energy, which is usually lost during deceleration, to charge the 12 or 48-volt battery. This energy is then used to support the petrol or diesel ICE thanks to an integrated starter generator. Enhanced fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience are the result of this process.
What are the different types of electric vehicles?
Mild Hybrid (MHEV)
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.
Hybrid (HEV)
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.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
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.
All-Electric (BEV)
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.
Explore the Range
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle FAQs
No, you don't need to charge mild hybrid cars or vans as they run off petrol or diesel fuel with support from the electric motor, they can't run solely on electric power.
The main difference between a mild hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a hybrid vehicle is the size of the battery.
PHEVs have the largest battery, enabling them to be driven further in all-electric mode than a HEV, and require plugging-in to charge the battery.
Although the battery in a HEV is smaller than a PHEV, it is bigger than the one found in MHEVs; therefore allowing the HEV to travel in pure electric mode for short distances.
Mild hybrids can't be driven in fully electric mode as the battery is only small, but the electric motor is able to assist the ICE with acceleration to save fuel and provide additional power.
- Lower CO2 emissions
- Improved fuel economy
- Better for the environment
- Increased power and acceleration
Currently, the only type of hybrid cars with manual transmissions are mild hybrids.
Mild hybrid electric vehicles can't be driven in pure electric mode, the electric motor just acts as a support to the ICE.
Find your perfect vehicle
Mild hybrids do offer benefits over traditionally-powered vehicles such as reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, however, they aren't as efficient or economical as full hybrids, plug-in hybrids or all-electric vehicles.
Whether you're looking for a new or used van, or a new or used car; we have plenty of choice from manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan.
