What are the different types of hybrid vehicle?

Everything you need to know about the different types of hybrid vehicles

The popularity of low-emissions vehicles just keeps growing among users and the environment.

And you can see why.

With more brands focusing on the electrification of their models – we dare you to name a brand without at least one hybrid or fully electric model on the books – a hybrid car lease should definitely be on the cards if you’re considering leasing your next vehicle.

If you don’t want to fully commit to a 100% electric vehicle (finding the need for charging ports instead of petrol stations can seem a bit daunting), hybrid vehicles represent a more environmentally friendly alternative to driving traditional petrol or diesel cars.

Running partially on an electric motor and using energy stored in batteries for their power, hybrids seem pretty simple.

Right?

Well, mostly. But there are some differences between the various types of hybrid vehicle available.

We’ve broken them down so you can make the right choice for you, your lifestyle and your budget.

The different types of hybrid vehicles

Full hybrid 

Best for: short journeys

A full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV), also known as a self-charging hybrid, can run on electricity alone for a short period, but is best when used at the same time as the combustion engine.

When the two work their magic together, the electric motor in a full hybrid seamlessly takes over and steps back as needed, like having a helpful teammate who always knows the perfect moment to jump in.

Translation? You’ll burn through less petrol while covering the same distance, which is great news for the planet and your wallet.

Oh, and forget about finding a charging station—this hybrid’s got it all figured out. Thanks to clever regenerative braking, it recharges its small battery as you drive. 

We are in awe.

Models with full hybrid options include:

• Renault Clio
• Nissan Qashqai
• Hyundai Tuscon
• Kia Sportage
• Toyota Yaris
• Ford Kuga

Plug-in hybrid 

Best for: the daily commute and quick weekend trips

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are like the ultimate double act—combining a traditional combustion engine with an electric motor and a larger battery pack than a full hybrid.

PHEVs need charging from an external supply (like a domestic 3-pin plug, at-home EV charger or public charger).

Once charged, they work a lot like full hybrids but with the added superpower of going much further on electric power alone.

When you start up, the car is all about that electric life—but you can switch between fuel types whenever you need to.

Once your battery runs down or you've gone beyond the electric range, the combustion engine smoothly takes over.

With fuel prices these days—if you’re local to Devon, Trago Mills has a great fuel price—you’ll be wanting to keep your fuel bills low, and emissions even lower. Just keep the battery topped up and lean more into the electric side of things.

Fully charged, many PHEVs can cover up to 50 miles (depending on the model) purely on electric power. Depending on your routine, you could find yourself skipping petrol stops entirely and relying solely on the electric motor.

Then you can use the regenerative braking to recycle some of the energy you’d normally lose when slowing down and store it in the battery for later.

We are sold.

Models with plug-in hybrid options include:

•    BMW X5
•    Kia Sportage
•    Volvo XC60
•    Toyota C-HR
•    MG HS
•    Audi Q5 Estate

Mild hybrid

Best for: steady speed driving and those who want better fuel economy

Think of mild hybrids (MHEVs) as the ultimate team players. They don’t go full electric, but their electric motor is always on hand to give the combustion engine a helpful boost.

The battery’s smaller, but it’s always working behind the scenes, recharging itself as you drive—no plugs or chargers required.

It’s like having a personal assistant for your engine, enhancing performance, improving fuel efficiency by up to 15%, and even saving you a few quid compared to full hybrids.

Mild hybrids are perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with charging cables but still wants to shrink their carbon footprint and get more miles for their money.

Eco-friendly, wallet-friendly, and hassle-free—what’s not to love?

Models with mild hybrid options include:

•   Dacia Jogger
•   Ford Puma
•   Volkswagen Golf
•   Volvo XC40
•   Audi A3

What are the differences between mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles?

When it comes to charging, hybrids come in all shapes and sizes.

Full and mild hybrids don’t need to plug in - they're like the energiser bunnies of the car world, always charged up and ready to go.

But plug-in hybrids?

Yep, they need a little love from an actual plug.

Mild hybrids are the cool cats with manual gearboxes, but they don’t do the whole "run on electric power alone" thing.

That honour goes to full and plug-in hybrids.

But if you're after some serious electric mileage, plug-in hybrids are your best friend - they've got the biggest battery packs and can zip around on electric power way further than the FHEVs and the MHEVs.

Electric vehicles

Best for: maximum environmental benefits with permanent electric driving performance

We couldn’t talk about hybrid vehicles without mentioning the final boss – the fully electric vehicle.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are 100% electric, which means no fuel tank, no exhaust pipe and no engine oil.

They run solely off electric power and need to be recharged at an external outlet (which takes longer than a PHEV because of the size of the battery).

The driving range per ‘tank’ can be less than that of a hybrid because there’s no fuel back up.

But with technology improving all the time, there are many models on the market now with claimed ranges of over 300 miles.

The best part? These eco-friendly cruisers have minimal ongoing environmental impact and can seriously cut down on running costs.

They might be a little pricier upfront than a hybrid, but an electric car lease is a fantastic way to ease into the electric revolution without the commitment.

Models that are fully electric:

• Tesla Model Y
• GWM ORA 03
• BYD ATTO 3
• CURPRA Born
• Volkswagen ID.4

In a nutshell

If diving headfirst into the electric world feels a bit too bold, why not dip your toe in with a hybrid car lease? It’s a great way to cut down on emissions and see what all the fuss is about.

A mild hybrid lease is a great starting point because there is functionally no difference between a MHEV and a full combustion engine car – and the price tag is super friendly. 

At the other end of the scale, a plug-in hybrid lease is great if you’re sticking close to home- short commutes and running errands, and can do most of your journeys on the electric motor alone.

And for those who want the best of both worlds, a full hybrid lease is your golden ticket. It’s a little pricier than a MHEV, but with its ability to run on electric alone, you’ll be slashing emissions and saving on fuel without a hitch.