Hybrid, plug-in or electric? The types of electrified cars

“Hybrid” has come to mean many things. On the same street you can see a Toyota Prius, a plug-in SUV and a Tesla, all with high-voltage batteries but working in very different ways. Here are the main types, from least to most electrified.

Mild hybrid (MHEV)

It has a conventional combustion engine helped by a small electric system, usually 48 volts, with a starter-generator. The system recovers energy under braking, assists when pulling away and lets the engine switch off for longer. The car cannot drive on electricity alone. Many Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Suzuki models use it.

Full hybrid (HEV)

It combines a petrol engine with one or two electric motors and a high-voltage battery, usually 1–2 kWh. It does not plug in: the battery is charged by the engine and by braking. It can drive short distances on electricity alone at low speed. The classic examples are Toyota and Lexus, along with Honda e:HEV and Renault E-Tech.

On these cars, the hybrid battery and inverter are the components we work on most. See them by make for Toyota, Lexus or Honda.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

It has a much larger battery, usually between 10 and 25 kWh, and can also be charged from a socket. In the WLTP test cycle, electric range is usually between 40 and 100 km, which covers many drivers’ daily trips. On long journeys the car behaves like a regular hybrid.

A plug-in makes sense if you charge it often. If you don’t, you carry a heavy battery around and use more fuel than a full hybrid would.

Range-extended electric (REEV)

Only the electric motor drives the wheels, while a small combustion engine acts as a generator and recharges the battery when it runs low. The BMW i3 REx and Mazda MX-30 R-EV are well-known examples.

Battery electric (BEV)

There is no combustion engine at all. Energy comes only from the battery, usually 40 to 100 kWh, charged from a socket, a wallbox or fast chargers. How it works, component by component, is in our guide how an electric car works.

What it means for servicing

• Every type except the mild hybrid has high-voltage components that require trained staff and insulated tools.
• Full and plug-in hybrids also have a combustion engine, so they need the usual maintenance plus a check of the hybrid system. See hybrid servicing.
• Pure EVs are simpler to maintain, but the battery, charging and brakes need attention. We explain it in our maintenance guide.