What is a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars (HEV) are often referred as self-charging hybrid cars. They combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery to power the car. A Hybrid electric vehicle can't be plugged in to charge. Instead, the battery charges in decelerating, stopping or coasting phases.

How do Hybrid cars work?

It's simple really. Along with a petrol or diesel engine, hybrid cars (HEV) have an electric motor powered by a small but effective battery. The electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle assists the engine for improved fuel efficiency.

What's it like to drive a Hybrid car?

A hybrid drives like a traditional combustion engine car but with a few bonuses. It’s a lot quieter for a start and you systematically benefit from the convenience of clutch-less drive with either an automatic or dual-clutch auto transmission.

What does Hybrid mean?

A hybrid electric vehicle combines two different types of power: electricity and petrol. Hybrid cars regenerate energy through the braking system to power the battery. The engine and battery tend to help each other out. They can work together or separately.

What are E-Hybrid cars?

E-Hybrid cars are plug-in hybrid vehicles. We don't use this terminology in our range of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

How reliable are Hybrid cars?

Hybrid vehicles are also covered by our comprehensive 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, available for customers when sold by the authorised Hyundai network in Europe.

How far can Hyundai Hybrid cars travel on battery power alone?

Whilst the hybrid is able to run on electric power for short time periods as it is designed primarily to assist the combustion engine, it’s only the Plug-in Hybrid that can sustain a longer distance in electric mode only. Thanks to the larger capacity battery the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 39 miles from a full charge.

Can the battery be recycled?

Every Hyundai is built with consideration for what happens at the end of its life. Hyundai Motor UK Ltd have partnered with Umicore Battery Recycling to facilitate the recycling process of high voltage batteries used in our Hybrid models.

What does self-charging Hybrid mean?

You might have heard the term self-charging hybrid, but what does this mean? Putting it very simply, a self-charging hybrid works in exactly the same way as a conventional car with no cables to plug in. The technology uses a normal petrol engine, an electric motor and a high voltage battery. The electric motor works with the petrol engine to enhance performance whilst reducing co2 emissions and improving fuel consumption. The battery is recharged by a combination of the engine and through recovering energy which would otherwise be lost (such as when slowing down) or by regenerative braking. The IONIQ Hybrid and Kona Hybrid – can be classed as self-charging hybrids.

Electric & Hybrid Start your electric adventure

Model Shown: Hyundai SANTA FE

Self-charging Hybrid Cars from Hyundai

Charge as you drive. Sophisticated electric motoring by Hyundai.

Get an electric power boost without the need to plug-in and charge with a self-charging hybrid from Hyundai at Ken Brown Hyundai. Regenerate the battery on the move with these models from Richmond upon Thames and Letchworth Garden City and enjoy economic, fuel efficient motoring.

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All-new KONA Hybrid

Discover the All-new Hyundai KONA Hybrid with self charging hybrid technology.

Ken Brown Hyundai Price £29,025
Save: £1,010
SANTA FE

Discover the Hyundai SANTA FE with self charging hybrid technology.

from £48,385
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TUCSON

Discover the Hyundai TUCSON with self charging hybrid technology.

from £31,535
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Discover the combined powers of hybrid

What a big difference a small electric motor makes when working in tandem with a traditional combustion engine. Add to this mix our dedication to technological progress and it all adds up to a ground-breaking range of hybrid cars for you.

Reduced CO2 emissions: Help protect air quality with the support of the electric motor.

Impressive fuel economy: Travel further for less with all three clever hybrid powertrains.
Know your hybrid

The primary difference between the three types of hybrids available is that each is supported by their electric motors to different degrees. This will influence fuel economy and level of emissions.
Mild hybrid
Battery assist

(also known as MHEV or 48V hybrid)
Primarily powered by a combustion engine, with electric support.

What is mild hybrid?

A mild hybrid feels like a normal combustion engine powered car, however it is able to run on electric when decelerating or whilst stopped - conserving fuel at regular intervals on your daily drive. It’s an enhancement over traditional start & stop technology as it is able to switch to electric before the car comes to a complete stop, and then assist the engine when accelerating. Fast and smooth engine restarts make it perfect for city traffic.
Self-charging hybrid
Dual power

(also known as HEV or hybrid)
The petrol engine and electric motor work in unison for enhanced performance.

What is self-charging hybrid?

In a self-charging hybrid car, an electric motor provides a boost to the engine during acceleration and can even power the car completely in certain situations such as cruising at a constant speed. The battery gets its power from regenerative braking when the vehicle slows or from the combustion engine.
Plug-in Hybrid
Battery optimised

(also known as PHEV)
Hybrid capable of zero emission driving for short journeys

What is self-charging hybrid?

In a self-charging hybrid car, an electric motor provides a boost to the engine during acceleration and can even power the car completely in certain situations such as cruising at a constant speed. The battery gets its power from regenerative braking when the vehicle slows or from the combustion engine.
Transforming power to performance

Whichever type of hybrid you feel is right for you, the one thing that connects them all is our forward looking commitment to efficiency, style and engineering.
Explore our Hyundai Hybrid range
Tucson Hybrid

The all-new Tucson is not simply an evolution of its predecessor, but a full- blown design revolution. Leading the way in progressive design, it also offers state-of- the-art smart tech and the most electrified powertrain line-up in its segment.
- 4.5/5 stars rating by Auto Express
- World’s-first Parametric Hidden Lights
- Widest range of electrified powertrains
Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid delivers combined 265 PS of combined power output and an all-electric mode at the push of a button. Once the all-electric range is depleted, the full-parallel hybrid drive system takes over, which means it can run on its petrol engine or electric motor or both. Go as far as you need to. And when you get there, you can plug into a charging station.
- Electrifying performance
- Revolutionary design
- 4.5/5 stars rating by Auto Express
Kona Hybrid

Step in to our stylish SUV and feel the power of our state-of-the-art Self-charging hybrid technology. It fuses our specially-calibrated 1.6 litre GDi petrol engine with a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for superior efficiency and 141 PS combined power output.
- Expressive and vibrant compact SUV
- Bluelink® smartphone app connectivity
- CO2 emissions from 114 g/km
SANTA FE Hybrid

With its dynamic pairing of a turbocharged petrol direct injection and powerful battery-powered electric motor, the new SANTA FE Hybrid is taking fuel efficiency to the next level. All without you having to charge a battery or change your driving habits. The Hybrid switches seamlessly between the electric motor and conventional engine, sometimes utilising both at the same time.
- HTRAC™ four wheel drive system
- Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- MacPherson suspension
Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

The new SANTA FE Plug-in Hybrid delivers combined 265 PS of combined power output and an all-electric mode at the push of a button. Once the all-electric range is depleted, the full-parallel hybrid drive system takes over, which means it can run on its petrol engine or electric motor or both. Perfect car for commuting, school run and family trips.
- HTRAC™ four wheel drive system
- Bluelink® Connected Car Services
- Hyundai SmartSense
Automotive jargon can be confusing. We’re here to help explain the different ways cars can be powered in simple terms.