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.

What is a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)?

PHEV is the abbreviation for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This type of hybrid electric car runs on electricity as well as petrol or diesel. A Plug-In Hybrid is perfect for those who want to travel further in electric mode. It’s got a bigger battery than a Hybrid and can give you a 30-mile plus electric range. When that electric range is depleted, the car automatically switches to Hybrid mode. The battery can be recharged from an external outlet, which enables them to run solely on electric power for longer.

What is the meaning of PHEV?

PHEV is the abbreviation for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This type of hybrid electric car runs on electricity as well as petrol or diesel. PHEVs have a large battery that can be recharged from an external outlet, which enables them to run solely on electric power for longer.

What's it like to drive a Plug-In Hybrid car?

Relaxing and rather fun, actually. When running on battery power, PHEVs are very responsive, because unlike combustion engines, electric motors produce maximum torque at any rpm. Acceleration is brisk. We expect most charging to be done at home or at work but If you want to top up on the go, there is a vast and fast-expanding number of stations accessible across the UK. When the battery level is too low to propel the car in electric-only mode, the combustion engine kicks in and works with the battery as a supporting element - just like a regular, self-charging hybrid.

What's the difference between MHEV vs PHEV?

A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) uses a 48V battery and electric motor to increase the efficiency of its internal combustion engine (ICE). Unlike a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), an MHEV cannot run solely on electric power, although its combustion engine shuts off during braking, coasting and stopping.

What is a Plug-In Hybrid SUV?

A Plug-In Hybrid SUV is a passenger car with increased ground clearance. It uses a hybrid system, which battery is rechargeable from an external source. Our Plug-In Hybrid SUV range includes popular models like Niro PHEV and Sportage PHEV.

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.