![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_665d95b3d469c.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660428cbbc1e8.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66042ee7c8511.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660431fcf3e3b.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6604337a4a2f9.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6604354ab0d53.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66043a43e94d3.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660437a0de11a.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66042ab52f118.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660440ff22f32.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6604445b9e895.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660446fe510ad.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66045321795e2.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66051851c7aae.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660538928fcb4.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66042c46a1c27.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66051e93e6de1.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66051fa66d6aa.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66052229401a4.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66052431754a1.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660525c918a81.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660529349bc3b.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66042db2871ce.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66052d693c673.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66052f39c0b36.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66053e8db9aa4.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6605361eb732b.jpg)
![What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6605351009f9c.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), also referred to as conventional hybrids, are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. Pictured is the Toyota Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid car.
© Shutterstock
1 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- A hybrid electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. Pictured is the Toyota Camry.
© Shutterstock
2 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. Pictured is the Ford Fusion.
© Shutterstock
3 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- HEV batteries are far smaller than those in fully electric cars. Pictured is the Peugeot 508SW.
© Shutterstock
4 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- The extra power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. Pictured is the Honda Insight.
© Getty Images
5 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- The battery can also power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling. These features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Pictured is the Kia Optima.
© Shutterstock
6 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- However, the downside of owning a HEV is that the battery can only typically provide a handful of miles of range when exclusively running on electric power. Pictured is the Chevrolet Tahoe.
© Getty Images
7 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also use batteries to power an electric motor, as well as another fuel, such as gasoline or, more rarely, diesel. Pictured is the Mitsubishi Outlander.
© Getty Images
8 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- But the biggest difference to an HEV is that they also have charging equipment. Pictured is the Chevrolet Volt.
© Shutterstock
9 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- PHEVs are charged by being plugged into a power outlet via the grid, domestic Wallbox, or public charging device. Pictured is the BMW 330e.
© Getty Images
10 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- Like HEVs, PHEVs also feature regenerative braking systems that feed energy back into the hybrid or electric system to help replenish a little bit of range. Pictured is the Chrysler Pacifica.
© Shutterstock
11 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- PHEVs generally have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles. This means that plug-in hybrids can be driven on electric power alone, albeit for moderate distances only, perhaps up to 60 miles (96 km). Pictured is the Hyundai Tucson.
© Shutterstock
12 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- For longer journeys, the vehicle will become reliant on the gasoline/diesel engine. Pictured is the Kia Niro.
© Shutterstock
13 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- However, consistently charging a PHEV is the best way to maximize the electric benefits. Pictured is the Mini Cooper S E Countryman.
© Getty Images
14 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) represents the middle ground between a gasoline/diesel car and a HEV. Pictured is the Renault Austral.
© Shutterstock
15 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- Mild hybrids feature a battery and a small electrical motor that works in conjunction with the engine to add torque and can also recapture energy under braking. Pictured is the Audi RS Q8.
© Getty Images
16 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- The motor-generator effectively supplements the combustion engine under the hood. Pictured is the Jeep Renegade.
© Shutterstock
17 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- However, at no time does the battery and motor provide all-electric propulsion. Pictured is the Jaguar F-Pace.
© Getty Images
18 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- The configuration does allow the engine to shut off when the vehicle stops, at traffic lights for example, or in annoying stop-go-stop traffic, further improving fuel economy. Pictured is the Volvo XC60.
© Getty Images
19 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- Some MHEVs also use the generator to enable the car's engine to be turned off for up to 40 seconds when coasting—another appealing fuel-saving feature. Pictured is the Kia Proceed.
© Shutterstock
20 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- MHEVs generally cost less than full hybrids, but also provide less fuel economy benefit than full hybrids. Pictured is the Audi 6.
© Shutterstock
21 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- A range extender electric vehicle (REX) is a battery-powered electric car with an on-board range extender called an auxiliary power unit (APU). Pictured is the BMW i3.
© Getty Images
22 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- Regarded as the the fourth different type of hybrid, the range extender electric vehicle is not as popular as conventional or plug-in hybrids, and many models have been discontinued. Pictured is the Suzuki Swift from 2012.
© Shutterstock
23 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- While it does use a 'hybrid' of battery-plus-electric-motor and combustion engine, unlike self-charging and plug-in hybrids, the range extender doesn't power the car's wheels directly; it only charges the battery. Pictured is the Opel Ampera.
© Getty Images
24 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- In a range extended car, when the battery charge is low the range extender starts automatically and charges it up. Pictured is the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER.
© Getty Images
25 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid equipped with a Wankel rotary engine that's used as a small range extender motor.
© Shutterstock
26 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- These days, a REX on the road is a rare sight. However, the new Ineos Fusilier is set to debut in 2027 and will be available either as a full-blown electric vehicle or a REX. Sources: (Department of Energy) (Top Gear) (Electrifying.com) (Autoweek)
© Getty Images
27 / 28 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), also referred to as conventional hybrids, are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. Pictured is the Toyota Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid car.
© Shutterstock
1 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- A hybrid electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. Pictured is the Toyota Camry.
© Shutterstock
2 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. Pictured is the Ford Fusion.
© Shutterstock
3 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- HEV batteries are far smaller than those in fully electric cars. Pictured is the Peugeot 508SW.
© Shutterstock
4 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- The extra power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. Pictured is the Honda Insight.
© Getty Images
5 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- The battery can also power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling. These features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Pictured is the Kia Optima.
© Shutterstock
6 / 28 Fotos
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- However, the downside of owning a HEV is that the battery can only typically provide a handful of miles of range when exclusively running on electric power. Pictured is the Chevrolet Tahoe.
© Getty Images
7 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also use batteries to power an electric motor, as well as another fuel, such as gasoline or, more rarely, diesel. Pictured is the Mitsubishi Outlander.
© Getty Images
8 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- But the biggest difference to an HEV is that they also have charging equipment. Pictured is the Chevrolet Volt.
© Shutterstock
9 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- PHEVs are charged by being plugged into a power outlet via the grid, domestic Wallbox, or public charging device. Pictured is the BMW 330e.
© Getty Images
10 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- Like HEVs, PHEVs also feature regenerative braking systems that feed energy back into the hybrid or electric system to help replenish a little bit of range. Pictured is the Chrysler Pacifica.
© Shutterstock
11 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- PHEVs generally have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles. This means that plug-in hybrids can be driven on electric power alone, albeit for moderate distances only, perhaps up to 60 miles (96 km). Pictured is the Hyundai Tucson.
© Shutterstock
12 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- For longer journeys, the vehicle will become reliant on the gasoline/diesel engine. Pictured is the Kia Niro.
© Shutterstock
13 / 28 Fotos
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- However, consistently charging a PHEV is the best way to maximize the electric benefits. Pictured is the Mini Cooper S E Countryman.
© Getty Images
14 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) represents the middle ground between a gasoline/diesel car and a HEV. Pictured is the Renault Austral.
© Shutterstock
15 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- Mild hybrids feature a battery and a small electrical motor that works in conjunction with the engine to add torque and can also recapture energy under braking. Pictured is the Audi RS Q8.
© Getty Images
16 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- The motor-generator effectively supplements the combustion engine under the hood. Pictured is the Jeep Renegade.
© Shutterstock
17 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- However, at no time does the battery and motor provide all-electric propulsion. Pictured is the Jaguar F-Pace.
© Getty Images
18 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- The configuration does allow the engine to shut off when the vehicle stops, at traffic lights for example, or in annoying stop-go-stop traffic, further improving fuel economy. Pictured is the Volvo XC60.
© Getty Images
19 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- Some MHEVs also use the generator to enable the car's engine to be turned off for up to 40 seconds when coasting—another appealing fuel-saving feature. Pictured is the Kia Proceed.
© Shutterstock
20 / 28 Fotos
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
- MHEVs generally cost less than full hybrids, but also provide less fuel economy benefit than full hybrids. Pictured is the Audi 6.
© Shutterstock
21 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- A range extender electric vehicle (REX) is a battery-powered electric car with an on-board range extender called an auxiliary power unit (APU). Pictured is the BMW i3.
© Getty Images
22 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- Regarded as the the fourth different type of hybrid, the range extender electric vehicle is not as popular as conventional or plug-in hybrids, and many models have been discontinued. Pictured is the Suzuki Swift from 2012.
© Shutterstock
23 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- While it does use a 'hybrid' of battery-plus-electric-motor and combustion engine, unlike self-charging and plug-in hybrids, the range extender doesn't power the car's wheels directly; it only charges the battery. Pictured is the Opel Ampera.
© Getty Images
24 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- In a range extended car, when the battery charge is low the range extender starts automatically and charges it up. Pictured is the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER.
© Getty Images
25 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid equipped with a Wankel rotary engine that's used as a small range extender motor.
© Shutterstock
26 / 28 Fotos
Range extender electric vehicle (REX)
- These days, a REX on the road is a rare sight. However, the new Ineos Fusilier is set to debut in 2027 and will be available either as a full-blown electric vehicle or a REX. Sources: (Department of Energy) (Top Gear) (Electrifying.com) (Autoweek)
© Getty Images
27 / 28 Fotos
What exactly is a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid cars, explained
© Shutterstock
Most of us are aware of the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). But do you know the difference between gasoline-electric hybrids and battery-electric vehicles? Can you tell a plug-in from a mild hybrid? Confusingly, there are four different types of hybrid car currently on the market, and understanding which is which is often a challenge for all but the most passionate of car fans. But if you're thinking about purchasing a EV anytime soon, it's best to brush up on your automotive vocabulary beforehand. So, are you ready to take charge of your electric vehicle knowledge?
Click on and take a drive through this electrifying hybrid car gallery.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![Pioneering ways AI is being used in the Olympics](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a3ae28aa4d5.jpg)
![Unlocking your potential with a growth mindset](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fd8da0bfd4.jpg)
![Outdated workplace trends to say goodbye to](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a241cfb6915.jpg)
![The top 30 countries with the highest salaries](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a1257b5af9b.jpg)
![30 animals with surprisingly human traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc7d59e9be.jpg)
![How to tell if someone is lying, based on their zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0bf8100fc4.jpg)
![How to keep kids safe during a heat wave](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fda1b16851.jpg)
![The ultimate summer skin care routine](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0f721df09f.jpg)
![What is the 'brat girl summer' trend all about?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a246addc9ca.jpg)
![Fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the Oval Office](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669f79198a06a.jpg)
![What are the ancient origins of your zodiac sign?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e75af237bf.jpg)
![What toll does spaceflight take on astronauts?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fa07d627e8.jpg)
![The comprehensive guide to managing and resolving credit card debt](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc270d28d6.jpg)
![The dangers of compartmentalizing emotions](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697c3f7ccd57.jpg)
![Decoding Gen Z slang: a guide to staying relevant](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0c15928804.jpg)
![The most polluted rivers in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a98796a53a.jpg)
![Fascinating dog facts that will change the way you look at your pup](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664c9ce143f08.jpg)
![Countries with the highest disposable income, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fad641cf77.jpg)
![How the first letter of your name defines your character](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66969fdb92841.jpg)
![How did dinosaurs grow so big?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697d2df7ee71.jpg)
![Mediterranean tragedy: the dangerous migration routes to Europe](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e61a422da8.jpg)
![How to grow food in the city](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663cb61851ff9.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about slow living](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663b862fda57a.jpg)
![The French origins of the Swedish monarchy](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ba08c3840f.jpg)
![What rapid weight loss can do to the body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6641df4c4a90e.jpg)
![Your guide to starting a successful franchise](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663a5255b413a.jpg)
![Seeking out the "four F's" of commonly foraged food](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66332bd2057c7.jpg)
![A parent's guide to raising emotionally intelligent children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e897d15e3e.jpg)
![How (and why) to create a personal development plan](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664488d8abddc.jpg)
![Influential art movements of the 20th century](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663a042eaf13d.jpg)
![The key raw materials needed to power the devices of the future](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ce0b155915.jpg)
![The ultimate guide to starting your own podcast](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6638ff6812c6b.jpg)
![Roman mythology: important gods and goddesses everyone should know](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66992c92c8129.jpg)
![How your zodiac sign influences your personality traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a26da88b03.jpg)
![Galileo's astronomical contribution to science](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6661b4e7ddfe2.jpg)
![Is workplace "mobbing" on the rise? How to cope if you're the target](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_665ee23c803f5.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Nature
-
3
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
-
4
TRAVEL Staycation
Be a tourist in your own city and fall in love all over again
-
5
HEALTH Covid-19
-
6
HEALTH Cognitive function
-
7
LIFESTYLE Bizarre
You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations
-
8
HEALTH Bad habits
-
9
TRAVEL Destinations
-
10
TRAVEL Architecture