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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.

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Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) -

A hybrid electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. Pictured is the Toyota Camry.

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Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) -

Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. Pictured is the Ford Fusion.

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Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) -

HEV batteries are far smaller than those in fully electric cars. Pictured is the Peugeot 508SW.

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Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) -

The extra power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. Pictured is the Honda Insight.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) -

For longer journeys, the vehicle will become reliant on the gasoline/diesel engine. Pictured is the Kia Niro.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) -

The motor-generator effectively supplements the combustion engine under the hood. Pictured is the Jeep Renegade.

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Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) -

However, at no time does the battery and motor provide all-electric propulsion. Pictured is the Jaguar F-Pace.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

See also: The pros and cons of buying an electric car

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