We regularly hear the term mild hybrid come up, what exactly does it stand for? And what are the pros and cons? Hybrid cars have grown rapidly in popularity and may be a good (and affordable) alternative to fully electric driving. By 2035, it will be illegal to market cars that emit CO2, but until then, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars will still be on the market. If you are looking for a new (or second-hand) car and a mild hybrid model is on your list, you probably want to know more about what exactly a mild hybrid car is.
What types of hybrid cars are there?
First, it is important to say that a hybrid car is not the same as an electric car. All hybrid cars combine a combustion engine and an electric motor. In an all-electric car, there is no combustion engine.
First, let's take a look at what types of hybrid cars there are:
- full hybrid
- mild hybrid (or half hybrid)
- plug-in hybrid
What are the differences?
As the name suggests, hybrids are very similar yet different. All hybrids combine a combustion engine and an electric motor.
- A full hybrid car can drive small distances fully electric, but does not need to be charged at a charging station or socket. You can choose to drive fully on the electric motor and/or fully on the combustion engine. Using the fuel engine will charge the battery. Popular full hybrid models include the Toyota Prius, Lexux CT200h and Kia Niro.
- A plug-in hybrid you do need to charge and often has a larger battery and powerful electric motor, allowing you to drive longer distances fully electric. Plug-in hybrids are abbreviated to PHEV. There are more and more plug-in hybrid cars on the market, examples of plug-in and combustion engine cars include the BMW 330e, Volkswagen Golf GTE and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
- A mild hybrid (or half hybrid), as the name suggests, is right at the other end of that spectrum and is simpler than a regular hybrid. You cannot drive fully electric with this but is supportive of the fuel engine. This is also called a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle or MHEV for short. We discuss this type in more detail below:
Mild hybrid car
The addition of 'mild' means that a mild hybrid car does it in a smaller scale and less powerful way than a plug-in or full hybrid car, the main difference being in the battery. Unlike hybrids where only the battery can power the car and therefore works just like an electric car, a mild hybrid cannot. This means that besides the battery, you are always using your internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel). While this may not seem very useful, the concept has proved popular enough for many brands such as Audi, Kia, Volvo and Ford to all develop mild hybrid models.
The mechanics of a mild hybrid work just like a full hybrid, with a battery that recharges every time the car brakes. A mild hybrid car never has a plug and the battery in these cars cannot run the wheels without the engine also running.
In terms of handling, a mild hybrid offers little difference between a normal petrol or diesel car. In that sense, it is more an evolution of a standard car than a range for zero emissions. Mild hybrids, unlike electric cars, can be driven with manual transmissions. Ultimately, they offer the same driving experience people are used to, with the added support power of a battery.
Should I buy a mild hybrid car?
This naturally leads us to the next most obvious question: why do people buy a mild hybrid rather than a hybrid or fully electric vehicle? There is no advantage in terms of road tax and they don't have the ability to run purely on battery power. This is unfortunate for short drives because you will always consume fuel with MHEV. Nevertheless, for drivers who are not quite ready for the electric switch, there are a few reasons to go mild hybrid:
- Lower emissions: They are not completely emission-free, but they are better than traditional internal combustion engine cars without the added help of an electric battery. During coasting, the engine can be switched off completely and transfer the battery to help reduce fuel consumption and hence emissions.
- Lower costs: The addition of a battery means less work for the engine, thus saving fuel. For those looking for driving experience they are used to while benefiting from electric car technology, a mild hybrid is an excellent choice.
- Cheaper than a hybrid: Mild hybrids are cheaper than hybrids or electric cars, so for some they serve as a good alternative on the basis of finances alone. Of course, ideally we could all get into an electric car and be prepared for the zero-emission revolution, but in practice, mild hybrids occupy an important place in the market.
- No charging stress: Since mild hybrids never run on the electric motor alone, there is no risk of coming to a standstill somewhere along the road with a flat battery. Mild hybrids drive quietly as long as their tank is full.
Popular mild hybrid cars
There are several mild hybrid cars on the market today, some examples:
- Ford Cougar
- Ford Fiesta
- Audi A4 and A8
- Fiat 500
- Fiat Panda
- Kia Sportage
- Hyundai Tucson
- Suzuki Swift
The precise mild hybrid technology in each car varies. The Audi A8's system, for example, ensures that the engine is completely switched off for up to 40 seconds while coasting. This allows the battery to take over and deliver lower fuel consumption. In other models, such as the Suzuki Swift, the battery exists to support rather than replace the engine.
Not all cars with mild hybrids are made to be environmentally friendly. The addition of a battery means more power, so in race cars, one may be added to improve the performance of the vehicle, rather than for environmental reasons.
Is a mild hybrid car worth it?
Depending on your priorities, a mild hybrid car could be a good choice. They offer lower fuel consumption and emissions. While you will not get the zero emissions of an electric vehicle or even a full hybrid, it is certainly a step in the right direction compared to a traditional car.
Because the battery can also lead to more torque while driving, many will feel that mild hybrids allow for a smoother ride, with the engine working noticeably less during hard acceleration.
Do mild hybrids need to be charged?
No. Unlike full hybrids that come with plug-in options, you do not need to charge the battery in a mild hybrid. This is mainly because the battery is smaller than a full hybrid. Regenerative braking is enough to keep it powered. Since this means you charge the battery every time you brake, the small battery doesn't need any help to stay on sufficient power.
Are mild hybrids suitable for long distances?
A mild hybrid car works like a regular car, so there is no reason why you cannot make the same journey as with a petrol or diesel car. The difference is that you will notice that the engine sometimes works a bit harder. Unlike full electric cars that have a fixed electric range per charge, a mild hybrid does not run the risk of a dead battery stopping working. Of course, you should then remember to fill up your tank from time to time!
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