Hybrid vehicles have become mainstream choices for drivers seeking improved fuel economy and reduced emissions without transitioning to full electric vehicles. They combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and a battery. But the way those components work can differ widely. To shed some light, here’s a look at the four major types of hybrid systems.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
MHEVs represent the entry point to electrification. In this setup, the electric motor cannot power the car independently. Instead, it supports the ICE in acceleration, assists in start-stop situations, and powers certain onboard systems. The battery that comes with most MHEVs is usually rated at 48 V, and is recharged by the engine and regenerative braking, a kind of energy recovery system that uses the force generated by braking.
Simplicity is the key advantage of MHEVs. They deliver modest fuel savings and smoother performance without the need for drastic changes to one’s driving habits.
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
A full hybrid can run the car on either electric power alone, ICE alone, or a combination of both. At low speeds, the HEV can operate on pure electric power, while at higher speeds, it can engage the ICE. The HEV system continuously switches between pure electric and ICE to maximize efficiency, while regenerative braking recharges the battery.
HEV variants exist, including parallel HEV, wherein both the electric motor and ICE drive the wheels. There’s also the series HEV, which uses the ICE only as a power generator, leaving the electric motor to do the driving. Flexibility is what HEVs can offer.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEVs take things further by having larger batteries that can be charged externally, either at home or at public charging stations. This setup enables PHEVs to travel long distances in pure electric mode alone, often enough for daily commutes, before engaging hybrid mode when battery power is low.
This dual capability makes PHEVs ideal for drivers who want the benefits of an all-electric vehicle (pure EV) without fully committing to electrification. However, they do need charging facilities to fully utilize their battery power. Additionally, many PHEVs have higher purchase prices that reflect the increased battery size and advanced technology.
Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEV)
REEVs sit between HEVs and EVs. Mostly operating in all-electric mode, REEVs rely on a large battery and electric motor for propulsion. Once the battery is depleted, a small ICE acts purely as an electric generator, supplying power to keep the electric motor running. The ICE does not drive the wheels.
The advantage of REEVs is their EV-like driving experience, without the worry of range anxiety or losing battery power along the journey. Drivers can cover most daily trips on pure electric power, while the backup ICE ensures longer journeys are possible without searching for charging stations en route.
Hybrid vehicles offer a spectrum of choices. They give drivers flexible pathways towards efficiency, lower emissions, and full EV benefits without completely abandoning traditional engine power.
