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What are the different types of hybrid cars?

With people making the switch to more eco-friendly vehicles, choosing hybrid cars and vans is a great way to help reduce your CO2 output. But with a huge range available, it can be confusing which type of hybrid is right for you.

To help you choose, we’ve created this handy guide on all types of hybrids to support you in picking a vehicle that’s right for you.

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses more than one type of fuel, typically combining a combustion engine powered by petrol or diesel with an electric motor that uses an electric battery. Hybrids have the advantage of using less fuel than petrol and diesel vehicles and produce lower levels of CO2, thanks to the combination of electric battery and combustion engine power.

As one of the leading manufacturers in Europe, Peugeot is committed to making the switch and offer all-electric or hybrid versions of most of their vehicles. 

Explore our hybrid range.

What are the different types of hybrid cars?

There are several different types of hybrids: plug-in hybrids, self-charging hybrids and mild hybrid cars. Each type has a different operation, however, there is some crossover between the different options.  

 Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV)

A plug in hybrid car, known as a PHEV, uses a combustion engine and an electric motor with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery that's charged by plugging it into an electric outlet in the same way you would a full electric vehicle.

Hybrid electric cars also offer added power through regenerative braking. This is done by converting kinetic energy from braking into electricity.

PHEVs (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) can be charged through a specific wall box charger or using the public charging network. Wall boxes offer optimised rapid charging for the most efficient charge. You can charge via an accessory cable using a standard 3-pin domestic socket, but PEUGEOT do not recommend this as an everyday charging solution.

Peugeot’s PHEVs use the electric battery at the beginning of your journey by default before switching to the combustion engine, although you can amend how the engine manages power as you drive via the drive mode selector. The electric charge can give you up to 39 miles (WLTP) of all electric drivingIn the New PEUGEOT 308  using the electric motor.

Peugeot’s electrified hybrid cars utilise plug-in hybrid technology giving drivers the benefit of an electric charge for short journeys and a combustion engine for longer trips removing range anxiety caused by fears of batteries running out.

Mild hybrid vehicle

A mild hybrid, also known as a self-charging hybrid, uses a combustion engine with petrol or diesel and an electric motor. Rather than being charged like a plug-in hybrid, they only use kinetic energy from regenerative braking to charge the battery.

Driving primarily uses the combustion engine but the electric motor is used as support when accelerating, helping to save fuel and reduce CO2 when compared to a conventional combustion engine. A mild hybrid always uses both the combustion engine and electric motor.

Mild hybrids use both fuel types, helping you reduce CO2 without any manual input or plug-in charging. Rather than relying solely on the electric motor to power the vehicle, a mild hybrid has more of an electric power boost effect.

PEUGEOT do not currently have any mild hybrid vehicles available, but you can view our full selection of plug-in hybrid vehicles here. 

Full hybrid vehicle

A full hybrid car, also known as a parallel hybrid, has both a combustion engine and electric motor, automatically switching between the two to power the vehicle. Primarily, full hybrids will use only the combustion engine for most driving, but electric power is used when slowing down and stopping to help conserve fuel.

Like the mild hybrid, a full hybrid is a self-charging hybrid car so there’s no plug-in charging needed. You simply fill up your car and drive, letting the vehicle do the hard work for you. Batteries are topped up by regenerative braking and the vehicle decides how and when to use the different fuel types.

A full hybrid will help to reduce the petrol or diesel you use when driving as well as lower your CO2 emissions.

Hybrid car body styles 

With the increasing popularity of hybrid cars and commitments from manufacturers to offer green options, the choice of hybrid vehicles hasn’t ever been greater.

Whether you want a small vehicle like a hybrid city car, want a car for the full family like a hybrid SUV or need a hybrid van for work, you’re not short on options.

Below, we’ll look at the several types of body styles available with hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid city cars 

Hybrid city cars are small hybrid cars designed for short journeys like nipping to the shops and doing the school run. They’re typically the smallest vehicles available.

As the name suggests, they’re ideal for cities thanks to their small size, perfect for navigating small roads and getting into small parking spots.

Whilst PEUGEOT don’t currently offer a hybrid city car, discover the full electric e-208.

Hybrid hatchback

Hatchbacks are the UK’s most popular car type and usually the next size up to city cars. They’re defined as a car with a door/hatch at the rear which incorporates the back of the car.

Hatchbacks are perfect for drivers looking for a little more room, perhaps with a family or someone in need of more boot space.

Discover the new Peugeot 308 HYBRID and Peugeot 508 HYBRID. If you’re interested in high-performance hybrid discover the PEUGEOT 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered.

 

Hybrid SUV 

SUV stands for sports utility vehicle - traditionally they were four-wheel drives made for people who used their vehicles for work and large families but that has changed a little in recent years.

They’re large, spacious vehicles with a high up driving position improving the driver’s visibility. Hybrid SUVs are made for families and people looking for more robust vehicles.

Discover  Peugeot 3008 HYBRID. For a full electric SUV, you may be interested in the PEUGEOT e-2008.

Hybrid 4x4 

A 4x4 hybrid is a four-wheel vehicle meaning all wheels are used in driving. 4x4s are designed for dealing with rougher terrain and adverse weather conditions such as ice, giving a better level of control. Many SUVs were 4WDs, however, this is no longer a requirement.

A four-wheel drive is a large hybrid that doesn’t have the terrain limitations of a two-wheel drive.

Discover the Peugeot 3008 HYBRID4, one of the optional power trains for PEUGEOT 3008.

Hybrid convertible & hybrid coupes 

Hybrid convertibles are typically smaller vehicles with a retractable roof. Coupes have a similar look but don’t offer a retractable roof. 

Both vehicles have a sleek, usually two-door design that’s low to the ground. Space is limited due to the small size of the vehicle.

Hybrid MPV 

MPV stands for a multi-purpose vehicle but they’re also referred to as people carriers. They have at least five seats and offer space for ample travelling and storage.

Hybrid MPVs are perfect for transporting all the family in an environmentally friendly way.

We offer two MPVs as full electric rather than hybrid power trains Peugeot e-Rifter and Peugeot e-Traveller.

Hybrid van

Hybrid vans are an amazing way for businesses to move to a more environmentally friendly transport solution, whether you’re an individual or a bigger company with a fleet of vehicles. 

Hybrid vans are spacious and reliable, thanks to the combination of a combustion engine and electric power.

PEUGEOT offer a full-electric van range, offering up to 205 miles of rangeWith the e-Expert and optional 75 kWh battery. .

 

Hybrid sports car

Sports cars offer the height of performance with top acceleration and control. A hybrid sports car gives you all of this along with a combined electric and combustion engine.

Discover the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered and for even more interior space, the 508 SW Peugeot Sport Engineered estate.

Interested in making a switch to an eco-friendlier vehicle? Browse our range of electric vehicles including our hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles.

 

TAGS: ELECTRIC, El och Plug-in hybrid, Allmänt, Electric