Hybrid cars

The hybrid car market keeps getting bigger and better, so there’s plenty of choice out there.

The best hybrid car will suit your budget and driving style – so take a look at the differences between mild hybrids and PHEVs, the latest releases from leading manufacturers and see what works for you.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of 2021’s best hybrids here.

Hybrid cars are powered by an internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and one or more electric motors, which is powered by energy stored in the electric batteries.

• mild (or MHEV) use the electric motor to support the engine,
• ‘full’ hybrids (or HEVs) alternate between the internal combustion engine and the battery and can run for short distances on electric power alone,
• plug-in hybrids (or PHEVs) have bigger batteries and can run for longer distances (typically around 20-30 miles) using the electric motor(s) alone.

This depends on the type of hybrid.

Mild hybrids don’t need charging - they use electrified features to support the petrol or diesel engine.

HEV full hybrids don’t need plugging in either, they ‘self-charge’ as you drive – usually through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine.

Plug-in hybrids, as the name suggests, can be plugged into the mains. They can drive either by pure electric or petrol/diesel.

If you’re buying outright, then hybrid cars generally cost more than the equivalent petrol or diesel model. But you stand to save money thanks to lower tax rates and better fuel economy.

Batteries can intrude on boot space in some models, meaning hybrid versions can be less practical than other models in the range.

Real-world fuel consumption may not reflect the manufacturers’ claims, especially if you do a lot of motorway miles or don’t take the option to charge a PHEV. That said, tax incentives encouraging company drivers into low-emission cars can save some people huge amounts of money. It’s ultimately what works for you.