Smooth Acceleration & Braking

Accelerate gently and brake smoothly to make the most of regenerative braking, which recaptures energy and reduces fuel consumption.

Maintain Steady Speeds

Frequent speed changes can reduce efficiency. Keeping a consistent pace helps maximise your range.

Most MHEVs include an Eco driving mode that adjusts throttle response and fuel usage to improve efficiency.

Minimise Accessory Use

Features like air conditioning and heating consume additional energy. Use these sparingly to conserve fuel and battery power.

What is the difference between MHEV and PHEV?

MHEVs use a small electric motor to assist the petrol or diesel engine but cannot run on electricity alone. PHEVs, on the other hand, have a larger battery and can operate on electric power for around 50 to 60 miles. PHEVs also require external charging, while MHEVs do not.

Do you need to charge a Mild Hybrid car?

No, MHEVs do not need to be plugged in. The small battery is recharged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine.

Which is better: Full Hybrid or Mild Hybrid?

The right choice depends on your needs. MHEVs are simpler, more affordable, and ideal for drivers seeking incremental efficiency improvements. Modern Full Hybrids provide greater electric capacity and can run on electric power for around 50 to 60 miles.

Are MHEV engines reliable?

Yes, MHEV engines are considered reliable. They use well-established internal combustion technology combined with electric assistance to enhance efficiency.

How long does it take to charge an MHEV?

MHEVs do not require charging. Their small battery is replenished through regenerative braking and the engine’s operation.

- Welcome To The EV Hub -

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): Your Complete Guide

Curious about electric driving but not ready to go fully electric? Cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and packed with innovative technology, Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles, (otherwise known as MHEVs) provide the ideal balance. Wondering how MHEVs work or why they’re so popular? Explore our guide to get all the answers and how they could be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

What is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) combine a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with a small electric motor, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without the need for external charging. Unlike fully hybrid or plug-in hybrids, MHEVs provide gentle electrical assistance to the engine rather than operating on electricity alone.

MHEVs are often more affordable than full hybrids, making them an excellent choice for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact whilst enjoying the familiarity of a traditional engine.

How Do Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) Work?

While MHEVs and PHEVs share some similarities, the way they function does differ. MHEVs cannot run solely on electric power. Instead, the small electric motor assists the petrol or diesel engine during activities like acceleration, improving efficiency and providing a smoother drive.

MHEVs also use regenerative braking to capture energy that would normally be lost during deceleration. This energy is then stored in a small battery to power the electric motor. This seamless operation enhances fuel economy without requiring plug-in charging.

Benefits of Driving a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

MHEVs strike a perfect balance between efficiency and convenience. Here’s why they’re a popular choice:

Lower Emissions: The combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor reduces overall emissions.
Improved Fuel Economy: Using less fuel means lower running costs over time.
No Charging Required: The small battery recharges through regenerative braking and the engine, eliminating the need for external charging.
Enhanced Performance: The electric motor works alongside the engine to deliver better power and smoother driving.
Seamless Transition: Mild Hybrids operate just like traditional ICE vehicles, requiring no changes in driving habits or modes of refuelling. For this reason, an MHEV serves as the perfect stepping stone into EVs for those who don’t want to change their normal routine.

Smooth Acceleration & Braking
Maintain Steady Speeds
Use Eco Mode
Minimise Accessory Use

How far do you typically travel per day?

Less than 20 miles

20–50 miles

50–100 miles

100+ miles

Where do you drive mostly?

City roads

Motorways

Rural roads

A mix of all three

What is your longest trip?

Less than 50 miles

50–100 miles

100–200 miles

200+ miles

How often do you take trips?

Rarely (once or twice a year)

Occasionally (a few times a year)

Regularly (monthly)

Frequently (weekly or more)

Do you tow regularly?

Yes, often

Occasionally

Never

What type of towing would you do?

A small trailer

A caravan or camper

Other heavy loads

Is this a company car?

Yes

Will it be a business purchase?

Yes

Answer Summary

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Other Types of Electric Vehicles

Along with MHEVs, there are four other types of electric vehicles.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Self-Charging Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Explore our comprehensive guide on the different types of electric vehicles and find the one that’s right for you.

What is the difference between MHEV and PHEV?
Do you need to charge a Mild Hybrid car?
Which is better: Full Hybrid or Mild Hybrid?
Are MHEV engines reliable?
How long does it take to charge an MHEV?

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): Your Complete Guide

What is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

How Do Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) Work?

Benefits of Driving a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

Maximising the Range of Your Mild Hybrid Electric Car

Smooth Acceleration & Braking

Maintain Steady Speeds

Use Eco Mode

Minimise Accessory Use

Find the Perfect Electric Vehicle

Answer Summary

Other Types of Electric Vehicles

Is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) Right for You?

Approved Used Mild Hybrid Cars for sale at Dick Lovett

FAQs

What is the difference between MHEV and PHEV?

Do you need to charge a Mild Hybrid car?

Which is better: Full Hybrid or Mild Hybrid?

Are MHEV engines reliable?

How long does it take to charge an MHEV?

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): Your Complete Guide

What is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

How Do Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) Work?

Benefits of Driving a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

Maximising the Range of Your Mild Hybrid Electric Car

Smooth Acceleration & Braking

Maintain Steady Speeds

Use Eco Mode

Minimise Accessory Use

Find the Perfect Electric Vehicle

Answer Summary

Other Types of Electric Vehicles

Is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) Right for You?

Approved Used Mild Hybrid Cars for sale at Dick Lovett

FAQs

What is the difference between MHEV and PHEV?

Do you need to charge a Mild Hybrid car?

Which is better: Full Hybrid or Mild Hybrid?

Are MHEV engines reliable?

How long does it take to charge an MHEV?

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