Do you have to charge a hybrid car?

No, full hybrids (HEVs) recharge automatically through regenerative braking and the petrol engine. However, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) need to be charged using an external electric outlet to maximise electric-only driving.

Are all hybrid cars automatic?

Most hybrid cars are automatic to allow smooth switching between the electric motor and petrol engine. Some may offer manual or semi-automatic gear options, but automatic transmissions are more common.

Can a hybrid car run without petrol?

Plug-in hybrids can run solely on electricity for a limited distance (typically 20–50 miles). Standard hybrids rely on both petrol and electricity and cannot operate solely on electric power for long.

Are hybrid cars good for motorway driving?

Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient in stop-and-go city traffic where they can use the electric motor more often. On motorways, the petrol engine is used more, so fuel savings are less noticeable.

What’s the difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars?

Hybrid cars (HEVs) recharge themselves while driving and don't need to be plugged in. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have larger batteries, can be charged via a plug, and drive longer distances on electric power before switching to petrol.

What types of hybrid cars are there?

There are full hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), mild hybrids (MHEVs), extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). Each uses electric and petrol power differently to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

How does a hybrid car work? The ultimate guide to HEVs

Q: How does a hybrid car work?

A hybrid car uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. The electric motor takes over at low speeds or during coasting to save fuel, and the petrol engine kicks in when more power is needed. Energy is stored in a battery, which is charged through regenerative braking and the petrol engine.

Written by Joe Achillies Updated 28 Nov 2025

Get your no obligation car finance quote

Topics covered

Fuel efficient and eco-friendly, hybrid cars on finance are becoming increasingly popular. You might be thinking about getting one, or already own one and want to know how to keep it in EV mode and save fuel. But how do they work exactly, and what is the difference between them?

In this guide, we’ll explain what hybrid cars are, how they work, and the different types available, so you can make an informed decision or get the most out of your car.

What is a hybrid car (HEV)?

A hybrid car – also known as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – is a vehicle that uses two types of power: a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor. This combination helps the car save fuel and produce fewer emissions. Most hybrid cars don’t need to be plugged in to charge – they recharge their battery automatically as you drive, using energy from the brakes and the engine.

How do hybrid engines work?

Full hybrids use both a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor. When you’re driving slowly or coasting, the electric motor takes over to save fuel, so they can be a great option if you’re trying to save money on petrol. When you need more power, like when speeding up, that’s when the petrol engine kicks in.

A hybrid engine charges while driving using a system called regenerative braking. When you slow down or brake, instead of wasting energy, the car captures some of it and turns it into electricity.

This electricity is stored in the battery, so it can be used later to power the electric motor. This means you can keep the battery charged without needing to plug it in (unless you have a plug-in hybrid).

How to stay in EV mode and save petrol

If you want to stay in EV (electric vehicle) mode for as long as possible in a hybrid car, follow these tips:

Speed up slowly: Slow and steady driving helps the car stay in electric mode. Avoid hard acceleration – press the accelerator pedal lightly to prevent the petrol engine from kicking in.
Stick to lower speeds: Most hybrids can stay in EV mode at low speeds (typically under 30 mph). If you go too fast, the petrol engine will start automatically.
Avoid steep hills: Going uphill requires more power, which may activate the petrol engine. Stick to flatter roads when possible to stay in electric mode longer.
Brake gently: Hybrids are great in traffic because they can stay in EV mode when moving slowly. Instead of pressing the brake pedal hard, ease off the accelerator early and brake gently. This lets the car recover more energy and recharge the battery.
Coast to slow down: When slowing down or approaching a stop, release the accelerator sooner and let the car coast (if safe to do so). This allows the regenerative braking system to kick in.

Types of hybrid cars explained

There are a few different types of hybrid cars available nowadays. Here’s the lowdown on what they all mean.

What is a full hybrid car?

A full hybrid car is a standard hybrid. It can drive using only the electric motor, only the engine, or both together. It automatically chooses the best power source depending on the situation. Full hybrids are great for fuel efficiency, especially in the city, because they can run on electric power at low speeds.

What is a petrol hybrid?

You might have heard the term ‘petrol hybrid’. The petrol engine helps power the car, and the electric motor improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. If you’re looking for a car that’s more eco-friendly than a regular petrol car but still runs mainly on petrol, a petrol hybrid could be a good option.

What is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)?

A plug-in hybrid – also known as a Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – is a hybrid car with the option to charge it, allowing you to drive more on electric power alone. Unlike regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids can be plugged into an electric outlet to recharge. This means they can drive further using just the electric motor before the petrol engine starts.

What is a mild hybrid? (MHEV)

A mild hybrid uses a small electric motor to assist the petrol or diesel engine, but it can’t power the car on its own. The electric motor helps with tasks like boosting power during acceleration and reducing fuel consumption. Mild hybrids are more fuel-efficient than regular petrol cars but don’t offer the electric-only driving mode of full hybrids or plug-in hybrids.

What is an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)?

An Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) is a special type of hybrid car that runs primarily on electricity but has a petrol engine that works as a generator to charge the battery when it gets low. This type of car is similar to a plug-in hybrid but with a focus on electric driving.

What is a hydrogen hybrid? (HFCV)

A hydrogen hybrid – or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) – uses a combination of a hydrogen fuel cell and an electric motor. The fuel cell generates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the air, and this electricity powers the motor. These vehicles produce zero emissions, with only water as a byproduct.

Ultimately, each type of hybrid car has its advantages depending on how much electric driving you want, your driving needs, and how much you want to rely on fuel.

Electric vehicle vs hybrid: what’s the difference?

When you compare an electric vehicle vs hybrid, the main difference is that an electric vehicle (EV) runs entirely on electricity, while a hybrid car uses both an engine and electricity. EVs need to be plugged in to recharge, but hybrids can recharge themselves while you drive.

If you want to avoid refuelling at a petrol station completely, an EV could be the way to go. But, the big consideration for EVs is that you’ll need to have regular access to a charging station, or have one installed at home. For this reason, they might be better for people who drive mostly short to medium distances.

On the flip side, most hybrid cars don’t need a plug. They give you the best of both worlds with less need for charging, but they do require you to pay for fuel. They're ideal for people who want fuel savings and lower emissions but don’t have easy access to charging.

Hybrid or plug-in hybrid: which should you get?

If you’ve decided on a hybrid, another choice is between the two most popular: a full hybrid (HEV) or a plug-in (PHEV). Whether you should opt for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid depends on your driving habits and needs. Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:

Choose a hybrid if:

You don’t have a place to charge the car at home or work.
You do a lot of short city trips with stop-and-go traffic, where regenerative braking helps save fuel.
You want a car that automatically charges itself while driving, without needing to plug in.
You want lower upfront costs compared to a plug-in hybrid.

Choose a plug-in hybrid if:

You can charge the car at home or work and want to drive more on electric power.
You take short daily trips (20–50 miles) and want to drive mostly on electricity to save fuel.
You want better fuel savings compared to a standard hybrid, especially if you charge regularly.
You want to reduce emissions without fully committing to an electric car.

If you want a hassle-free, fuel-efficient car without worrying about charging, some people may choose a standard hybrid. If you can charge regularly and want to drive mostly on electricity for short trips, a plug-in hybrid could save you more money on fuel.

At Car Finance 247, we’ll try to find our best car finance deal on a hybrid car. Get a quote to start your journey today!