Hybrid & Plug-in hybrid - How do they work and which one is the best?

💡 What is a hybrid?

A hybrid combines two different drives - usually an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In theory, a hybrid should thus combine the advantages of a car with an internal combustion engine and an electric car:

• Low operating costs.
• Quick response when accelerating.
• Silent driving when driving on electricity only.
• Long range when driving with an internal combustion engine.

However, the combination of two different drives also brings some disadvantages:

• The complexity of the powertrain.
• Higher weight compared to cars with only an internal combustion engine.
• Higher fuel consumption with an empty battery.
• Necessity to recharge the vehicle (in case of plug-in hybrids).

⚙️ How hybrid works?

Hybrids can be divided into several categories according to the principle of operation of their drivetrain:

Hybrid (HEV)

A classic hybrid is equipped with an internal combustion engine (usually gasoline), which is complemented by a mostly less powerful electric motor. The battery of the electric motor can only be recharged by driving, it cannot be charged externally. The vehicle combines both drives according to driving style and battery charge status, while it is also capable of only electric driving, albeit for very short distances.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

Compared to the classic hybrid, the plug-in hybrid is equipped with a larger battery that can be charged externally. The power of the electric motor and the capacity of the battery enable electric driving for longer distances (mostly tens of kilometers).

Mild hybrid (MHEV)

A mild hybrid is not capable of driving on electricity alone. The car is only equipped with a very small battery and a weak electric motor, which helps the internal combustion engine when accelerating or moving off. Mild hybrid is easy to use, but can reduce fuel consumption by several percent.

Which type of hybrid is the best?

Budget is crucial when choosing a hybrid. Today, a large number of new vehicles are already equipped with mild hybrid technology as standard equipment. On the contrary, you will have to pay a large extra fee when purchasing a plug-in hybrid due to the large battery and complex drivetrain. Classic hybrids are then slightly cheaper.

Operating costs

The plug-in hybrid can save the most fuel, which can cover several dozen kilometers with pure electric driving. However, its charging is essential. If you have the option of charging at home or at work and you drive shorter distances, a plug-in may be a good solution for you.

Classic and mild hybrids are more suitable for drivers who drive long distances and do not have the option of charging regularly.

Reliability

In general, hybrid systems are very reliable. However, used hybrids may have reduced battery capacity due to their high mileage. This can be a problem with plug-in hybrids with large batteries that are quite expensive to replace. On the contrary, the prices of batteries for classic and mild hybrids are not high due to their smaller capacity.

Best hybrids in 2024 - TOP 3

1. Toyota Corolla Hybrid (HEV)

Toyota car company is a pioneer of hybrids in the world, but it presented its first hybrid model, the Prius, back in 1997. The Corolla Hybrid combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, power is transmitted to the wheels using a CVT automatic gearbox. The entire hybrid system is easy to maintain and operate, you do not need to charge the car (it is not a plug-in hybrid), but it still manages to drive with a consumption of 4.5 to 4.7 liters of gasoline per 100 km. In addition, Toyotas traditionally hold their value very well.

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (HEV)

Toyota RAV4 is gaining a lot of popularity and it's no wonder. This robust SUV is very reliable, safe and, in the case of the hybrid variant, a pleasantly economical family car. Like the aforementioned Corolla, this is a classic hybrid, so you don't have to worry about charging the battery. Even so, it can drive with a consumption of up to 7 liters of gasoline per 100 km.

3. Suzuki Vitara Hybrid (MHEV)

Suzuki Vitara is a very successful SUV in its own right, which you can also have with a mild hybrid drive combining a four-cylinder turbo engine and a small electric motor. The result is a pleasantly nimble car that, even with all-wheel drive, manages to drive with a consumption of around 6 liters of petrol per 100 kilometres. In addition, the low purchase price will also please you.

🔍 What to check when buying a used hybrid?

1. Check the history of the vehicle - this will reveal whether the car has had a history of serious accidents, whether it is stolen, what country it comes from and a lot of other important information. You can check the history of the car throughout Europe online from the comfort of your home at Cebia.com.

2. Check the technical condition - arrange an inspection with the seller, preferably at an authorized service center, where they will check the technical condition of the entire car, including the condition of the hybrid battery.

Buying a used car? ✅ Check its history!

Choosing the right used car can be a challenge. Many of them may have minor or major damage, some have a rolled odometer, and some may even be reported stolen.

That's why it's important to always check the history of the car you're about to buy. Fortunately, this can be easily done online at Cebia.com, the largest database of used vehicle records in Europe. On Cebia.com, you can check the following information (the scope of information varies for each vehicle):

• Odometer Check (Mileage History)
• Damage Check
• Theft Check
• Taxi Check
• Advertisement Photos and Records
• Service History
• Records from State Databases
• and much more

Check vehicle history:

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