What is the difference between a mild hybrid, a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and an extended-range car?

Hybrid cars are all the rage. These eco-labeled vehicles are already the best-selling vehicles on the market in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community, with a particular prevalence in major cities and capitals. Hybrids are, in the eyes of many buyers, a safe and intelligent bet in the transition process between combustion-powered mobility and electric mobility, a middle ground that provides technological and environmental security to buyers. However, among hybrid cars, we can differentiate three types: mild hybrids (MEV), conventional hybrids (HEV), and plug-in hybrids (PHEV), three types of vehicles that fit within the large catch-all of hybrid vehicles and which we will develop individually to facilitate their individuality.

Mild hybrids (MEH)

Light hybrids or microhybrids, also called MEH (mild electric hybrid), they would not be hybrids as such, but rather conventional combustion cars with a 48V electrical system that helps them start moving or free the combustion engine from some functions such as air conditioning and radio, but which cannot operate the car on its own.

Mild hybrid cars with 48V systems are the most economical and simple option available to major manufacturers for electrifying their vehicles, which has led many brands to opt for them. In the case of the Spanish market, these mild hybrids, or MEVs, also enjoy the DGT eco-label, although the electric system does not allow the vehicle to stop using the combustion engine and merely serves as a support element.

In terms of energy efficiency, mild hybrids also don't offer any significant fuel or emissions savings, as several studies suggest they can reduce vehicle consumption and emissions by around 5%, especially when driving with the climate control on, for example.

Conventional hybrids (HEV)

Conventional hybrid vehicles or HEVs (hybrid electric vehicle) are the most popular and well-known hybrids, vehicles that follow the technology pioneered by Toyota with the Prius at the end of the last century, decoupling the combustion engine from the transmission.

The great advantage of these vehicles is the ability to recharge car batteries with the same kinetic motion, eliminating the need for plugs and waiting times. Furthermore, it's a highly reliable and advanced technology, with a high level of sophistication and refinement, used by brands such as Toyota (a pioneer and benchmark in hybrid cars), Kia-Hyundai, and Renault.

It's probably the most suitable option in terms of price, performance, and quality for most drivers who use the vehicle daily, both in urban and interurban driving cycles, thanks to its versatility and adaptability.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEV)

Plug-in hybrid cars or PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) are the only so-called hybrid cars that can run in fully electric mode for at least 50 kilometers.

The ability to run in electric mode, completely eliminating the combustion engine, allows these cars to benefit from the zero-emission label and various government aid and incentives, making them especially useful for intensive urban use. For example, a plug-in hybrid could help us commute to work and make short daily trips without using a single drop of fossil fuels and without generating a single gram of polluting emissions.

But it must be taken into account that plug-in hybrids or plug-in These cars are significantly more expensive and heavier due to the presence of higher-capacity lithium batteries, which penalizes fuel consumption once the battery capacity is depleted and we activate the combustion engine to travel at 120 km/h on highways and motorways. However, it's also true that current plug-in hybrids have an electronic system designed to safeguard the electric battery's charge when it drops to 20% or 15% of capacity, switching to conventional hybrid operation, even diverting part of the combustion engine's power to feed the car's electric batteries. This means that the car always has a residual capacity to move in electric mode, an interesting and intelligent option that allows us to move in zero-emission mode when driving through the center of a town after having traveled many kilometers in conventional hybrid mode on highways, for example.

Range-Extended Vehicles (REEV)

Range-extended vehicles (REEVs) are, in fact, electric cars that have a gas tank and a generator that uses the fuel to generate electrical energy to move the car, but that do not affect the movement of the transmission to the wheels. It is based on the engine, engine, engine only, engine. It is activating an electric power generator when the batteries are discharged. About five years ago, with models like the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Volt, but the improvement in the ranges of electric cars has ended up eclipsing them. Among the major manufacturers, only Nissan continues to develop extended, extended, or prolonged range technology, using technology. e-power that use the most modern models of the brand.

What is the best technology?

All three hybrid system options have advantages and disadvantages, and their adaptability will depend on each customer's budget and actual needs. They largely lose their meaning. Finally, mild hybrids or MEVs are generally more economical vehicles, but their level of electrification is unremarkable because they only support the work of the combustion engine.