What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
Published:
09.07.2025
Updated:
25.08.2026
In today's automotive world, electrification is advancing rapidly, and there are several alternatives to the traditional combustion engine. The most common ones are self-charging hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and mild hybrids (MHEVs). Although all three harness the power of electricity, there are significant technical differences between them that directly affect fuel consumption, driving experience, and vehicle tax. In this article, we'll walk through how each powertrain type works so you can find the option that best fits your everyday life.
Key takeaways from this article
- A full hybrid's (HEV) battery charges itself through regenerative braking and cannot be plugged in to charge
- A plug-in hybrid's (PHEV) battery is typically 10–26 kWh, and the latest models can travel up to 60–100 km on electricity alone
- A mild hybrid's (MHEV) electric motor only assists during startup and acceleration — driving on electricity alone is not possible
- A gasoline-powered non-plug-in hybrid generally only incurs a base vehicle tax. A diesel hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are also subject to a power source tax.
What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car combines the power of a combustion engine and an electric motor. Thanks to this smart combination, the car can use the electric motor at low speeds and the combustion engine at higher speeds. Hybrids are especially popular for city driving, where low speeds and frequent stops are common. Using the electric motor in these situations significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
A hybrid is an excellent choice if you want to reduce your environmental impact and fuel costs but aren't ready to make the full switch to an electric vehicle. It also offers a smooth driving experience, as the electric motor makes acceleration quiet and seamless. Hybrid cars come in a few different configurations — full hybrid, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid — and it's worth understanding the differences before making your choice.
Full Hybrid (HEV)
The full hybrid is the standard type of hybrid, made famous by the Toyota Prius in the early 2000s. It can travel short distances on electric power alone, and the car decides on its own when to use electricity and when to bring the combustion engine in to assist. In some full hybrids, the driver can select an EV mode, which allows for short electric-only driving when the battery charge level and driving conditions permit. The battery charges primarily through regenerative braking and, when needed, through the combustion engine — there is no external charging option on a full hybrid. A gasoline-powered full hybrid generally only incurs the base vehicle tax. A diesel-powered hybrid is also subject to a power source tax.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
A plug-in hybrid is a car that combines a combustion engine and an electric motor, but with a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source. This allows for a longer driving range on electricity alone, which is especially useful for city driving.
The plug-in hybrid — often referred to simply as a "PHEV" — stands out for its versatility and added convenience. It can function as a fully electric vehicle for short everyday trips, while still offering the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys. This makes the plug-in hybrid a great option if you want to reduce fuel consumption without having to worry about charging as much as a fully electric vehicle owner would.
Mild Hybrid (MHEV)
A large share of new, non-plug-in vehicles today are mild hybrids, also known as MHEV models or 48-volt hybrids. In a mild hybrid, a small electric motor is located between the combustion engine and the transmission, primarily assisting with startup and acceleration — driving on electricity alone is not possible. The motor draws power from a small battery, which in turn charges during braking. The driving feel is largely similar to a conventional combustion engine vehicle, but fuel consumption is slightly lower.
Popular hybrids and plug-in hybrids
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid: A highly fuel-efficient traditional self-charging hybrid, known for its reliability and ease of use in everyday life.
- Toyota Yaris Hybrid: A nimble and compact city car that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency with Toyota's proven hybrid powertrain.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: A highly popular all-wheel-drive SUV that combines a spacious interior with reliable self-charging hybrid technology.
- Volvo XC60 T8 and T6 Plug-in Hybrid: A luxurious and powerful all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid, with the distinctive feature of placing the electric motor on the rear axle.
- Audi A6 TFSIe: A premium-class plug-in hybrid where the gasoline and electric motors deliver torque-rich performance and a long electric range.
- BMW 330e: A sporty and dynamic plug-in hybrid that combines the brand's renowned driving dynamics with electric efficiency.
- Skoda Superb iV: A spacious and practical plug-in hybrid offering excellent interior room for the family along with low fuel consumption.
- Volkswagen Golf GTE: A sporty hatchback plug-in hybrid that brings GTI-level performance to electrified driving.
Vehicle tax — what's the difference between hybrids?
The structure of the vehicle tax varies depending on the powertrain type. A gasoline-powered hybrid and a mild hybrid are generally subject only to the base tax. A diesel-powered hybrid or mild hybrid is also subject to a power source tax. A plug-in hybrid is subject to both the base tax and a power source tax. This applies even if the car is never actually charged. In practice, the total tax on a plug-in hybrid is often still quite modest, as low CO₂ emissions also keep the base tax low.
The exact tax amount depends on factors such as the car's CO₂ emissions value, the type of fuel, and — for the power source tax — the vehicle's maximum permissible gross weight in road traffic. You can check the current tax amount using Traficom's vehicle tax calculator.
Comparison table — hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid side by side
The differences between the three most common powertrain types are easiest to understand when viewed side by side:
Feature | Hybrid (HEV) | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Mild Hybrid (MHEV) |
Electric-only driving | Yes, for short distances | Yes, typically 30–60 km, up to around 100 km at best | No, but the electric motor assists with startup and acceleration and reduces fuel consumption |
Battery charging | No external charging | Charged via plug | No external charging |
Battery size | Small | Typically 10–26 kWh | Very small |
Vehicle tax | Gasoline models generally only base tax; diesel models also subject to power source tax | Base tax + power source tax | Gasoline models generally only base tax; diesel models also subject to power source tax |
Which is better for you: a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid?
The choice between a mild or full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid largely depends on your own driving habits and needs. If you mainly take short trips and have the ability to charge your car regularly, a plug-in hybrid may be the better choice. It offers the ability to drive long distances on electricity alone, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. If, on the other hand, you drive longer distances or don't have the opportunity to charge your car frequently, a mild or full hybrid may be the more practical option. They offer lower fuel costs and reduced emissions without the need to worry about charging.
This article takes a closer look at which option suits your needs better: a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Our knowledgeable sales team at Saka is here to help you find the car that's just right for your needs. Our extensive selection includes both hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Check out our wide hybrid selection!
Popular hybrids and plug-in hybrids
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid: A highly fuel-efficient traditional self-charging hybrid, known for its reliability and ease of use in everyday life.
- Toyota Yaris Hybrid: A nimble and compact city car that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency with Toyota's proven hybrid powertrain.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: A highly popular all-wheel-drive SUV that combines a spacious interior with reliable self-charging hybrid technology.
- Volvo XC60 T8 and T6 Plug-in Hybrid: A luxurious and powerful all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid, with the distinctive feature of placing the electric motor on the rear axle.
- Audi A6 TFSIe: A premium-class plug-in hybrid where the gasoline and electric motors deliver torque-rich performance and a long electric range.
- BMW 330e: A sporty and dynamic plug-in hybrid that combines the brand's renowned driving dynamics with electric efficiency.
- Skoda Superb iV: A spacious and practical plug-in hybrid offering excellent interior room for the family along with low fuel consumption.
- Volkswagen Golf GTE: A sporty hatchback plug-in hybrid that brings GTI-level performance to electrified driving.
Our knowledgeable sales team at Saka is here to help you find the car that's just right for your needs. Our extensive selection includes both hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Check out our inventory!
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