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What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid vehicle gets its power from two sources – an electric battery and an internal combustion engine. These can either work together, or on their own, delivering smooth power and exhilarating performance.

Honda hybrids use our self-charging hybrid technology. The electric battery is charged during normal usage, either using power from the petrol engine or by harnessing energy from regenerative braking, so you don't have to plug it in or plan ahead.

Honda Hybrid technology explained

All our hybrids are powered by Honda's acclaimed e:HEV full hybrid powertrain, designed to increase fuel efficiency without compromising performance.

It's made up of high-tech electric motors, a compact and high-capacity battery, and a fuel-efficient petrol engine.

Electric drive

Electric drive delivers instantaneous acceleration from a stationary position by using the energy stored in the battery to power the electric motors.

Hybrid drive

Hybrid drive uses electric motors together with the petrol engine during everyday driving conditions to provide optimum performance and exciting acceleration.

Engine drive

Engine drive uses petrol to maintain higher speeds on motorways and charges the battery at the same time.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking uses the energy generated by the electric motor when braking to recharge the battery.

Living with a Honda hybrid

Elite performance

Our unique Honda e:HEV powertrain system has proven itself more efficient than competitors’ both mild hybrid and plug-in systems.

In testing across a variety of road types and traffic levels, the e:HEV powertrain matched the best performance elements of other hybrid systems, while offering higher levels of real-world efficiency.*

*Honda Motor Europe Internal Real-World Testing

Advanced powertrain

The Honda e:HEV full hybrid powertrain can outperform mild hybrid competitors on public roads. The advanced powertrain, despite being heavier than many in-class rivals, offers improved efficiency over mild hybrids.

Under test conditions, our full hybrid car delivers greatly improved fuel efficiency compared to a lighter mild hybrid powered by a 48V mild hybrid system.*

*Honda Motor Europe Internal Real-World Testing

Low emissions

The Honda e:HEV powertrain offers three drive modes, which interchange seamlessly, matching road and driving conditions to ensure optimal performance.

Our intelligent Electronic Control Unit will cycle between Electric Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive mode to find the optimal fuel-efficiency.

In urban settings (driving up to 40 km/h)  the e:HEV system will spend up to 91% of time in Electric Drive mode with zero emissions.*

*Honda Motor Europe Internal Real-World Testing

Self charging e:HEV

Honda’s e:HEV powertrain offers efficiency levels comparable to other hybrid powertrains, without the need to be fully charged. 

While plug-in hybrids’ batteries need to be kept charged to maximise efficiency, Honda’s self-charging e:HEV system can achieve optimal efficiency at all times.

The different types of hybrid car

Hybrid systems vary by manufacturer. This is a general guide to the three main types of hybrid and how they function.

Mild hybrid (MHEV) Self-charging

The engine always powers the car, assisted by a powerful electric battery, e.g. when accelerating. This boost from the battery reduces the engine's workload.

Energy otherwise lost when braking is used to recharge the battery.

Mild hybrids are the simplest type of hybrid, so their fuel economy and exhaust emissions are inferior in most situations.

Full hybrid (FHEV) Self-charging

Full hybrids run on electric power over short distances — the battery takes over from the combustion engine. This lowers fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

The electric motor sources energy from either the battery or the engine. As with a mild hybrid, full hybrids self-charge by harnessing energy otherwise lost while braking or driving.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Plug-in and self-charging

Plug-ins take full hybrid technology a stage further – they self-charge but can also be recharged from an external electricity supply.

Their larger batteries mean PHEVs have a longer all-electric range than a full hybrid. But they also cost more to buy.

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