Blog
26 Mar 2025

Which hybrid is right for you?

A breakdown of the different hybrid options and which one might be best for you or your business.

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Written by Ben Wileman from Select Car Leasing East Midlands

If you’re not ready to make the leap to a fully electric vehicle yet but still want some of the environmental and financial benefits, a hybrid could be the perfect option for you.

However, with so many different types of hybrids, it can be confusing to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of the different options and which one might be best for you or your business.

 

Full hybrid (HEV)

Full hybrids have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

They're self-charging and never need to be plugged in. The electric motor works in conjunction with the engine — providing extra power with less emissions at high speeds — or on its own in 'electric-only' mode at low speeds.

 

Ideal if you:

  • Want to lower CO2 emissions without worrying about plug-in charging
  • Do a mix of city and highway driving, as they benefit from regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic.

 

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

Similar to a full hybrid, but PHEVs come with a larger battery that can be recharged in the same way as you would an electric car.

With the help of the battery, they can travel over 70 miles on electricity alone - meaning some drivers don’t need fuel at all.

If the battery does run out, it simply switches to hybrid mode and energy is channeled back into the battery via regenerative braking.

 

Ideal if you:

  • Have a shorter commute
  • Want to minimise fuel costs.
  • Can charge at home or work.

 

Mild hybrid (MHEV)

A smaller electric motor and battery support functions like start-stop technology, acceleration, and powering accessories.

Some can now travel short distances using electricity alone, which is handy for parking and slow-moving traffic.

 

Ideal if you:

  • Want better fuel efficiency without the complexities of charging
  • To dip your toes into hybrid technology without having to switch to a full hybrid.

 

Parallel hybrid

These use both the electric motor and engine at the same time to drive the wheels. The electric motor mostly assists the engine during acceleration and low speeds.

Ideal if you:

  • Want better fuel efficiency and power without needing to plug in
  • Have varied driving patterns around the city and highways.

 

Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEV)

Unusually, the electric motor drives the wheels and the engine acts as a generator to charge the battery. That means silent, emission-free driving primarily with the engine kicking in only when you need extra range.

 

Ideal if you:

  • Want reassurance that you won’t run out of battery on longer rives
  • Are a city driver and occasionally need to travel long-distance without stopping to charge.

If you’re looking to lease a hybrid or need more advice on the best model for you, give us a call on 01283 381 444.

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