Hybrid cars cars are the much-needed stepping stone in the transition between internal combustion engines and pure electric propulsion. Self-charging hybrids remove the inconvenience of plug-in hybrids because the engine charges the battery rather than an external source.
Though the batteries of self-charging hybrids tend to be much smaller than in plug-in hybrids, motorists can still get some of the same eco-friendly benefits from a self-charging hybrid van or car, but without the need to plug in.
What is a self-charging hybrid?
As well as a petrol or diesel engine, hybrid cars have a battery and motor that can be deployed to save fuel and run for very short periods of time just on electricity. As you drive, depending on the speed of the vehicle, the car will automatically choose whether it moves using electricity or fuel. At lower speeds, the car will creep around almost silently – great for a quiet exit from the neighbourhood at dawn. Beyond 15mph or, once the battery is spent, the engine kicks in and takes over – theoretically speaking, seamlessly.
As you drive, the system harvests energy from the engine (for example, when you brake or simply lift off the throttle) and feeds it into the battery. Again, theoretically, acceleration is much swifter and practically speaking, the fuel economy of the car increases—in some cases, fairly significantly.
What’s the difference between mild hybrid and self-charging hybrid?
Where plug-in hybrids do some 25-40 pure electric miles, self-charging (or regular hybrids) will only do around a mile or so on pure electric power. Mild hybrids, such as the Suzuki Swift, don’t drive on pure electric power at all. Instead, they use an electric motor to assist with acceleration and cruising.
What are the drawbacks of self-charging vehicles?
The phrase ‘self-charging’ was first coined by Toyota, though it has since been adopted by Lexus, Hyundai, Ford and others, most recently Kia. But it can be a little misleading. Yes, the engine recharges the battery, but in many cases, the battery is so small, the amount of range doesn’t offer quite the same environmental wins as motorists might want.
4 of the best self-charging hybrid cars on the market today
Honda Civic
Read our full Honda Civic review
Our Car of the Year. We awarded it our finest honour for a number of reasons, chief of which is how simple it is. There are only two trim levels to choose from and one engine. It’s a peach too. It’s 2.0 litres in size and comes with the power you’d expect, but the hybrid efficiency means 60mpg is on the cards. The interior is well-made and ergonomic too.
Toyota Yaris
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
One of the most popular hybrids on the market, it’s easy to see the appeal of the Toyota Yaris hybrid. It’s stylish, reasonably priced (and holds its residual value well) and it offers brilliant fuel economy. The 1.5-litre engine is peppy and can run on electric power for a short amount of time, plus you’ll struggle to do less than 70mpg in it.
Kia Sorento
Read our full Kia Sorento review
Proof that SUV hybrids can make a lot of sense. The Sorento is a seven-seater that’s great for families and the impressive seven-year warranty is very attractive when coupled with the versatile cabin space and wallet-friendly running costs. Though performance on faster roads can be a little laboured, owners rave about the roominess for full-sized adults and the technology provision, which connects Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Read our full Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review
Sure, it’s not the most exciting car to look at or to drive (in fact, the Sports badging is a bit of a misnomer), but there’s no escaping the Corolla Touring Sports is among the best hybrid estates around because of its unobtrusive and economical hybrid system and massive boot combination.
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