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 benefits of self-charging vehicles?
Self-charging hybrids offer an easy and convenient way to experience electrified driving without the need to plug in. Unlike plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars, they recharge their battery automatically using energy from braking and the petrol engine, making them a hassle-free choice for drivers who want improved efficiency without changing their routine.
They also produce lower CO₂ emissions than equivalent petrol cars, making them a more attractive option for company car drivers. Plus, they tend to use less fuel than a petrol equivalent, though a diesel model may still be more efficient on long journeys. And while the inability to plug in might seem like a drawback, it also means self-charging hybrids avoid the extra weight of larger batteries found in plug-in hybrids, helping maintain efficiency without the need for frequent charging.
What are the drawbacks of self-charging vehicles?
The term ‘self-charging’ was first introduced by Toyota and has since been adopted by brands like Lexus, Hyundai, Ford, and Kia. While it suggests a car that charges itself without external input, the reality is slightly different. These hybrids use a petrol engine to recharge a small battery, which provides limited electric-only driving.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the restricted electric range. Unlike plug-in hybrids, which can cover significant distances on battery power alone, self-charging hybrids rely on their petrol engine for most of their driving. This means they don’t offer the same fuel savings or emissions reductions as plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars.
While they can be more efficient than traditional petrol or diesel cars, they still require fuel and don’t eliminate running costs in the way EVs do. Additionally, they tend to be more expensive to buy than their petrol equivalents, meaning the savings at the pump may take a while to offset the higher upfront price.
Should I buy a self-charging hybrid?
If you’re looking to dip your toe into electric driving without the need to plug in, a self-charging hybrid could be a great option. It offers improved fuel efficiency over a standard petrol or diesel car, particularly in urban driving, and reduces emissions without the range anxiety of a fully electric vehicle.
However, if you frequently drive longer distances or have access to home charging, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a full EV might offer better savings and environmental benefits in the long run.
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