Hybrid, Full EV or Other?
When buying a new—or new-to-you—car today, the choice of power unit can feel overwhelming, with a growing mix of acronyms and technologies. Here’s a breakdown of the main options.
Petrol and Diesel
The most familiar engines are still petrol and diesel.
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- Petrol cars are straightforward to service and widely accepted in cities. They are less fuel-efficient than diesels but currently face fewer restrictions than diesels in urban areas.
- Diesel cars offer better fuel economy but are subject to low-emission zone restrictions in cities such as London. Only the newest models are exempt from daily charges.
Both options come with manual or automatic gearboxes, but as governments plan to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicle sales within the next decade, manufacturers are focusing more on hybrids and EVs. Worth noting that some hybrids carry higher servicing costs compared with pure EVs.
Hybrid (HEV)
Hybrids, or ‘self-charging hybrids’, combine a traditional fossil fuel engine with a small battery and electric motor. The battery recharges through regenerative braking or from the engine during cruising. The electric motor mainly assists during acceleration, but has limited ability to run in electric-only mode.
Hybrids improve fuel efficiency—petrol hybrids often match diesel economy—and servicing costs are similar to petrol cars.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
PHEVs use larger batteries that can be recharged from the mains electricity supply. They allow for short electric-only trips (typically up to 50 km), after which they run like standard petrol or diesel vehicles.
The purchase price is higher than hybrids or petrol/diesel cars due to the additional technology, but servicing costs remain similar to equivalent petrol or diesel models.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
BEVs are fully electric, with no combustion engine. This eliminates fuel stops and reduces servicing, since there are fewer moving parts—only essentials like tyres, brakes, coolant, and wipers remain. With zero emissions, they are also far better for the environment.
BEVs use large battery packs powering one or more electric motors. Charging can be done at home or at public points and ranges continue to improve with new battery technology. Though the upfront cost is higher, lifetime running costs are significantly lower, particularly in countries like France where charging is much cheaper than in the UK.
Other Options
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- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are technically EVs that generate power from hydrogen to charge a battery. However, high refuelling costs and a lack of filling stations make them less than practical. Many see them as the “Betamax” of the car world—innovative but unlikely to dominate.
- Range Extender EVs (REX) use a small petrol engine solely to recharge the battery while driving. The petrol engine never powers the wheels directly, which makes running the vehicle efficient but limited. The range is still restricted, especially when extra energy is needed for heating or lighting in winter.
Conclusion
The landscape of car powertrains is evolving rapidly. Petrol and diesel remain familiar but face phase-outs and increasing restrictions. Hybrids offer a good middle ground while plug-in hybrids add more electric-only flexibility (at a higher cost). Pure EVs deliver the best long-term savings and environmental benefits, although their higher purchase price can be a hurdle. Hydrogen and range-extender options exist but are unlikely to become mainstream.
For most buyers, the decision comes down to balancing upfront cost, driving habits and requirements, and long-term running expenses in a world moving steadily toward electric mobility.