What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) combines two power sources: a traditional petrol or diesel combustion engine, and one or more electric motors. The two systems work together - in different ways depending on the type of hybrid - to improve efficiency and reduce emissions compared to a conventional car.
Some hybrids use regenerative braking to recover energy that would otherwise be lost when slowing down, feeding it back into the battery. These are commonly called ‘self-charging’ hybrids, as they don’t need to be plugged in.
At a glance:
Hybrid cars come in four main types: mild hybrids, full (self-charging) hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs).
Each type works differently and suits different driving styles - from the daily commute or the longer runs up the M7!
Hybrids are a popular stepping stone for Irish drivers not yet ready to go fully electric, while still benefiting from lower motor tax, reduced fuel costs, and VRT relief in some cases.
Fully electric vehicles are growing in popularity on Irish roads - but they’re not the only option for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact and fuel costs. Hybrid cars offer a flexible, practical middle ground, and here at Fitzpatricks we’re seeing strong interest in every type.
With four distinct types of hybrid available, it can be tricky to know which is right for you. This guide breaks them all down so you can make an informed choice.
The 4 Types of Hybrid Cars
Full hybrids, also known as self-charging hybrids (FHEVs)
Mild hybrids (MHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)
Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs)
1. Full Hybrid (Self-Charging) Cars
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEVs) - often marketed as ‘self-charging hybrids’ - are among the most versatile. They can run on the petrol engine alone, on electric power alone, or on both simultaneously, with the system switching automatically to suit conditions.
Because they use regenerative braking to recharge the battery as you drive, there’s no need to plug in. This makes them a very natural, hassle-free transition for drivers used to conventional cars.
The electric-only mode typically kicks in at lower speeds - ideal for town driving, while the petrol engine takes over on faster roads and motorways. The switch happens seamlessly and automatically.
Available models of fully hybrid vehicles include the Hyundai Kona & Hyundai Tucson, both available in our Showrooms in Kildare town, Naas & Tullamore.
Is it right for you?
Full hybrids are perfect if you want to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without changing your driving habits at all.
2. Mild Hybrid Cars (MHEVs)
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) are the most subtle form of hybrid. Unlike full hybrids, the electric motor in a mild hybrid can never drive the wheels independently - it always works alongside the combustion engine to reduce the load on it and improve efficiency.
Think of it as a helpful assist rather than a dual powertrain. The system recovers energy through regenerative braking and uses it to reduce fuel consumption, particularly in stop-start situations.
Many mild hybrids also come with enhanced stop-start technology, switching the engine off more aggressively in traffic and restarting it more smoothly. The result is better fuel economy than a comparable pure petrol or diesel car, with no change in how you drive.
The Opel Grandland, which is available in our Opel Naas showroom, is an example of an MHEV vehicle
Is it right for you?
Mild hybrids are the ideal entry point into hybrid motoring. If you’re not ready to change how you refuel or charge your car but want better economy and lower emissions, an MHEV is a straightforward upgrade.
3. Plug-In Hybrid Cars (PHEVs)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) take the hybrid concept a step further. They feature a significantly larger battery than self-charging or mild hybrids, giving them a meaningful all-electric driving range - typically between 30 and 80km depending on the model.
As the name suggests, PHEVs need to be plugged in to recharge. You can do this at home using a standard socket or a wallbox charger, or at any of the public charge points across Kildare and Ireland operated by ESB ecars and other providers.
The real benefit of a PHEV is flexibility. If your daily driving is mostly local, you may find you rarely need to use the petrol engine at all. For longer trips, the engine seamlessly takes over, giving you the peace of mind of a traditional fuel tank.
Available models of a PHEV include the Hyundai Kona & Hyundai Tucson, both available in our Showrooms in Kildare town, Naas & Tullamore.
Irish tax incentives for PHEVs:
Reduced VRT: PHEVs qualify for VRT relief in Ireland, making them more affordable to purchase than the list price might suggest.
Lower BIK rates: PHEVs attract significantly reduced Benefit-in-Kind rates compared to petrol or diesel company cars - a major saving for business users.
Low motor tax: Lower CO₂ emissions mean lower annual motor tax.
SEAI home charger grant: Claim up to €300 towards a home wallbox installation through SEAI.
Is it right for you?
PHEVs are ideal for drivers who do a lot of shorter local journeys but also need the flexibility of a longer range for occasional trips. They offer the biggest day-to-day running cost savings of any hybrid if charged regularly.
4. Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs)
Range-extended electric vehicles are a newer and less common category. Like a full EV, the wheels are driven entirely by an electric motor and battery. The difference is that REEVs also carry a small petrol engine - but it never directly powers the wheels. Its only job is to generate electricity to recharge the battery when it runs low, extending the car’s range.
This means REEVs drive like electric cars - smooth, quiet, with instant torque - but without the range anxiety of a pure EV. The petrol engine acts as a safety net, silently generating power in the background on longer journeys.
REEVs are still relatively niche in the Irish market, but they represent an interesting option for drivers who want an EV driving experience with added reassurance for longer trips across Ireland. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Class is a REEV Hybrid Vehicle which is available at our Mercedes-Benz Showroom in Kildare Town.
