A hybrid car is a car that uses more than one source of power. It uses a combination of both electric power and conventional fuels, ultimately resulting in high fuel economy and low emissions, compared to its standard diesel and petrol counterparts.
In the past decade, the UK auto market has seen a huge surge of hybrid vehicle sales—despite being among the full electric variants and models.
Go deeper with GlobalData
It is estimated that nearly 162,000 hybrid vehicles are currently registered in the UK, with the most popular ones being the Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles or the PHEVs.
What are the different types of hybrid cars?
Traditional hybrid car:
This system uses two sources of power—the engines and the electric motor—that can either be used to drive the vehicle together or in isolation.
Mild hybrid car:
This type of system differs slightly from the traditional hybrid model. The electric motor on this car can only be used to help assist the combustion engine—not power the car on its own.
Plug-in hybrid car:
The electric-only range on plug-in hybrid cars are much larger compared to traditional hybrids. In order to recharge the batteries on this vehicle, you need to plug-in a PHEV car—similarly to how you would an electric car.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataRange-extenders:
The engine on range-extenders don’t power the car. Instead, these hybrids have a small petrol engine that recharges the batteries.
5 best hybrid cars of 2019
Kia Nero Hybrid
Priced: From £21,635
The Kia Nero Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor, and lithium-ion battery. It even features a dual-clutch gearbox.
This vehicle is quoted to have 74mpg efficiency, with CO2 emissions of 86g/km.
Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4
Priced: From £31,575
One of the Mini’s main appeals is that it aims to be broader that the other affordable plug-in hybrids on the market.
The Mini claims to have a three-figure fuel efficiency, 4×4 capability, and sub-7.0sec-to-62mph performance zest.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Priced: From £21,056
This plug-in hybrid vehicle is the third and final variant of the Hyundai Ioniq.
The vehicle specifications claim to have 247mpg fuel economy and with CO2 levels of just 26g/km, allowing you to forgo paying the congestion charge in central London.
Toyota Prius
Priced: From £23,449
The Toyota Prius is known as the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid.
This car influenced the world both culturally and politically, advocating environmental awareness to reducing dependency on foreign oil.
In 1997, the first generation of the Prius was launched in Japan—since then, the hybrid and alternative-fuel market skyrocketed.
BMW i8
Priced: From £114,200
The BMW i8 is driven by a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, all-wheel drive powertrain.
The battery on this vehicle holds 70% more juice than before, as well as more main motor traction too. This vehicle should also now have 20-25 miles of electric range, with CO2 levels as low as 42g/kg.
