Mild Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid Or Fully Electric - Which One Is Right For You?

Choosing your next car isn’t as simple as it used to be. With a growing variety of powertrains, from mild hybrids to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, it can be tricky to understand the differences and decide which option best suits your needs.

At HSF Group, we know that every driver’s needs are different. Some are focused on improving fuel economy, others want to reduce their environmental impact and some are interested in exploring smarter, more innovative ways to drive. Our guide will help you understand the differences between each powertrain so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and priorities.​

The differences between the powertrains

​In this section, we break down three types of powertrains - Mild Hybrids (MHEVs), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), and Electric Vehicles (EVs). You’ll learn what each one is, how it works, who it’s best suited for, and the pros and cons compared to the other options. 

Mild Hybrid Vehicles (MHEV)​​

Mild Hybrid Vehicles combine a regular petrol engine with a small electric motor and battery to make driving more efficient and reduce emissions. The electric system helps the engine during acceleration, captures energy when braking, and supports features like stop-start technology.

Unlike plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars, a mild hybrid cannot drive on electric power alone and does not need to be plugged in to charge. Instead, the system works automatically in the background to make everyday driving smoother and more economical. Popular examples include the Volvo XC40 and V60 Mild Hybrid, which deliver practical performance alongside impressive fuel economy for town and motorway driving.

Best for

• Drivers who want better fuel efficiency without changing their driving habits.
• Those who don’t have access to home charging.

Pros

No charging required

Mild hybrid vehicles work just like a conventional petrol or diesel car. There’s no need to plug in or plan charging, making them an easy, convenient option for everyday driving.

Lower upfront costs

Mild hybrids are typically more affordable than plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, making them a cost-effective way to benefit from electrified technology.

Lightweight and familiar driving experience

With smaller batteries than plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles, mild hybrids remain lightweight and maintain balanced handling. This means they feel very similar to traditional vehicles, offering a familiar driving experience.

Cons

No Electric-Only Driving

Mild hybrids cannot run solely on electric power, meaning short journeys will always rely on the petrol or diesel engine.

Higher Emissions than Plug-in hybrids and Electric Vehicles

While emissions are reduced compared to standard petrol or diesel cars, they are higher than those of plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles due to the engine being the primary source of power.

Smaller fuel savings compared to other electrified options

Mild hybrids can help save fuel compared to standard petrol or diesel cars, especially in stop-start traffic, but overall savings are usually lower than those offered by plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV)

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles combine a conventional petrol engine with a powerful electric motor and a larger battery that can be charged externally. This allows the vehicle to drive on electric power alone for shorter journeys, before switching to petrol for longer trips.

By plugging in at home or using public charging points, drivers can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, particularly for daily commutes. Volvo Plug-in Hybrid models, such as the XC60 and XC90, offer strong performance, impressive electric range, and the flexibility to handle both short urban journeys and long-distance travel with ease.

Best for

• Drivers who regularly make short journeys and can charge at home or work.
• Families seeking the benefits of electrification without going fully electric.

Pros

Lower running costs for short journeys

Plug-in hybrids can complete many everyday journeys using electric power alone, significantly reducing fuel consumption compared to a mild hybrid. 

Strong and smooth performance

The combination of an electric motor and petrol engine delivers smooth, instant acceleration and responsive performance. Electric power provides immediate torque at lower speeds, while the petrol engine supports higher-speed and longer-distance driving, resulting in a balanced and comfortable drive. 

Offers the best of both worlds

Plug-in hybrids offer a practical compromise between electric and petrol vehicles, allowing drivers to enjoy many of the benefits of electrification without committing fully to a fully electric car.

Cons

Requires regular charging to maximise benefits

To get the most out of a plug-in hybrid, drivers need access to home or workplace charging. If the battery runs down to 0%, the vehicle will rely solely on the petrol engine, which reduces the fuel savings and emissions benefits.

Higher Upfront Cost 

Plug-in hybrids are generally more expensive upfront than mild hybrids and some electric vehicles because they combine a petrol engine with a larger electric motor and battery. This dual system adds extra components and complexity, which increases the initial cost. 

Limited incentives compared to Electric Vehicles

While some plug-in hybrids may qualify for government grants or tax benefits, fully electric vehicles often receive larger incentives and greater support, making them a more appealing choice for drivers looking to benefit from available government schemes.​

Electric Vehicles (EVs)​​

Fully electric vehicles run solely on electricity, powered by a large battery that can be charged at home, at work or at public charging points. Unlike Mild Hybrids or Plug-in Hybrids, Electric Vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a smooth, quiet, and responsive driving experience. Models such as the Volvo EX30 and EX90 showcase the latest in electric performance and design, making them ideal for drivers who are ready to embrace the future of motoring and make the full transition away from petrol or diesel vehicles.

Best for

• Those ready to move away from petrol or diesel vehicles entirely.
• Commuters with access to home or workplace charging.

Pros

Save money on fuel 

With rising fuel prices, petrol and diesel cars can be expensive to run. Electric Vehicles don’t require fuel, which can help reduce day-to-day driving costs. While charging does still cost money, it is often considerably cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel. You can explore the potential savings and financial benefits of buying a fully electric car using our fuel savings calculator.

Lower running complexity

With fewer moving parts than hybrid vehicles, Electric Vehicles are generally simpler to maintain than Mild Hybrids or Plug-in Hybrids. There’s no need for oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, or complex dual powertrain servicing.

Generous incentives

Electric Vehicles often benefit from government support and incentives to make the switch more affordable. For example, a £1,500 government grant is available towards the purchase of a new Volvo EX30, helping to reduce the upfront cost. Additionally, Volvo is offering a complimentary Ohme Home Charger with standard installation on the majority of its Electric and Plug-in Hybrid models, making the switch more convenient from day one. 

Zero tailpipe emissions

Electric Vehicles produce no exhaust emissions, making them the cleanest option compared with Mild Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids. This is beneficial for city driving and for reducing your environmental footprint.

Cons

Range limitations

The range of an electric car is an important consideration and can vary depending on several factors. The number of miles an electric car can travel on a single charge depends on battery size, weather conditions, battery age, and driving habits. As a result, the ranges are generally lower than those of mild and plug-in hybrids meaning longer journeys may require more planning around charging points, whereas Mild and plug-in hybrids can continue running on petrol when needed.

To help you compare the range, performance, and charging times across the Volvo electric range, you can explore our Electrification page, which breaks everything down in one place.

Longer refuelling times

Charging an Electric vehicle takes longer than refuelling a conventional fuel car. While most fast chargers can charge a vehicle from 0–80% in just 20 minutes, it is still less convenient than filling up at a petrol station. The upside is that you can charge an Electric Vehicle at home or at work, making it easy to start each day with a full battery.

Battery repairs or replacements can be costly

The battery is one of the most important and expensive components of an electric vehicle. While battery issues are uncommon, repairs or replacement can be expensive if needed. For new Volvo models, the high-voltage battery is covered from the date the car is first delivered for eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). In these cases, the battery will be repaired or replaced free of charge by an authorised Volvo retailer.

If you’re buying a used Electric Vehicle, it’s recommended to check a battery health report — you can learn more in our Used EV Buying Guide.​

Key differences at a glance

Mild Hybrids

Mild hybrids offer a simple step towards electrification. They improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without changing your driving habits or needing to plug in. While they can’t run on electric power alone, they’re more affordable, lightweight, and feel very similar to a conventional petrol or diesel car, making them an easy introduction to electrification.

Plug-in Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids blend petrol and electric power, allowing many short journeys to be completed on electricity while retaining petrol for longer trips. This makes them versatile and fuel-efficient for commuters and families.They come at a higher upfront cost and rely on regular charging to maximise their benefits, but they provide a practical bridge between conventional and fully electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicles

Fully electric cars run entirely on electricity, producing no tailpipe emissions and offering smooth, quiet, and responsive driving. They can deliver significant fuel savings and qualify for government incentives, making them increasingly attractive. However, they require access to charging, careful planning for longer trips, and battery maintenance can be a consideration, particularly for used vehicles.

We’re here to help you choose your next car

Choosing the right car doesn’t have to be complicated. At HSF Group, our team of experts in hybrid and electric vehicles are here to guide you every step of the way. Book an appointment at your nearest retailer and experience the benefits of electrified driving for yourself.