With companies like Tesla becoming popular, car owners who look into EVs can become overwhelmed. One common confusion is this: what’s the difference between a PHEV and an MHEV?
The main difference between PHEVs and MHEVs is that the former can be driven solely with electricity while the latter cannot. Another major difference is that PHEVs must be plugged in due to the larger battery, whereas MHEVs will charge their batteries using the car’s generator.
This article will cover what PHEVs and MHEVs are, their capabilities, the major differences between the two, and other EV types.
What Is a PHEV?
Plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) are as close to a full EV as you can get without ditching gasoline altogether. As the name implies, PHEVs need to be plugged in because their batteries are large enough that they can’t replenish themselves via the car’s built-in alternator.
PHEVs can drive a certain number of miles (12-50 miles or 20-80 km) solely on electric power. After that point, the combustion engine will kick in, and the electric system will become complementary.
The primary allure of PHEVs is that most people can commute to work and home without needing to use any fuel but keep gas in reserve for longer trips. At this point, the car becomes more like a true hybrid. As such, there’s no ‘range anxiety’ that many full EV owners suffer.
If you can’t charge your PHEV for an extended period of time, such as a road trip or vacation, that’s no problem. You can simply fuel up and use it like a regular hybrid car.
PHEVs enjoy tremendous flexibility, letting drivers decide whether they want to commute with an EV or drive cross-country with a hybrid.
Examples of a PHEV:
- Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- BMW 530e
If you would like to find out What the difference is between BEV and FCEV you can have a look at this detailed article that I wrote. Very interesting read!
What Is an MHEV?
Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a type of vehicle that uses a specialized electric motor to help a traditional combustion engine run. They can’t typically run on electric power and largely use electricity to supplement the combustion engine.
If this doesn’t sound like an electric vehicle, well, in many senses, an MHEV isn’t one. It uses gas like any gas-powered car, but the electric motor helps improve the car’s gas economy and engine performance.
MHEVS enjoy better acceleration than purely combustion-powered cars, to name one benefit. In many cases, when the driver presses the gas, fuel is preserved while the electric motor generates torque instead. This unique capability allows MHEVs to improve fuel efficiency, making them more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, understanding the mpge definition and comparison is crucial for consumers seeking to evaluate the overall efficiency of different vehicle types. With the increasing focus on sustainability, MHEVs represent a practical choice for drivers who want both performance and reduced emissions.
A few other things the electric motor does:
- Reduces wear and tear on the braking system.
- Reduces emissions.
- Powers the stop/start system.
- Boosts fuel economy with cruising and drifting.
There’s no need to plug an MHEV in when you park it at the end of the day. The battery inside charges itself using its unique electrical motor. Simply put, an MHEV is the closest type of EV to traditional cars.
If you’re interested in saving some money on gas while lowering your carbon footprint, buying an MHEV is a pretty decent way of doing it.
Examples of an MHEV:
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Ford Focus MHEV
- Audi A8 Hybrid
Check out this YouTube video explaining how Audi has implemented their MHEV technology:
What’s the Difference Between a PHEV and an MHEV?
The main difference between PHEVs and MHEVs is that the former can drive short distances on only electric power, and the latter only uses electricity to enhance performance and fuel economy. PHEVs are closer to true EVs, while MHEVs are simply hybrid cars.
Of course, there’s more to it than that.
Other differences between PHEVs and MHEVs include:
- PHEVs have much larger batteries and need to be plugged in. MHEVs have smaller batteries and don’t need to be plugged in.
- MHEVs typically include regenerative braking, which helps charge the battery. PHEVs, by contrast, cannot charge themselves in any way.
- MHEVs always use fuel, whereas PHEVs don’t require fuel for most short journeys.
PHEV vs. MHEV
You’re probably wondering which of these would be best for you. Luckily for you, I have two lists that will help you decide whether you’d be best served by a PHEV or an MHEV.
A PHEV is best for you if:
- You have a short commute.
- You don’t do much long-distance driving.
- You want to cut out gasoline as much as possible.
- You don’t mind plugging your car in every day.
An MHEV is best for you if:
- You regularly drive long distances.
- You don’t mind using gasoline.
- You don’t want to worry about plugging your car in.
- You just want something with more fuel economy than a normal car.
Other Types of EVs
There are numerous other types of hybrid and EVs out there. A few of these include full hybrids and EVs, perhaps the most popular and relevant of them all. Each has radically different engines and is suited for different types of drivers.
Full Hybrids (HEVs)
Full hybrids or HEVs are vehicles that can be driven with battery power or the gasoline-powered combustion engine. Unlike mild hybrids that only use battery power to assist acceleration, cruising, and the start/stop system, full hybrids can operate solely on battery power.
Unlike PHEVs, full hybrids have a relatively short electric-only range—typically 5-10 mi or 8-16 km. After that, the combustion engine will kick in and it will operate more like a mild hybrid. Also, when operating on battery power, the combustion engine will start up and add power when you suddenly accelerate.
A notable benefit of HEVs is that they will operate with only electric power at low speeds or gentle acceleration. This makes them ideal for driving around town squares or other low-speed zones. When you exceed a certain threshold, the combustion engine kicks in.
For those interested in the environmental benefits of a full hybrid, you’d be best served by using the ‘hybrid mode’ where electricity is used to complement the combustion engine. This is because in ‘electric mode,’ the electricity you use is generated by the engine burning fuel. Overall, ‘hybrid mode’ is more efficient when it comes to emissions and fuel economy.
Like mild hybrids and unlike PHEVs, full hybrids don’t need to be plugged in and will charge themselves.
EVs
Finally, we have full EVs. Fully electric vehicles lack any kind of combustion engine, opting instead for an electric drivetrain and full-sized battery. Electric vehicles have no backup engine and have to be charged regularly—Tesla recommends keeping their cars plugged in whenever possible. These vehicles not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also provide a smooth and quiet driving experience. For those considering making the switch, our ultimate guide to electric cars offers valuable insights into the different models available, charging infrastructure, and potential savings on fuel and maintenance costs. With advancements in technology, fully electric vehicles are becoming more accessible and practical for everyday use.
Because EVs don’t have combustion engines or fuel tanks, much of that space is devoted to the battery. You can see an example of an EV’s battery here on Qnovo – the Tesla Model S battery takes up most of the underside of the car. This is true for most EVs. In addition to space efficiency, the design of EV batteries contributes to their longevity and performance. For instance, understanding the chevy volt battery warranty details can help potential buyers gauge the reliability and lifespan of their investment. This added assurance is vital as consumers transition to electric vehicles and consider the long-term benefits.
The biggest disadvantage of EVs is their limited range. C If you regularly drive over 100mi, a PHEV would be more up your alley.
EVs have great acceleration and are extremely friendly to the environment. If you’d like to completely cut out gas in your daily expenses and help save the planet, an EV isn’t a bad choice.
| Type of vehicle | MHEV | PHEV | HEV | EV |
| Can drive with only electricity | No | Yes, for moderate distances | Yes, for short distances | Yes |
| Can drive with only gasoline | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Can drive with both electricity and gas | Yes, for supplementary purposes | Yes, for supplementary purposes | Yes | No |
| Needs to be charged | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Are Hybrids Even Worth It?
According to recent statistics, hybrids typically cost $4650 more than a regular car. Considering that half the point of a hybrid is saving on gas, is it even worth it in the long run? Let’s run some numbers and find out.
According to the EPA, the hybrid versions of modern cars save at least $400 a year on gas. You can use that site to compare average gas costs and prices of vehicles and their hybrid counterparts—some offer $400 or so in savings per year, while others save as much as $900 a year.
There are also other factors besides gas to consider. Some insurance companies offer savings because generally, hybrid drivers are safer drivers. Other companies hike up rates because hybrids, for all their savings, are more expensive when they break down. So insurance savings really depend on your locale and company.
Most hybrids offer regenerative braking, which drastically reduces wear and tear on brake pads. It’s not a huge saving in the long run, but it is worth mentioning that you’ll replace your brakes less often.
So in terms of money saved, hybrids do save money. It also bears mentioning that hybrids help save the environment, which really can’t be understated in today’s society.
