Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains

Hybrid cars are nothing new, and they’ve been present in other markets since 1997. It was only recently, however, that these electrified vehicles began to gain momentum in the Philippines. 

For proof of the aforementioned, one clear example is Honda Cars Philippines, which has already brought in several examples of its e:hybrid electric vehicle (e:HEV) models. Specifically, the Honda Civic RS e:HEV at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show, the CR-V RS e:HEV, back in September 2023, and more recently, the HR-V RS e:HEV. 

Other locally present brands such as BYD, Toyota, Suzuki, MG, and many others have likewise expanded their local portfolios to include these electrified rides. 

Like most elements of the car industry, however, simply lumping all of these hybrid cars together as a singular group isn’t that simple. In fact, several types currently exist in the market, and they function differently from one another. 

So, what are these types of hybrid powertrains, how do they work, and what are their examples? Let’s find out here. 

Full hybrid

One of the most prevalent types of hybrid vehicles in the world and in the Philippine market is the full hybrid. 

Clear examples of full hybrid vehicles are the ones from Honda Cars Philippines, such as the e:HEV variants of the Civic, CR-V, and HR-V. These vehicles come equipped with a battery, which can store electric charge to be used as extra power as needed. The result is enhanced performance and better fuel economy. 

Additionally, full hybrids also have the capability of running fully on electric power. On most brands, this is referred to as “electric vehicle” mode. 

For charging, full hybrids come with what we call regenerative braking, a complex system that converts kinetic energy from the car’s brakes into electricity to be stored in the battery. 

Specific to Honda’s e:HEV, however, is a series-parallel full hybrid system that utilizes a “power-split device” allowing for the automatic selection of its gasoline engine or its electric motor to drive its wheels. At the same time, the combustion component of the e:HEV can also be used as a generator to charge the vehicle’s onboard battery. 

Check out this video by Zigwheels Philippines, further explaining Honda’s e:HEV system:

Mild Hybrid

Similar to full hybrids, mild hybrid vehicles also use a combination of an electric motor, a battery, and a combustion engine. Mild hybrids, however, always utilize the aforementioned components in combination. They don’t have an “electric vehicle” mode, and instead, their electric motors only exist to “assist” the engine in driving the car’s wheels. 

Oftentimes, mild hybrids come with smaller motors and batteries, at least compared to full hybrids. Regardless, they are touted to provide extra performance and better fuel efficiency. 

Some examples of mild hybrid models include the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid, Ertiga Hybrid, and XL7 Hybrid. In the said models, they use a belt alternator starter, which can function as a regenerative braking system. 

Due to their smaller batteries and motors, mild hybrids are often more affordably priced compared to their full hybrid counterparts. There are, however, some exceptions to this, as some brands targeting the luxury market also sell mild hybrid vehicles. 

Range-extended hybrid

A range-extended hybrid uses an onboard engine as a generator. Its wheels are driven exclusively by its electric motors, though it also has a battery for which to store energy. 

One famous example of this type of hybrid powertrain is the Nissan Kicks e-POWER, which the Japanese brand says is a “100 percent electric motor-driven system that provides a powerful and smooth drive, because the wheels are completely powered by the electric motor.” 

According to some car brands, range-extended hybrids benefit from smaller gasoline engines. At the same time, they also boast instantaneous torque due to the very nature of electric motors. 

Plug-in hybrid

Last but not least are plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). The aforementioned vehicles combine the strengths of full hybrids and battery electric vehicles, as they retain combustion engines while also being capable of being plugged into a charging station to replenish their cruising range. 

Like their other hybrid counterparts, most PHEV units sold locally also have regenerative braking. Otherwise, they have markedly smaller batteries compared to full EV models. 

Excellent examples of PHEV units include the Dual Mode-Intelligent (DM-i) nameplates from BYD Cars Philippines. Specifically, the Sealion 6 DM-i, Seal 5 DM-i, and the Sealion 5 DM-i. 

Notably, the Sealion 6 DM-i comes with an all-electric range of 100 kilometers, which is more than enough for short stints within the city. As a PHEV model, it also has a Type 2 charging port. 

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the types of hybrids include full hybrids, mild hybrids, PHEV, and range-extended hybrids. All come with their own unique advantages and weaknesses, but all are touted to provide better fuel efficiency, at least when compared to combustion-only models. 

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