Hybrid

Keywords

What exactly is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car is one that combines a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. The electric engine takes over sometimes – at low speeds, for example. Hybrids tend to consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than a car with just a petrol or diesel engine. The greater efficiency of hybrid cars also means that owners can save a bit of money, with lower first year vehicle excise duty (car tax) costs, as well as reduced company car tax.

Related Jargon

What is a battery electric vehicle?

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) uses the electrical energy from rechargeable batteries to power an electric motor (or motors).

What is a plug-in hybrid car?

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a vehicle that has a slightly larger battery than a regular hybrid, so it travels further just using electricity.

What are a car's CO2 emissions?

When petrol or diesel burns in an engine, carbon dioxide gas – also known as CO2 – is the result.

How does an electric vehicle work?

An electric car, also known as a battery electric vehicle or EV, uses one or more electric motors to move the vehicle.

How do lithium ion batteries work in cars?

A lithium-ion battery is the most common types of battery used in electric vehicles (EVs). It is well suited to EVs because it holds a lot of energy, compared to its weight, and is very efficient at charging and discharging.

What exactly is a hybrid car?

A hybrid car is one that combines a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. They tend to consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than a car with just a petrol or diesel engine.

What is vehicle excise duty (VED)?

Commonly known as road tax or car tax, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is the annual tax that the owner of a vehicle has to pay to the government for it to be used (or parked) on public roads.