The Ultimate Hybrid Car FAQ

It’s normal to have questions when you’re looking into buying a hybrid car. Here you can have all of your hybrid car questions answered, including the ones you were too afraid to ask – from how long it takes to charge a hybrid car to whether hybrid cars are better for the environment.

Hybrid Car Charging

How do hybrid cars charge?

In a standard hybrid car, the internal combustion engine drives a generator which recharges the battery as you drive. The battery is also charged using regenerative braking, which captures waste energy as the car slows down. These cars are sometimes called ‘self-charging hybrids’.

A plug-in hybrid (also known as PHEV – plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) can do all that too, but it can also be plugged into a mains electricity charging point to charge while it’s parked. The simplest, but slowest, way to charge is to connect the car to a standard 3-pin socket using a special cable called an EVSE. However, some people with off-street parking decide to have a home charging point installed. This is usually wall-mounted on an exterior wall or garage where your vehicle is parked, and speeds up charging.

Where can I charge a plug-in hybrid car?

You can charge a plug-in hybrid car at home if you have off-street parking, by connecting to your domestic power supply much like you would with a mobile phone. Or you can have a charging station installed, which enables faster charging. Some local authorities are now installing on-street charging for people who do not have off-street parking.

You may find that you’re able to top up a plug-in hybrid car at your destination. An increasing number of companies are installing charging facilities for employees, and there are more and more charging points in public car parks.

There are charging points across the UK at locations ranging from supermarkets and services to National Trust attractions. You can find these by using a map of charging points for plug-in hybrid and electric cars. There you will find charging stations of various speeds which serve different types of connectors. 

Where you decide to charge is down to what’s convenient for you in terms of the time you have and what you’re willing to spend.

How do hybrid cars charge?

In a standard hybrid car, the internal combustion engine drives a generator which recharges the battery as you drive. The battery is also charged using regenerative braking, which captures waste energy as the car slows down. These cars are sometimes called ‘self-charging hybrids’.

A plug-in hybrid (also known as PHEV – plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) can do all that too, but it can also be plugged into a mains electricity charging point to charge while it’s parked. The simplest, but slowest, way to charge is to connect the car to a standard 3-pin socket using a special cable called an EVSE. However, some people with off-street parking decide to have a home charging point installed. This is usually wall-mounted on an exterior wall or garage where your vehicle is parked, and speeds up charging.

Where can I charge a plug-in hybrid car?

You can charge a plug-in hybrid car at home if you have off-street parking, by connecting to your domestic power supply much like you would with a mobile phone. Or you can have a charging station installed, which enables faster charging. Some local authorities are now installing on-street charging for people who do not have off-street parking.

You may find that you’re able to top up a plug-in hybrid car at your destination. An increasing number of companies are installing charging facilities for employees, and there are more and more charging points in public car parks.

There are charging points across the UK at locations ranging from supermarkets and services to National Trust attractions. You can find these by using a map of charging points for plug-in hybrid and electric cars. There you will find charging stations of various speeds which serve different types of connectors. 

Where you decide to charge is down to what’s convenient for you in terms of the time you have and what you’re willing to spend.

How long does it take to charge a plug-in hybrid car?

The time it takes to charge a plug-in hybrid depends on the size of the battery, how much energy has been used and the power output of the charging point. The power output is measured in kilowatts (kW). Generally speaking, there are four types of charging available:

  • Slow (up to 3kW) 
  • Fast (7-22kW) 
  • Rapid (25-99kW)
  • Ultra-rapid (100-350kW)

The slowest chargers will have a plug-in hybrid fully charged in around 5 hours. These are generally the most affordable units and are ideal for charging overnight or while you’re at work. Alternatively, faster and slightly more expensive hybrid vehicle charging stations can charge a hybrid in as little as three to four hours. Rapid charging stations found in select public locations can charge a plug-in hybrid in 25 minutes or less. Because plug-in hybrids only have small batteries, they don’t need the ultra-rapid charging, which is designed for pure electric vehicles.

How many public charging stations are there in the UK?

The UK has one of the largest networks of public charging points in Europe with more than 35,000 available. According to Zap-Map charging point statistics for November 2020, charging points are available at more than 12,500 locations. Fast connectors (7-22kW) make up the majority of these though rapid chargers (25+kW) are now available across 7,500 locations, and there are more than 1200 locations with ultra-rapid (100+kW) chargers. The UK regions with the most electric car charging connectors are Greater London (25.7%), the South East (13.7%) and Scotland (12.4%).

How do I get a hybrid car charging point installed at home?

Off-street parking is required if you want to get a hybrid car charging point installed at home. You’ll also need a certified professional to carry out the installation. The charging point is likely to be mounted on an exterior wall or garage where you park your plug-in hybrid car. This is a relatively quick and easy process and typically takes 2 to 3 hours. You can book an installation with a supplier online or through your local car dealership.

Hybrid Car Battery

How does a hybrid car battery work?

A hybrid car actually has two batteries – a normal car battery which operates the starter to start the combustion engine, and a traction battery which supplies electricity to the motors that drive the wheels. The combustion engine drives a generator which recharges the traction battery, which is also topped up using regenerative braking (which captures waste energy as the car slows down). This is why these cars are sometimes called “self-charging hybrids”.

Plug-in hybrid cars have larger batteries than normal hybrids and provide the option of charging at a charging station. They can run on electricity longer than standard hybrid cars, often with a range of 20 to 40 miles.

How are hybrid car batteries made?

The battery of a hybrid car will be a nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion type. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming the more commonly used battery type in hybrid and electric cars for the following reasons:

  • Comparably less toxic 
  • Less likely to lose their charge when not in use
  • Offer good performance even in high temperatures
  • Ability to be recharged at a rapid rate
  • Lighter in weight than nickel-metal hydride batteries

The primary components of a lithium-ion battery are the positive (metal oxide) and negative (carbon) electrodes and an electrolyte (lithium salt in an organic solvent). While lithium-ion batteries were once expensive, they are becoming more affordable as technology advances and should become more commonplace in hybrid cars of the future.

What’s the lifespan of a hybrid car battery?

Hybrid batteries are expensive to replace – generally between £1,000 and £3,000 – though the costs are coming down. But they are designed to last the life of the car, so they do not need frequent replacement. 

Of course, the longevity of a hybrid car over the years comes down to a number of different factors including the following:

  • Make and model of the car
  • Driving style
  • Frequency and standard of maintenance
  • Overall cleanliness
  • Load weight

Honda has found that the battery in the Civic IMA (from 2002) usually lasts 10-14 years, and no replacements have yet been needed for newer models such as the Insight and Jazz Hybrid. For peace of mind, the Honda i-MMD battery is covered by a comprehensive warranty for the first five years or 90,000 miles – whichever comes first.

What happens if my hybrid car runs out of battery?

All hybrids will run on their petrol or diesel engines even if the battery is depleted. In practice, it’s unlikely that the battery would ever become totally discharged because it will be automatically recharged by the engine or using regenerative braking.

In contrast, running out of fuel will see a standard hybrid come to a stop since they’re not designed to operate without fuel. However, a plug-in hybrid can run on electricity only, with a typical range of 20 to 40 miles if fully charged.

How does a hybrid car battery work?

A hybrid car actually has two batteries – a normal car battery which operates the starter to start the combustion engine, and a traction battery which supplies electricity to the motors that drive the wheels. The combustion engine drives a generator which recharges the traction battery, which is also topped up using regenerative braking (which captures waste energy as the car slows down). This is why these cars are sometimes called “self-charging hybrids”.

Plug-in hybrid cars have larger batteries than normal hybrids and provide the option of charging at a charging station. They can run on electricity longer than standard hybrid cars, often with a range of 20 to 40 miles.

How are hybrid car batteries made?

The battery of a hybrid car will be a nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion type. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming the more commonly used battery type in hybrid and electric cars for the following reasons:

  • Comparably less toxic 
  • Less likely to lose their charge when not in use
  • Offer good performance even in high temperatures
  • Ability to be recharged at a rapid rate
  • Lighter in weight than nickel-metal hydride batteries

The primary components of a lithium-ion battery are the positive (metal oxide) and negative (carbon) electrodes and an electrolyte (lithium salt in an organic solvent). While lithium-ion batteries were once expensive, they are becoming more affordable as technology advances and should become more commonplace in hybrid cars of the future.

What’s the lifespan of a hybrid car battery?

Hybrid batteries are expensive to replace – generally between £1,000 and £3,000 – though the costs are coming down. But they are designed to last the life of the car, so they do not need frequent replacement. 

Of course, the longevity of a hybrid car over the years comes down to a number of different factors including the following:

  • Make and model of the car
  • Driving style
  • Frequency and standard of maintenance
  • Overall cleanliness
  • Load weight

Honda has found that the battery in the Civic IMA (from 2002) usually lasts 10-14 years, and no replacements have yet been needed for newer models such as the Insight and Jazz Hybrid. For peace of mind, the Honda i-MMD battery is covered by a comprehensive warranty for the first five years or 90,000 miles – whichever comes first.

What happens if my hybrid car runs out of battery?

All hybrids will run on their petrol or diesel engines even if the battery is depleted. In practice, it’s unlikely that the battery would ever become totally discharged because it will be automatically recharged by the engine or using regenerative braking.

In contrast, running out of fuel will see a standard hybrid come to a stop since they’re not designed to operate without fuel. However, a plug-in hybrid can run on electricity only, with a typical range of 20 to 40 miles if fully charged.

Hybrid Car Performance and Maintenance

How is a hybrid car different to an electric car?

An electric car is driven by an electric motor, which is powered by a battery. The battery is charged by plugging it into the mains while the car is parked, and it can also be recharged by regenerative braking – where the motion of the car is used to generate electricity as the car slows down.

A hybrid has an electric motor, a battery and also a conventional combustion engine. The electric motor is generally used at low speeds, the engine at higher speeds – and the two can work together under hard acceleration to improve the car’s performance. The internal combustion engine drives a generator which recharges the battery, or the battery can be charged using regenerative braking – just like in an electric car.

What’s the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

The battery in a standard hybrid is charged by a generator driven by the combustion engine, or the battery can be charged using regenerative braking. These cars are sometimes called ‘self-charging hybrids’. They never need to be plugged in to a charging point, and in fact, have no facility to do so.

A plug-in hybrid can be thought of as a cross between a standard hybrid and an electric car. It can self-charge like a standard hybrid, but it can also be connected to a charging point to charge while it’s parked, as with an electric car. Plug-in hybrids can drive solely on electric power for what is typically a range of 20 to 40 miles.

Are hybrid cars automatic?

Usually yes, as the automatic gearbox works more harmoniously and efficiently with the electric motors. Automatic cars are easier to drive, less work in busy traffic, and less distracting for the driver.

How far can I drive with a hybrid car?

A plug-in hybrid can usually travel 20 to 40 miles on electric power only. Every hybrid has a combustion engine as well as an electric motor, so you can drive as far as the fuel in the tank will take you. The range will be at least as good as a conventional petrol or diesel car and probably better due to the hybrid’s greater fuel efficiency.

How fast can a hybrid car go?

Hybrids are designed to achieve superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions, but that doesn’t mean they have to be slow. Performance is generally similar to an equivalent conventional car, and acceleration is often significantly better. The new Honda Jazz Hybrid accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and has a top speed of 108mph, which is more than enough for every day motoring. If you really want speed, the Honda NSX is a hybrid too – and that will accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 2.7 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 191mph!

Do hybrid cars drive differently to conventional vehicles?

Driving a hybrid car feels much the same as driving other vehicles. However, there are some subtle differences. At low speeds, if there’s enough charge in the battery, a hybrid might drive on electric power only without the combustion engine running. Hybrids will normally offer a smooth, seamless driving feel with no gear changes to interrupt the flow. Hard acceleration will feel different to a conventional car as the combustion engine will stay at the optimum engine speed, instead of the engine revving up as the car accelerates. This delivers the best performance.

Can I use a hybrid in the rain?

Yes, you can. Many people are concerned about driving a hybrid car in lightning storms, heavy rain, or through large puddles. But the electrics are protected from the elements, so there’s no need to worry.

Every car, whether it’s a hybrid or a conventionally fuelled car, also goes through rigorous safety testing at the factory. That includes a shower tester, which sprays water at the car from all angles – simulating the worst rain storm you can imagine. This ensures the car is waterproof before being sold to you.

Can I take a hybrid car through the car wash?

Yes, you can. Electricity and water can be a dangerous mix, so it seems logical to think that a hybrid car, which uses electric power, should not be taken anywhere near a car wash. However, it is perfectly safe to, just as it is for a petrol or diesel car. The electric components are all well protected from the elements.

Will a hybrid car put a smile on my face?

Yes, it absolutely will. The combination of combustion engine and electric motor gives instant response and good performance that a keen driver will enjoy

The greater efficiency of a hybrid car means you save money on fuel and reduce emissions – saving the environment and you some money. Hybrid cars can also save you money on your tax bill. Classed as an ‘alternative fuel’ car, the tax rates for hybrids are £10 less per year than for a petrol car with the same CO2 output. And for company car drivers, there are even more savings, as the hybrid’s reduced CO2 output means a lower band for benefit-in-kind tax. That’s enough to make anybody smile!

What does a regular service for a hybrid car involve?

A regular service of a hybrid car is much the same as a normal petrol or diesel car. The conventional engine in a hybrid car requires the same work as that of any other car. Generally speaking, there’s less wear and tear on a hybrid’s engine since it lets the electric motor take over in low speeds. The brakes last longer, too – they don’t have to work as hard because the regenerative braking system helps slow the car down. As the brakes need replacing less often, servicing costs are kept down. Hybrids have been around long enough that mechanics are used to working on them.

There’s no special regular maintenance required on the hybrid system itself. However, if part of the hybrid system fails after the warranty has ended (most warranties are around 8 years), there may be a fair price to pay. For example, the cost of replacing a battery can be £2,000 or more. However, this cost will only reduce as hybrid and electric cars become more commonplace.

Do I need special tyres for a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars are all about efficiency, so they’re often fitted with eco or green tyres, designed to reduce fuel consumption and, therefore, CO2 emissions. But these are available for all types of cars – not just hybrids. Hybrid cars can be heavier than conventional cars, so the tyres need to be rated for the weight. But there are no other special requirements. 

Tyre wear in a hybrid car is heavily dependent on driving style, as it is with all cars. Hybrid cars are generally capable of better acceleration, which can cause greater wear if the car is driven too hard. 

Can I use a hybrid in the rain?

Yes, you can. Many people are concerned about driving a hybrid car in lightning storms, heavy rain, or through large puddles. But the electrics are protected from the elements, so there’s no need to worry.

Every car, whether it’s a hybrid or a conventionally fuelled car, also goes through rigorous safety testing at the factory. That includes a shower tester, which sprays water at the car from all angles – simulating the worst rain storm you can imagine. This ensures the car is waterproof before being sold to you.

Can I take a hybrid car through the car wash?

Yes, you can. Electricity and water can be a dangerous mix, so it seems logical to think that a hybrid car, which uses electric power, should not be taken anywhere near a car wash. However, it is perfectly safe to, just as it is for a petrol or diesel car. The electric components are all well protected from the elements.

Will a hybrid car put a smile on my face?

Yes, it absolutely will. The combination of combustion engine and electric motor gives instant response and good performance that a keen driver will enjoy

The greater efficiency of a hybrid car means you save money on fuel and reduce emissions – saving the environment and you some money. Hybrid cars can also save you money on your tax bill. Classed as an ‘alternative fuel’ car, the tax rates for hybrids are £10 less per year than for a petrol car with the same CO2 output. And for company car drivers, there are even more savings, as the hybrid’s reduced CO2 output means a lower band for benefit-in-kind tax. That’s enough to make anybody smile!

What does a regular service for a hybrid car involve?

A regular service of a hybrid car is much the same as a normal petrol or diesel car. The conventional engine in a hybrid car requires the same work as that of any other car. Generally speaking, there’s less wear and tear on a hybrid’s engine since it lets the electric motor take over in low speeds. The brakes last longer, too – they don’t have to work as hard because the regenerative braking system helps slow the car down. As the brakes need replacing less often, servicing costs are kept down. Hybrids have been around long enough that mechanics are used to working on them.

There’s no special regular maintenance required on the hybrid system itself. However, if part of the hybrid system fails after the warranty has ended (most warranties are around 8 years), there may be a fair price to pay. For example, the cost of replacing a battery can be £2,000 or more. However, this cost will only reduce as hybrid and electric cars become more commonplace.

Do I need special tyres for a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars are all about efficiency, so they’re often fitted with eco or green tyres, designed to reduce fuel consumption and, therefore, CO2 emissions. But these are available for all types of cars – not just hybrids. Hybrid cars can be heavier than conventional cars, so the tyres need to be rated for the weight. But there are no other special requirements. 

Tyre wear in a hybrid car is heavily dependent on driving style, as it is with all cars. Hybrid cars are generally capable of better acceleration, which can cause greater wear if the car is driven too hard. 

HYBRID CAR COST

What does it cost to charge a plug-in hybrid car?

The cost of charging a plug-in hybrid can vary depending on where you’re charging it from. In some cases, you may be able to charge your hybrid car for free if you can find a free public charging point or if your workplace offers free charging facilities.

Another cost-effective solution (in comparison to paying to use a paid-for public charging station) is to charge your hybrid car at home. You can always use a home charging calculator to get a better idea of the cost based on the make and model of the hybrid car and charger power output. Generally speaking, the cost of charging a plug-in hybrid car at home is likely to be no more than £1. This is in contrast with paid public charging stations which can cost several pounds, depending on the network and charging speed offered. You can use a public charging calculator to help work this out.

Are hybrid cars expensive?

Generally speaking, hybrid cars are more expensive to buy than comparable petrol or diesel cars. This is because of the cost of technology implemented in hybrids that allows them to switch between fuel and electricity. In particular, the battery of the hybrid car tends to be expensive to produce. However, the good news is that this cost is reducing with time. Of course, the higher initial price is offset by the savings that can be made long-term when using less fuel with a hybrid. 

For electric cars, there are UK government grants of up to £3,000 towards the cost of the car and £350 for the installation of a charging point.

What does it cost to charge a plug-in hybrid car?

The cost of charging a plug-in hybrid can vary depending on where you’re charging it from. In some cases, you may be able to charge your hybrid car for free if you can find a free public charging point or if your workplace offers free charging facilities.

Another cost-effective solution (in comparison to paying to use a paid-for public charging station) is to charge your hybrid car at home. You can always use a home charging calculator to get a better idea of the cost based on the make and model of the hybrid car and charger power output. Generally speaking, the cost of charging a plug-in hybrid car at home is likely to be no more than £1. This is in contrast with paid public charging stations which can cost several pounds, depending on the network and charging speed offered. You can use a public charging calculator to help work this out.

Are hybrid cars expensive?

Generally speaking, hybrid cars are more expensive to buy than comparable petrol or diesel cars. This is because of the cost of technology implemented in hybrids that allows them to switch between fuel and electricity. In particular, the battery of the hybrid car tends to be expensive to produce. However, the good news is that this cost is reducing with time. Of course, the higher initial price is offset by the savings that can be made long-term when using less fuel with a hybrid. 

For electric cars, there are UK government grants of up to £3,000 towards the cost of the car and £350 for the installation of a charging point.

Are hybrid cars expensive to insure?

Hybrid cars are typically more expensive to insure than their petrol counterparts for several reasons. In particular, hybrid cars are more expensive to insure because they cost more in the first place. What’s more, hybrid cars have some special parts that regular cars don’t have. A good example of this is the battery which can be expensive to replace.

The good news is that there are specialist insurers who can offer more competitive hybrid car insurance quotes. The price of hybrid car insurance will likely fall in time as hybrid technology becomes more prevalent. There are also a few things you can do to get cheaper hybrid car insurance:

  • Speak to insurance providers who specialise in hybrid and electric cars
  • Always shop around to get the very best quote possible
  • Be aware that adding young drivers can increase the price of your policy
  • Paying your insurance upfront is likely be less costly
  • Some insurance companies may offer discounts for green vehicles

Are hybrid cars eligible for government grants?

Several UK government grants make hybrid and electric cars more affordable. In particular, there’s the UK plug-in car grant which offers up to £3,000 towards the cost of the car. There’s also the OLEV grant which offers £350 off the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point for the plug-in hybrid car. Add this to the savings you can make on fuel over time, and the hybrid car can prove to be very cost-effective.

Hybrid Car Safety and the Environment

Are hybrid cars better for the environment?

Hybrid cars use fuel more efficiently than conventional cars, producing less pollutants over their lifetime. They’re particularly effective when it comes to short journeys at low speeds where the electric motor and battery are used more. Plug-in hybrid cars are even better for the environment when the electricity used to power them is 100% renewable. According to the SMMT, a hybrid car reduces emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2 by 15-30% over its lifetime, compared to an equivalent non-hybrid model. 

Are hybrid cars dangerous?

No, a hybrid car is no more dangerous than a conventional car. However, there have been cases where hybrid and electric cars are so quiet when running on electricity that pedestrians have had difficulties hearing them. For this reason, the EU has introduced a rule that new electric and hybrid cars must emit an engine-like warning sound when reversing or driving below 12mph. 

Can a hybrid car battery explode?

There’s always the possibility that a lithium-ion battery can be damaged in an accident, but it’s highly unlikely to explode as a result. Indeed, as hybrid and electric cars advance, more and more security measures are being added to protect the battery from damage. An example of this is the air-cooling systems which prevent the battery from overheating. Also, collision detectors can send signals to fuses and circuit breakers, allowing them to disconnect from the battery.

Are hybrid cars better for the environment?

Hybrid cars use fuel more efficiently than conventional cars, producing less pollutants over their lifetime. They’re particularly effective when it comes to short journeys at low speeds where the electric motor and battery are used more. Plug-in hybrid cars are even better for the environment when the electricity used to power them is 100% renewable. According to the SMMT, a hybrid car reduces emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2 by 15-30% over its lifetime, compared to an equivalent non-hybrid model. 

Are hybrid cars dangerous?

No, a hybrid car is no more dangerous than a conventional car. However, there have been cases where hybrid and electric cars are so quiet when running on electricity that pedestrians have had difficulties hearing them. For this reason, the EU has introduced a rule that new electric and hybrid cars must emit an engine-like warning sound when reversing or driving below 12mph. 

Can a hybrid car battery explode?

There’s always the possibility that a lithium-ion battery can be damaged in an accident, but it’s highly unlikely to explode as a result. Indeed, as hybrid and electric cars advance, more and more security measures are being added to protect the battery from damage. An example of this is the air-cooling systems which prevent the battery from overheating. Also, collision detectors can send signals to fuses and circuit breakers, allowing them to disconnect from the battery.