What is a hybrid car and is it right for me?

If you're considering a more fuel-efficient car but aren't ready to go fully electric, a hybrid could be the right choice. 

Hybrid cars combine a petrol engine with electric power to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. 

In this guide, we'll explore all you need to know about hybrid cars, including the different types, standout models, running costs, and whether a hybrid is right for you. 

Hybrid cars are essentially the middle ground between a petrol and an electric car. They are powered by a combination of a petrol engine, an electric motor, and a battery. 

The extent to which the car favours petrol or electric depends on the type of hybrid, but generally you'll get a more efficient drive and fewer emissions. 

At low speeds and when pulling away, many hybrids can run on the electric motor alone, ideal for short trips and stop-start town driving where you'd otherwise be burning fuel. When you accelerate harder or reach motorway speeds, the petrol engine takes over or works alongside the motor to provide the power.

The clever part is how the battery is topped up. In a mild or full hybrid you never plug in, the battery recharges itself as you drive, capturing energy through regenerative braking (energy that's normally lost as heat when you slow down) and, in a full hybrid, using the petrol engine as a generator.

A plug-in hybrid works the same way but has a much larger battery you charge from a wall box or public charger, which is what gives it a longer electric range.

Because they lean on electric power in the conditions a petrol engine is least efficient (low speeds and stop-start traffic) hybrids are best for urban driving and daily commutes. 

There are three different types of hybrids available in the UK: mild hybrid (MHEV), full hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The table below compares them, and we've included electric cars for context. 

Mild hybrids are the most straight forward type of hybrid, using a small electric motor to support the engine and improve fuel efficiency.

They can't drive on electric power alone and don't need plugging in, which makes them a simple, no-fuss option for everyday driving.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost than other hybrids
• Improved fuel economy vs petrol/diesel
• No need to plug in

Cons:

• Smaller fuel savings than a full or plug-in hybrid
• No electric-only driving
• Smaller environmental benefit 

Also known as self-charging hybrids, full hybrids can drive short distances using electric power alone, usually at low speeds.

They never need plugging in as the battery tops itself up as you drive and through regenerative braking, which makes them ideal for town and city use.

Pros:

• No charging required
• Excellent fuel efficiency in urban driving
• Smooth, quiet driving at low speeds

Cons:

• Limited electric-only range
• Less efficient on longer motorway runs
• Higher upfront cost than a mild-hybrid

Plug-in hybrids combine a petrol engine with a larger battery that can be charged externally.

They can cover around 30 to 70 miles on electric power alone (depending on the model), so if you charge regularly and mostly do short journeys, you can cut fuel use dramatically, while still having the petrol engine for longer trips.

Pros:

• Significant fuel savings if charged regularly
• Lower CO2 emissions
• Lower company car tax than an MHEV or HEV

Cons:

• Needs access to charging to be worthwhile
• Much less efficient if you don't charge it
• Higher upfront cost

Hybrids can reduce running costs compared with a standard petrol car, though how much you save depends on your driving.

• Fuel - Costs are typically lower, especially if you mainly drive in stop-start traffic where the hybrid can lean on electric power. A plug-in hybrid can dramatically reduce fuel costs if charged regularly and your daily drive is under 40 miles. 
• Road tax - Most hybrids registered after April 2017 pay the standard VED rate of £200 a year for 2026/27. The old £10 discount for hybrids and alternative-fuel cars was removed in April 2025, so hybrids now pay the same standard rate as petrol and diesel cars. 

Company car drivers can benefit from lower Benefit-in-Kind rates, and this is where plug-in hybrids stand out. For the 2026/27 tax year:

• MHEV/HEV - Taxed on CO2 like a petrol car, typically around 20 to 30% (an efficient full hybrid such as the Corolla sits nearer 24%).
• PHEV - 5–19% depending on electric-only range. 130+ miles is 5%, 70–129 miles 8%, 40–69 miles 12%, 30–39 miles 14%, and under 30 miles around 18%. 
• EV (for comparison) - just 4%. 

Looking for more information on company car tax? Head over to our guide: Company car tax explained

A hybrid could be a good choice if you:

• Drive mainly in towns or cities
• Want better fuel efficiency without going fully electric 
• Would rather not rely on charging (MHEV or HEV)
• Are a company car driver who can charge a PHEV regularly

A hybrid might be less suitable if you:

• Mainly drive long motorway journeys
• Want fewer tailpipe emissions
• Can't or won't charge a plug-in hybrid

For many UK drivers, a hybrid is a balanced, practical step between petrol and electric.

Leasing is a cost-effective way to drive a newer, more efficient hybrid without the large upfront cost of buying. You pay a fixed monthly amount for the length of your contract, which makes budgeting simple and predictable.

Benefits include:

• Lower upfront costs 
• Fixed monthly payments 
• Access to the latest hybrid models 
• No worries about depreciation or resale value

Leasing a hybrid is especially useful if you like to upgrade regularly, as hybrid and EV technology is evolving rapidly. For a full breakdown of how it works, see our how leasing works guide.

Trusted since 2002, with over 180,000 leases arranged. Join the thousands of UK drivers who choose Nationwide Vehicle Contracts for straightforward, reliable car leasing. View our latest hybrid car lease deals.