What is a self-charging car?

Unlike full electric cars (link to electric car deals), a self-charging car, also known as a self-charging hybrid car, is a type of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that generates electricity as you drive, eliminating the need to plug it into an external charging point. 

This saves the need for charging the car while you’re at home, and also prevents the risk that you’ll run out of charge while driving. 

But, how does a self-charging car work, and is it the right choice for you? We reveal all in our detailed guide. 

A self-charging hybrid car is a type of hybrid car that combines a traditional engine with an electric motor. With a self-charging hybrid, you don’t need to plug it into charge. Instead, the battery charges itself while you drive through regenerative braking (fancy, am I right?). 

Every time you slow down or stop, the car captures energy that would otherwise be wasted and uses it to power the electric motor. 

This makes them perfect for everyday driving, whether that’s inner-city driving or a work commute, as they can massively boost fuel efficiency. 

In short, self-charging cars offer convenience, lower emissions, and battery fuel economy, all without having to change your driving habits. 

A self-charging hybrid works by switching between a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor without any need to plug in and charge. 

As you drive along, the car’s engine generates electricity, which is stored in a small battery. They also capture energy when you break or coast along, known as regenerative braking. Instead of letting this energy go to waste, the car uses it to charge the battery and power the small electric motor. 

While the electric motor can’t power the car for long distances, it contributes to increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions without any extra effort from the driver. 

Plug-in hybrid cars use a mix of traditional fuel and an electric battery. Their main source of power is the fuel, however by using the battery to assist with aspects of driving they significantly reduce the amount of fuel you use. This can save you money at the petrol station while also lowering your car’s carbon emissions. 

To charge a plug-in hybrid car, you’ll either use a slower charging cable that plugs into a domestic socket, a specific charging station fitted at your home, or one of many that are appearing across the country. Typically, they can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, although fuel will do the bulk of the work. 

They’re more economical than a fuel-only car, especially if you regularly plug them in. 

Self-charging electric cars, however, can’t be plugged in. They charge themselves up as you’re driving, using the power generated by traditional fuel to fill up your electricity levels. This electricity is then used to help with things like breaking, indicating and accelerating, adding to your car’s efficiency. 

However, due to the small battery size of a self-charging car, they can only travel 1 to 2 miles on electricity alone and are much less economical than their plug-in alternatives.

There’s a range of benefits that make self-charging hybrids a great choice for everyday drivers, including: 

• Convenience - You don’t need to worry about finding a charging station or plugging in at home. The car simply charges itself so is always ready to go. Perfect for those without access to off-street parking. 
• Fuel efficiency - They are more economical than traditional petrol or diesel cars. The electric motor assists with tasks like accelerating and braking, meaning you’ll use less fuel and lower your running costs. 
• Emissions - Self-charging hybrids produce fewer emissions than a normal car, meaning you can contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. 
• Performance - Thanks to the electric motor boosting the engine, self-charging hybrids are good for acceleration. Expect to go faster from a standing start while benefiting from reduced braking times and tighter steering. 

In terms of fuel efficiency, self-charging hybrids perform better than traditional petrol and diesel cars. Compared to a conventional engine in the same car, a self-charging powertrain can add 5 to 10 miles per gallon. 

While they aren’t as fuel efficient as plug-in hybrids over long distances, they still offer savings on fuel costs by making use of electric power. 

Want to know more about electric and hybrid cars? Take a look at our electric and hybrid guides to learn all you need to know about the future of motoring. 

From tax savings to less money spent on fuel, there are plenty of reasons why you should make the switch and our guides cover them all.