How Does A Self-Charging Hybrid Work?

If you’re dipping your toe into the world of battery power for your next car upgrade, a self-charging hybrid should be on your shopping list. With a wide range of self-charging hybrids available on both the new and the used markets, those looking for a blend of battery power and traditional fuel types are spoilt for choice - but how does a self-charging hybrid work? 

What is a self-charging hybrid car?

Also known as a ‘full’ hybrid, a self-charging hybrid has both a battery and a combustion engine present under the bonnet. The car can run on both power types independently, or they can work together for ultimate range and fuel efficiency. This is different from a mild hybrid, which only boots performance with a little electrical assistance. 

How is a self-charging hybrid different from a plug-in hybrid? 

The crucial difference between a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is that a self-charging hybrid doesn’t need to be plugged into mains electricity to charge up the battery. 

Self-charging batteries tend to be smaller, and therefore quickly charged by regenerative braking (more on that later). This means that the purely electric range of a self-charging hybrid is usually smaller than that of a plug-in hybrid, but you’re spared the effort of finding charging points, and the expense of installing one at home. 

How does a self-charging hybrid car work?

Without mains electricity to charge the battery, a self-charging hybrid works by harnessing the power of regenerative braking. By using the kinetic energy generated while braking that would otherwise be wasted to charge the battery, the need for mains electricity is negated, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. 

When the battery is flat, you’re able to purely use petrol while it recharges. 

What are the benefits of a self-charging hybrid?

Better fuel economy 

It will come as no surprise that running purely on battery power saves your fuel - and even when the two work together, you’ll be using less precious petrol. 

Lower emissions 

With less fuel consumption comes lower emissions, so you can set off in the knowledge that you’re making steps towards a smaller carbon footprint. 

Battery power without plugging in 

A self-charging hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds fuel type, as you’re able to enjoy the fuel savings and emission-busting tech, without having to plan your journeys around charging points or shelling out for one at home. 

Top self-charging hybrids 

Mazda2

Marketed to eco-conscious city-dwellers, the Mazda2 is the around-town car of the future. Hybrid technology gives you the best of both petrol and electric worlds, optimising performance at all times to keep emissions and fuel costs low. 

It’s top of the class in the safety stakes too, with day and night pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, pre-collision braking and emergency steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control. 

Kia Sportage 

Kia thinks of everything, and this means that their Kia Sportage has a hybrid version in its already generous range. It’s a hybrid with style too, with a sporty urban crossover look and premium interior styling features.

If the hybrid drivetrain wasn’t cutting edge enough for you, how about some tech too - say hello to a driver-centric curved display with dual 12.3-inch curved screens, complete with Kia Connect, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia Sorento 

Powered by a 1.6-litre Turbo 350bhp self-charging hybrid engine, the Sorento offers performance as well as versatility - if your hybrid car needs to accommodate the whole family, the Sorento is a safe bet. 

Talking of safety, this car comes with a maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with safety features such as Vehicle Stability Management on board. 

Toyota Yaris 

The Toyota Yaris has been a go-to hybrid for hatchback fans for a while now, and each iteration of this popular model is more powerful than the last. Affordable, reliable and fitted with a fuel-saving hybrid petrol engine, the Toyota Yaris is an everyday car that’s budget friendly, and fun to drive. 

Find the self-charging hybrid for you at EMG

By not only being representatives of Kia, Nissan, Mazda and MG here at EMG, but also used car specialists with a wide range of much-loved manufacturers, we’ve got plenty to show you if you’re shopping for a self-charging hybrid. Get started by browsing our hybrid new and used cars today.