Hybrid cars are an excellent option for those seeking better fuel efficiency and a more environmentally friendly vehicle without committing to a fully electric car.
However, if you’re new to hybrid cars, some of the terms can be confusing. Hybrid, full hybrid, self-charging, and plug-in – what do they all mean?
This article will explain more about self-charing hybrid cars and how they work. We'll also recommend five of our favourite self-charging hybrids on the market today.
What is a self-charging hybrid car?
Self-charging hybrid is just another term for your average full hybrid car. They are sometimes called self-charging because traditional hybrid cars cannot be plugged into a socket and charged. Let's learn more about how hybrid cars work to find out where they get their power from.
Hybrid cars combine a battery with a conventional fuel-powered engine to improve efficiency. They can drive short distances using electric power only, and when the electric battery runs out of charge, the fuel-powered engine kicks in. Rather than plugging a hybrid car in to charge it, the battery charges itself as you drive along using regenerative braking. Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the car's battery.
What are the benefits of a self-charging hybrid car?
The main advantages of driving a self-charging hybrid are better fuel efficiency and fewer carbon emissions. Hybrid vehicles generally use their electric energy when driving at lower speeds; this helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce running costs.
When running on electric energy, hybrid cars produce zero emissions, reducing their environmental impact. Hybrid cars offer a good compromise for those that have never driven an electric vehicle. Some people feel apprehensive about going fully electric as they worry about the range electric vehicles can cover and the inconvenience of stopping on long journeys to charge the car. Hybrid cars offer some of the same benefits as electric cars without the need to charge them.
How far can self-charging hybrid cars travel?
Self-charging hybrids contain much smaller batteries than fully electric vehicles; this means they can only travel short distances on electric-only power. Most self-charging hybrids can only cover 20-30 miles at most before their engine kicks in. Once the petrol or diesel engine kicks in, most hybrid cars can cover hundreds of miles before refuelling. The exact range varies from one vehicle to the next depending on various factors, including the make and model of the car, its fuel efficiency, and the size of its fuel tank.
Which are the best self-charging hybrid cars?
At LetsTalk Leasing, we offer affordable lease deals on some of the most popular and high-performance self-charging hybrid vehicles on the market today.
The Honda Jazz Hatchback is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines two electric motors and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Honda Jazz boasts impressive fuel economy of up to 62.8 mpg and advanced safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system and lane departure warning.
Inside, the Honda Jazz Hatchback has a spacious and comfortable interior with seats for up to five people. It also has a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Lease deals are available from £262.10/month, excluding VAT.
The Toyota Yaris Cross Estate is a compact car with much to offer! This nippy vehicle features instantaneous torque for a smooth and responsive driving experience. It’s also fuel efficient to run, with a fuel economy of up to 65.7 mpg. If safety is top of your priority list, the Toyota Yaris Cross Estate has plenty of advanced safety features, including a pre-collision system, emergency steering assist, road sign assist, blind spot monitor, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, and lane departure assist.
If you're looking for a vehicle with all the mod-cons, then the Toyota Yaris Cross Estate could be the one for you. As well as plenty of driver assistance technologies, it also features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and smart entry and push-button start technology.
Lease deals are available from £239.30/month, excluding VAT.
If you're looking for a self-charging SUV hybrid, the Kia Sportage is at the top of its league. This powerful SUV features a turbocharged hybrid drivetrain to deliver impressive torque and performance. It also features an all-wheel drive for better traction and handling in all weather.
The Kia Sportage SUV isn't lacking in style either. This roomy five-seater also features 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
Lease deals are available from £314.36/month, excluding VAT.
The Mazda 2 Hatchback is a stylish, sporty car loaded with cutting-edge technologies. It guarantees an exciting and comfortable drive, whether behind the wheel or enjoying the ride as a passenger.
Inside, it features a 7-inch MZD Connect infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats, automatic climate control, a six-speaker sound system, and a colour head-up display for projecting important information onto the windshield. On the outside, it features 15-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.
Lease deals are available from £225.00/month, excluding VAT.
With its roomy interior and 7-seat capacity, the Ford S-Max makes a practical and stylish family car.
The Ford S-Max is a pleasure to drive, featuring a range of modern assistive driving technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rearview camera. It also offers satellite navigation for hassle-free journeys. The interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats.
Lease deals are available from £493.89/month, excluding VAT.
Order your lease deal via our website or call our team on 0330 056 3331 to discuss any of our leasing deals or vehicles in more detail.
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