Mild hybrid
A car whose small 48-volt motor helps the engine but never drives the car on its own.
Explained in
What makes a car electric?Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, fuel cell: what each one carries on board, and how often each was registered in the EU in 2025.Related terms
- Battery electric carA car that takes all of its energy from the grid, with no engine and no fuel tank.
- Plug-in hybridA hybrid with a socket and a larger battery, so everyday distances can run on grid electricity and longer trips on fuel.
- Full hybridA car with engine and electric motor that drives short distances on electricity, with all energy coming from fuel.