Mild & Self-Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicles at Donnelly Group Northern Ireland

Hybrid vehicles in the simplest of terms are those vehicles that use two different energy sources to help maximise efficiency and usually means combining electrical energy stored in the batteries, with the combustion energy of petrol or diesel fuel. In the hybrid range, you can opt for plug-in, self-charging or full and mild hybrids.

Mild and self-charging hybrid electric vehicles are often thought to be the same thing as they don't need to be plugged in, but that is not the case. Mild hybrids are one of the least electrified types of hybrids on the market and their small electric motor is attached directly to the engine or transmission. This then works to provide a small boost for the engine under acceleration, with the aim of improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. However, in a full hybrid, you are capable of travelling short distances on electric power only.

What is a mild hybrid car?

Mild hybrid cars are very similar to self-charging hybrids but have a much smaller battery. This means the vehicle can't drive on battery power alone, and the battery helps the petrol or diesel engine perform more economically. The systems will work in a slightly different way depending on the manufacturer, but in general they tend to use the power from the generator to assist the engine under hard acceleration and help it restart more seamlessly after it is switched off.

What is a self-charging hybrid?

A full or self-charging vehicle is powered by the electric motor, in conjunction with the internal combustion engine. Electric-only power is available for short distances due to the battery pack being smaller when compared with a plug-in hybrid. You simply fuel and go like any other vehicle, with the hybrid system cutting in and out automatically as required reducing fuel consumption where possible, and offering more power when required. As you slow down, the normal combustion engine will cut out and you'll be running on electric power only to help save fuel.

What are the benefits of owning a mild or full hybrid car?

If you’re thinking of opting for a hybrid, here are a few of the benefits:

• Lower emissions due to the electric motor assisting with acceleration and causing less strain on the engine.
• Reduced running costs, with a hybrid car you will find yourself making fewer trips to the fuel station with improved fuel economy.
• No need to change how you use your car as these hybrids don’t require you to do anything different than you would do in conventional petrol or diesel car. Perfect for those who aren’t ready to make the switch to a plug-in hybrid or full battery electric vehicle. All you need to worry about is keeping your car topped up with fuel.
• While you might not be getting the full benefits of a plug-in hybrid, the battery in a hybrid is a lot smaller meaning the initial purchase cost is lower.

What mild-hybrid and self-charging models are available at Donnelly Group?

Thinking of making the switch to a mild hybrid? Check out the range of mild and self-charging hybrid’s available at our Donnelly Group showrooms across Northern Ireland! We also have a range of used hybrids available, as well as a full battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle range!