What are the differences between types of hybrids?
Mild hybrid
This is the least effective type of hybrid technology – but also the cheapest. Most mild hybrids have a 48-volt electrical system consisting of a starter-generator and a tiny battery, which is charged up using energy that would otherwise be wasted when slowing down.This energy can then be used to provide the petrol or diesel engine with a small amount of assistance when pulling away, aiding performance and reducing fuel consumption in the process.
Some of the latest mild hybrid systems, from the likes of Audi and Peugeot, are powerful enough to actually drive the car along using just battery power for very short distances, as long as you’re super-gentle with the accelerator pedal. On the other hand, some of the cheapest mild hybrid models (such as the Suzuki Swift) still have regular 12-volt electrical systems, which provide the engine with only minuscule amounts of electrical assistance.