A full-hybrid car uses the charge in its battery when it drives on electric power. However, unlike a plug-in hybrid, you don’t need to connect to a charger to recharge batteries. Instead full hybrids use various built-in systems to recharge – that’s why they’re sometimes called ‘self-charging’ hybrids. The main system is known as ‘regenerative braking’. When you press the brake pedal, or just lift off the throttle, the electric motor spins in reverse, generating electricity that’s fed back into the battery.
Used hybrid cars
Hybrid cars are a great buy, offering reduced running costs and lower emissions than a petrol or diesel car. We have a wide range of used hybrid cars for sale that are available to purchase or finance.
Finance representative example (PCP)
Total cash price £16,500. Borrowing £14,500 with a £2,000 deposit at a representative APR of 12.9%.
- Fixed rate of interest per annum
- 6.71%
- 48 monthly payments
- £275.81
- Total amount payable
- £21,903.88
- Cost of credit
- £5,403.88
- Optional final payment
- £6,665.00
- Annual mileage limit
- 10,000 miles
- Excess mileage charge
- 4p/mile
Finance representative example (PCP)
Total cash price £16,500. Borrowing £14,500 with a £2,000 deposit at a representative APR of 12.9%.
- Fixed rate of interest per annum
- 6.71%
- 48 monthly payments
- £275.81
- Total amount payable
- £21,903.88
- Cost of credit
- £5,403.88
- Optional final payment
- £6,665.00
- Annual mileage limit
- 10,000 miles
- Excess mileage charge
- 4p/mile
- Check your eligibility
Find out if you’re eligible for car finance in minutes, with no impact on your credit score.
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Browse popular hybrid car types
Thinking of getting a hybrid car?
Hybrid cars can be a great option if you want a car that’s fuel efficient and emits relatively low levels of carbon dioxide. There are several types of hybrid car, including mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Here, we’re looking at ‘full’ or ‘conventional’ hybrids, also known as ‘self-charging’ hybrids.
Hybrid cars tend to give better fuel economy than an equivalent petrol car and are quieter than a diesel. Plus you don’t have to plug them in to recharge like an electric car.
What is a hybrid car?
Full (or self-charging) hybrid cars combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and battery. The petrol or diesel engine drives the car most of the time, but the electric motor can also drive the car on battery power alone for short distances at relatively low speed – in stop-start traffic, for instance. At higher speeds, the engine and electric motor can work together, improving the car’s efficiency. Various on-board systems recharge the battery while driving – hence ‘self-charging’ – so you don’t need to plug in to recharge the car.
Is a hybrid car right for me?
Hybrids are a good option if you want a car that’s more fuel efficient and produces less CO2 than a petrol car, but aren’t keen on getting a diesel. Do bear in mind, though, that hybrids tend to cost more to buy than petrol or diesel cars. They’re particularly good if you do most of your driving in town, because you can maximise their ability to run on battery power alone.
Compared to plug-in hybrids, full hybrids can't go as far on electric power and annual Vehicle Excise Duty charges (car tax) will be higher, because they generally produce more CO2. However, a full hybrid costs less to buy, and you don’t have to plug it in to recharge, which could be a particular advantage if you don’t have off-street parking at home.
If you want a car that could help reduce your fuel bill and your environmental impact but can’t decide what’s right for you, our guide to the difference between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric cars is a great place to start.
What types of hybrid cars are available?
With the exception of a convertible, just about whatever type of car you want is available with hybrid power. That includes everything from small city cars to big family cars, to SUVs, MPVs and even sporty coupes.
Hybrid car buying guides and articles
What are some of the most popular hybrid cars?
Toyota C-HR - A stylish compact SUV that really stands out from the crowd. The C-HR might not be quite spacious enough to be used as a family car but it’s a great option for single people and couples.
Kia Niro - This family-friendly mid-size SUV has lots of passenger and boot space, plus a generous helping of standard features.
Toyota Yaris - A small hatchback that’s practical and dependable, great to drive around town and makes light work of long journeys.
Lexus IS - The IS is a large saloon that feels really comfortable and relaxing to travel in. It also looks more distinctive than rivals from Audi and BMW.
Lexus RX - A big, luxurious SUV that’s packed with features for a serene driving experience. It’s available with five or seven seats.
Common questions about hybrid cars
The vast majority of hybrid cars have an automatic gearbox, because they’re better suited to working with electric motors. Manual gearboxes work best with petrol or diesel engines. That said, there are a couple of hybrid cars with manual gearboxes – the Honda Insight from the late 1990s and the Honda CR-Z from the late 2000s.
For longer journeys, a full hybrid car is just as well-suited as a petrol or diesel car. Average fuel economy – on paper, at least – should be similar to that of an equivalent diesel car. Unlike a pure electric car, there are no ‘range anxiety’ issues though you’ll still need to stop to refill with diesel or petrol.
Toyota pioneered hybrid power in mainstream cars with the Prius. As of mid-2022, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus make the most hybrid cars, with six each – most of which are only available with hybrid power. Many other major car brands make full hybrid models, including Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Kia.