What does mild hybrid mean in cars?
2 Answers
Mild hybrid, also known as MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle), refers to vehicles with a low degree of hybridization. Without the assistance of an internal combustion engine, the electric motor designed in the vehicle cannot drive the car alone. Mild hybrid systems typically use 36V or 42V battery packs and are equipped with a low-power starter-generator that assists the internal combustion engine via the crankshaft belt. Mild hybrids cannot be considered true hybrid vehicles because the car relies solely on the internal combustion engine for propulsion, with the battery output only providing auxiliary functions. These functions generally include automatic start-stop, smooth engine start assistance, and brake energy regeneration. The advantage of mild hybrid system design is lower cost, but the fuel savings are also relatively modest, typically ranging from 8% to 15%.
The car I bought last year is the mild hybrid version, and it definitely drives smoother than a pure gasoline car. Simply put, it adds a small electric motor next to the engine, mainly helping with three things: first, the engine can completely shut off without shaking when stopped at a red light, making the auto start-stop much more comfortable; second, the motor gives a little push when starting, like someone helping you push a bike uphill; third, it recovers energy during braking and stores it as electricity in a small battery. But this doesn't count as a real new energy vehicle—it can only run purely on electricity for a maximum of one or two kilometers. The most obvious benefit is that it saves a bit more fuel than a regular car in traffic jams. Official data claims about 10% fuel savings, but actual savings depend on driving habits.
