What is the difference between MHEV and PHEV?
3 Answers
MHEV is actually a mild hybrid model, while PHEV is a plug-in hybrid model. The following are the differences between MHEV and PHEV: 1. Difference one: Plug-in hybrid PHEV can be charged externally, while hybrid MHEV cannot. 2. Difference two: Plug-in hybrid PHEV has a relatively large battery capacity, can drive in pure electric mode and tends to rely on electric power. When the battery is depleted, it switches to hybrid mode with the internal combustion engine as the main power source. In contrast, hybrid MHEV has a very small battery capacity, and only supplies/recycles energy during start-stop or acceleration/deceleration.
I found that the biggest difference between MHEV and PHEV lies in the working methods of the battery and electric motor. MHEV, known as mild hybrid, has a small battery to assist the gasoline engine but cannot drive solely on electricity. It’s more like adding a helper to the engine to improve efficiency, reducing fuel consumption by about 10%. You don’t need to charge it; it automatically recovers energy while driving. PHEV, on the other hand, is a plug-in hybrid that can be charged and driven on pure electricity for a certain distance, such as over 50 kilometers, making it suitable for commuting or short trips. Once the electricity is depleted, it switches to gasoline. However, you usually need to find a charging station, making it less hassle-free compared to MHEV. Another point is the difference in battery size—PHEV has a larger and heavier battery, which affects the car’s handling. From a driving perspective, PHEV starts quietly and smoothly, while MHEV feels no different from a regular car. Many people struggle with choosing between the two. My suggestion is: if you want to experience electric driving, go for PHEV; if you’re concerned about the hassle of charging, opt for MHEV.
As someone who has driven hybrid vehicles for several years, I find the driving experience between MHEV and PHEV quite distinct. With a PHEV, you can drive it purely as an electric vehicle—starting up silently with swift acceleration, making red-light starts in the city feel incredibly smooth. On the other hand, an MHEV, though also labeled as a hybrid, primarily relies on the gasoline engine's hum, offering only minor assistance during braking or low speeds, making it feel almost like a conventional car with little excitement. Additionally, their charging needs differ significantly: PHEVs must be plugged in, or else their fuel consumption spikes once the battery depletes—a hassle if your residential area lacks charging stations, like mine. MHEVs, however, require no charging at all, much more convenient. Maintenance varies too; PHEVs have higher battery upkeep costs, while MHEVs, with simpler components, pose fewer risks. Overall, choose a PHEV for performance and quietness, but if stability and hassle-free ownership are priorities, an MHEV is the more practical choice.
