What is the Difference Between Mild Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid?
2 Answers
The main differences between mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid are as follows: 1. Different power sources. (1) Mild hybrid primarily relies on electricity generated by the engine, which intervenes during vehicle acceleration and starting phases. Currently, the common 48V mild hybrid on the market can also power onboard electrical appliances, such as air conditioning, during idling. (2) Plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with both a fuel engine and a power battery. The power battery can support pure electric mode driving, meaning plug-in hybrid cars have two power sources. 2. Different traffic restriction policies: Based on current policies, plug-in hybrid vehicles can enjoy the benefits related to new energy vehicles except in Beijing, while mild hybrid vehicles are subject to the same traffic restrictions as traditional fuel vehicles, which is also one of the differences between the two.
The main difference between mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids lies in how they combine gasoline engines and electric motors. I've driven several mild hybrid cars; they have small batteries that recharge themselves, like capturing energy during braking or using the engine to assist with starting. They can't run purely on electricity, and the fuel-saving effect is limited—saving around 10% is considered good. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, can be charged via an external power source and have larger batteries. After charging, they can drive dozens of kilometers in pure electric mode with zero emissions, making them ideal for quiet commutes in traffic jams. Plug-in hybrids require frequent charging, while mild hybrids hardly need any attention to the battery. In terms of cost, mild hybrids are cheaper and simpler to maintain, whereas plug-in hybrids are more expensive but benefit from lower electricity costs and subsidies. I see mild hybrids as a small helper, offering a lightweight upgrade, while plug-in hybrids are more like semi-electric vehicles, significantly boosting environmental benefits.
