Honda Civic Hatchback
The Honda Civic is a household name for good reason. This hybrid is the perfect blend of a hot hatch with a focus on comfort and economy. The comfortable interiors offer on-board technology with a sleek exterior design.
What is a Self-Charging Electric Car?
With different types of electric cars available, it can be hard to understand what the various terminology means – and which model is right for you.
If you’re looking to recharge on the go, without the hassle of plugging in, read our guide to self-charging cars and find out how they work.
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What is a Self-Charging Electric Car?
A self-charging car – also known as a full hybrid or Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – earns its name from the fact it essentially charges itself, without requiring a manual charge from a power source.
This is different from a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), which needs to be connected to an external power source to charge. HEVs combine a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery to reserve energy through regenerative braking and an internal combustion engine (ICE).
This method improves cost and fuel efficiency.
How Do Self-Charging Hybrids Work?
Self-charging cars are similar to conventional hybrids, with a fuel tank, an electric motor and a small electric battery – automatically switching between gas and electric power.
The difference comes in how they charge. Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles, when an HEV brakes or coasts, the electric motor acts as a generator – converting this movement into electric energy.
The petrol or diesel engine can also contribute to re-charging, too. So, there’s no need for full hybrids to be plugged in to charge.
Are Self-Charging Hybrids Worth It?
Self-charging hybrids are perfect for those regularly travelling medium distances and looking to reduce their carbon footprint. They conveniently combine the power of a gas engine with the efficiency of electric – all without plugging in.
The electric batteries mean HEVs provide improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, and get rid of any anxieties over running out of range.
But if you regularly travel long distances on the motorway – or only make short city-centre trips – self-charging hybrids might not be worth it for you.
Petrol or diesel engines remain the most convenient for regular cross-country trips, while fully-electric vehicles can help cut your emissions on shorter drives without compromising on performance.
Which Cars Are Self-Charging Hybrids?
Many car manufacturers offer models with different engine types, from petrol and diesel engines to electric, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives.
So, if you’re looking for the efficiency of an electric car without worrying about plugging in, find some of our recommended self-charging hybrid options below:
Dacia Bigster SUV
The Dacia Bigster is a no-nonsense car at an ultra-competitive price. This fuel-efficient hybrid is large, practical and reliable – perfect for families who need space, without breaking the bank.
Toyota Corolla Estate
This Toyota boasts modern styling and is designed for real-world utility. The Corolla is highly regarded as one of the most economical and practical cars on the market, with an impressive 61.4 mpg.
FAQ's
Fully electric vehicles (EVs) can’t be self-charging due to energy loss during transmission through the electric motor. Although regenerative braking can recapture a small amount of energy, it isn’t enough to fully power and recharge the battery.
In EVs, it’s the electric motor that drives the car, while HEVs feature an electric motor that can recharge while the petrol engine powers the car. This is why EVs must be plugged into a power source to charge.
Full hybrids are assisted by a self-charging electric battery. But they otherwise operate as a normal gas-powered vehicle and can only travel a very limited distance on electric power alone – typically only 1-2 miles.
The electric-only mode in these hybrids is mostly designed for short, quiet, low-speed driving through residential areas or late at night. Once the electric battery is depleted, the car will automatically revert to the fuel source.
HEVs don’t require plugging in, as they self-charge on the go. This happens automatically and means you don’t have to plug in and wait for a full charge.
The speed at which the charge regenerates depends on several factors, including traffic conditions and intensity of braking.
On the other hand, for a plug-in hybrid, you could be waiting from 1.5-6 hours for a full charge, and EVs can take as long as 4-8 hours for a full charge using a home wall box.
