The main difference between PHEV and MHEV vehicles is that the latter can run electrically and without any gas, unlike the former. However, there are also other variations between these two car models. Read on to find out more.

Being a car lover, a mildly interested or hobbyist driver can be extremely exciting. The current marketplace has many hybrid and electric automobiles. Among these motor vehicles, PHEV and MHEV stand out as the most popular group. So, what makes the difference between the two?

Irrespective of your choice - a mild hybrid, full hybrid, full EV, or plug-in hybrid, the guideline remains the same: these cars emit all or a few built by the usual combustion engine towards a battery-run motor.

The use of battery-driven vehicles in the place of combustion engines is increasingly on the rise. This post delves deeply into various PHEV and MHEV terminologies revolving around the electrically driven vehicle marketplace.

The MHEV Car Models
An MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) is a combination of a full hybrid and traditional gas. In essence, the hybrid model operates on a much smaller battery assisted by a motor generator with the ability to generate power to support the gas engine's performance. Yet, MHEV cars are not electrically capable of running.

Whenever the car requests more power, the engine motor generator utilizes the reserve electricity for torque application to the motor; hence, enhancing the output without expending additional fuel.

When cruising or drifting, the fuel engine twirls the motor-generator to generate power for reviving the battery. In simple terms, you can easily stop the gas engine and spare fuel.

The PHEV Car Models
Riding in a PHEV is interesting as it is more or less the same as the full EV and hybrid models. In a real sense, the PHEV works more or less like an ordinary hybrid, though with notable modifications to the battery.

In comparison, the PHEV battery is more powerful than that of an ordinary hybrid. Besides, the onboard generator cannot fully charge the battery, and therefore you will need to set it at the charging station or via an electrical outlet.

The most puzzling terminology about the PHEV vehicle models is the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV).

Still on the same, although similar to a hybrid model, PHEV comes with an additional battery power limit for extended full electric driving.

A PHEV vehicle can typically drive for, say, between 25 and 50 kilometers on the reserve battery power with a fully charged battery. And upon reverting to the use of fuel, it can cover additional 80 km. The car operates similarly to an ordinary hybrid the moment this range is used until you recharge it again.

When you make a short trip, you will realize that your PHEV's performance is more or less the same as that of an EV, burning no fuel at all. Contrary to the electric car model, a PHEV vehicle can move back to its original hybrid upon exhausting its EV range. At this point, it utilizes the self-generated power and gas for some kilometers of extra distance covered.

PHEV drivers take advantage of the all-electric functionality on shorter drives and excursions and a full hybrid distance range after that. Irrespective of whether you're unable to recharge your PHEV car battery fully, the car will continue to run akin to a normal hybrid. While it isn't mandatory, charging a PHEV lowers its fuel consumption.

Once your PHEV is fully charged and the fuel tank is full, its driving range matches a conventional car model.

The Difference between MHEV and PHEV
To come up with a sound conclusion when considering MHEV or PHEV model options, you need to make the difference first. The PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) exclusively run on a large battery system and contain no gas engine. The MHEVs (mild hybrids) aided by electric motors add a certain speed level, recover when braking, and provide lubrication for manual carwash stop-start components or long-range EVs and a big battery.

The Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi 48V is one good example of an MHEV vehicle model. It applies a 2.0-L capacity diesel engine along with a 48-volt MHEV system to generate a range of electrification. On the contrary, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV accounts for fifty percent of PHEV sales in the UK. With the ability to cover approximately 30 miles by only using its electric power, the PHEV model comes with a 2.4-L petrol engine connected to the electric motors and a big battery pack including a charging system.