hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Hybrid cars are not new to Malaysians, seeing that they have been available in Malaysia for roughly 15 years with the introduction of the FD-generation Honda Civic Hybrid.

And today, hybrids are even more popular, as manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan all offer at least one hybrid model in their line-up here in Malaysia. More recently, Perodua has thrown their hat in the ring with the 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid.

On one of the presentation slides that Perodua showed, the second national carmaker stated that the Ativa Hybrid is a series hybrid model, different from parallel and series-parallel hybrids.

But what separates a series hybrid from a parallel hybrid and a series-parallel hybrid? Let’s dive deeper by taking a look at popular hybrid technologies.

Mild-hybrid (MHEV)

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

First and foremost is mild-hybrid (MHEV). Although mild-hybrids feature an electric motor, its electric motor only functions to assist the engine and cannot accelerate from standstill on electric power alone.

Compared to other hybrid solutions, mild-hybrids are the cheapest to manufacture due to their simplicity and smaller battery capacity, but the trade-off is lower performance and improvements in fuel efficiency isn’t that great.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

​​Notable cars with a mild-hybrid system include Honda’s range of models with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system (CRZ, Insight, Civic).

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

What about the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid then? That’s not a real hybrid, not even a mild-hybrid, as there is no motor to assist / drive the wheels, only an upgraded engine starter motor and a secondary 12V battery for better engine start-stop performance.

Full-hybrid (HEV)

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Full-hybrid vehicles are more advanced than mild-hybrid vehicles. Full-hybrids can accelerate from standstill in electric power alone and offer higher performance than mild-hybrids. However, due to their complex hybrid system and larger battery capacity (typically around the 1 kWh mark, larger than MHEV), it’s more expensive to manufacture a full-hybrid vehicle.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

The not-sold-in-Malaysia, 4th gen Toyota Prius is available as a regular HEV or PHEV

That said, when it comes to vehicle weight, PHEVs are generally heavier than their HEV counterparts, owing to their larger battery capacity. For example, the Toyota Prius PHV is roughly 200 kg heavier than the regular Toyota Prius.

But that’s not all – full-hybrid vehicles are split into three distinctive types: Series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and series-parallel hybrid.

Series hybrid

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Think of series hybrids as EVs with its own power generator under the hood. Series hybrids typically feature a petrol engine, but unlike other hybrid systems out there, the petrol engine’s sole duty is to charge the battery.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Cars with a series hybrid system include the Perodua Ativa Hybrid and Nissan’s e-Power range of models (Serena, X-Trail, Note).

Parallel hybrid

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

In a parallel hybrid system, there are two paths of power turning the wheels, hence the term parallel. Both the engine and electric motor can drive the car individually, or simultaneously.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

The Jazz Hybrid featured an i-DCD hybrid powertrain

Examples of cars with a parallel hybrid system include Honda’s i-DCD range (City, Jazz, HR-V), as well as all German marques like BMW. BMW’s range of PHEVs are functionally parallel hybrids, as such the aforementioned BMW models belong in this category.

Series-parallel hybrid

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

A series-parallel hybrid is the most advanced (and also most expensive) of non-plugged in electrified vehicles. It combines the benefits of a series and parallel hybrid system into one.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you
hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

In a series-parallel hybrid, there are 2 electric motors. Cheaper series / parallel hybrids have only 1 motor. With only one motor, the system can either drive the car, or recharge the batteries, but not at the same time. With two motors, it can, thus allowing it to operate either as a series hybrid or a parallel hybrid.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Honda’s e:HEV (or i-MMD) will run in series mode (electric motor or engine driving the wheels) longer than Toyota.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Honda Insight shown, different model but uses a similar i-MMD setup

The most well-known example of a series-parallel hybrid is the Toyota Hybrid System, fitted to models like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Honda’s e:HEV also functions similarly, and is applied to models like the Honda City RS, Honda City Hatchback RS, and Honda HR-V RS.

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

With the exception of a series hybrid (ETCM does not sell any e-Power cars here and the Ativa Hybrid is only for leasing), practically every other hybrid system can be found in cars sold here in Malaysia.

What about plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) then?

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

Mercedes-Benz’s illustration of a plug-in hybrid A-Class

Almost all PHEVs are parallel hybrids, with a motor nestled inside a modified automatic transmission.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a hybrid vehicle that features a charging socket that can be used to charge the battery pack. Seeing that plug-in hybrids’ battery capacity (typically around or more than the 20 kWh mark) is second only to a full battery electric vehicle (BEV), PHEVs can travel purely on electric power alone, with a range of up to 100 km (model dependent).

hybrid 101: demystifying mhev, hev, phev, and understanding whether toyota, honda, or perodua hybrids are best for you

BMW 330e pictured

PHEVs are very expensive, due to the larger battery so it is typically represented by premium cars. Models include the BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 740Le, BMW X3, and BMW X5. Volvo also offers PHEVs (branded as Recharge T8) in Malaysia, such as the Volvo S60, Volvo V60, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC90.

Question is, seeing that fuel subsidies will be removed next year, will your next car purchase be a hybrid?

Keyword: Hybrid 101: Demystifying MHEV, HEV, PHEV, and understanding whether Toyota, Honda, or Perodua hybrids are best for you

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Relaunched In Japan, Fender Mirror And All

1984 boxy styling with (some) modern goodies. What's not to love?

View more: Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Relaunched In Japan, Fender Mirror And All

New Ford Territory coming to South Africa – What it’s competing against

Breaking new territory Mid-size market Haval H6 2.0GDIT Luxury Proton X70 1.5T Standard Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max 1.6TGDI 290T Executive Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium Opel Grandland 1.6T Peugeot 3008 1.6T Active Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS Exceed Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort VW Tiguan 1.4TSI ...

View more: New Ford Territory coming to South Africa – What it’s competing against

Would I recommend a Toyota Hyryder after driving it for a year?

Its hybrid powertrain is its biggest strength not only for its fuel efficiency but also for its super responsiveness. BHPian S2!!! recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 1 year, 12,000km update Most of my observations are similar to what I have shared in my previous posts. So this time, ...

View more: Would I recommend a Toyota Hyryder after driving it for a year?

Watch This Toyota GR Corolla Go Absolutely Wild On A Dirt Back Road

This is the only correct way to drive your rally-inspired all-wheel drive hot hatch.

View more: Watch This Toyota GR Corolla Go Absolutely Wild On A Dirt Back Road

The First All-New Toyota Tacoma In Over Eight Years Starts At $32,995

Image: Toyota Toyota seems to be very aware of just how anticipated and popular the 2024 Tacoma is going to be. It’s trickled out information about the truck for months now. Probably the most anticipated information – just how much this thing going to cost – is finally here. ...

View more: The First All-New Toyota Tacoma In Over Eight Years Starts At $32,995

Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The steel wheels say “work truck,” but adaptive cruise and push-button start were the stuff of luxury cars only a few years ago.

View more: Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

Toyota is securing substantial funding as it looks to catch up in the EV race. Sources close to the matter say Toyota and its affiliates will sell a stake of around $4.7B in Denso, the second-largest global auto supplier. Toyota plans to sell around 10% (roughly $4.7 billion) of ...

View more: Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Image: Toyota American car buyers, for the most part, are not fans of wagons. The long roof body style has almost disappeared from the U.S. car market with only a few models remaining. There is the ever-popular Subaru Outback, and some more expensive options from Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo. ...

View more: The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Five most affordable automatic cars in South Africa

2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: A Sure Bet Remains So

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Some Polish But Keeps The Fun

MotoGP announces new Concession system for 2024, boost for Yamaha and Honda

Toyota Selling Shorty Land Cruiser 70 For $46,000 But There’s A Catch

Exclusive: Toyota group companies plan $4.7 billion sale of Denso stake

Hybrid implementation could lure third OEM to IndyCar – Miles

2024 Toyota Camry NASCAR Cup Series Contender Gets The Road Car's New Looks

The Only New Toyota Camry That Won't Be A Hybrid Is Racing In NASCAR

New Toyota Hilux Champ – Engines and interior revealed

Valencia MotoGP Test: Joan Mir to work with ex-Marc Marquez Repsol Honda crew in 2024

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel