The electric car segment continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of today’s drivers.
As a result, more and more vehicle types with electric components are emerging. Among them is the Mild Hybrid format, which you can also find at Astara.
At Astara, you can purchase a Mild Hybrid car from your preferred brand and enjoy the advantages of this type of vehicle, which sits somewhere between traditional combustion engine cars and fully electric vehicles.
What is a Mild Hybrid car?
The term Mild Hybrid isn’t the only one associated with these vehicles. They are also referred to as Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or MHEVs.
If translated, the most accurate term would be micro-hybrid car, which gives a clearer idea of what these vehicles are.
They also go by other names: semi-hybrid, light hybrid, or even soft hybrid.
As the name suggests, a Mild Hybrid car combines a traditional internal combustion engine with a smaller electric system (compared to hybrids or full electric cars).
The main function of the electric system is to assist the combustion engine in specific situations, primarily to improve efficiency and offer other benefits.
How does a Mild Hybrid vehicle work?
The concept of an MHEV might seem a bit vague at first—it’s an electric system that supports a combustion engine. But in what situations?
Mainly during engine start-up. For example, when driving in an urban area and stopping at a red light, the start-stop system automatically shuts down the engine to save fuel and reduce emissions.
When the light turns green and you move off again, the electric system powers the initial movement instead of the combustion engine.
Another scenario is acceleration. Here, the small electric motor provides an extra boost to the combustion engine, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
To achieve this, the electric system in Mild Hybrid cars includes a small electric motor or generator, a battery, and a power converter.
Advantages of a Mild Hybrid vehicle
Mild Hybrid cars represent an attractive option for many drivers, offering an ideal combination of features to enhance the traditional combustion engine experience.
Some key advantages that might motivate you to choose an MHEV include:
Improved engine efficiency, thanks to electric support during key moments like starting and accelerating.
Notable fuel savings over time, reducing refueling costs and increasing overall vehicle range.
A more sustainable alternative to traditional combustion vehicles, by reducing pollutant emissions.
Mild Hybrid cars receive the ECO label from Spain’s DGT, which provides benefits like driving and parking advantages in major cities.
Compared to Full Hybrids, Mild Hybrid vehicles are more affordable.
The Mild Hybrid system is relatively small, especially when compared to full hybrid or electric car batteries, saving valuable space.
Versatility: you can choose between gasoline or diesel Mild Hybrid, depending on your driving preferences.
Differences between Mild Hybrid and Full Hybrid cars
We’ve already mentioned some differences between Mild Hybrid and Full Hybrid vehicles. At Astara, we offer you the chance to find and finance the vehicle that suits you best, including the engine type that fits your lifestyle.
To make an informed decision, it’s not just important to compare Mild Hybrids with traditional combustion cars (where the benefits are clear), but also with other types within the hybrid segment.
A Full Hybrid car (or simply Hybrid) has an electric motor powerful enough to drive the car on its own, independently of the combustion engine, for certain periods.
This implies a different powertrain system that brings several differences compared to Mild Hybrids:
The electric system in a Mild Hybrid supports the combustion engine in specific situations. In contrast, a Full Hybrid can operate without using fuel for short distances.
Both systems recover energy during acceleration or braking, but Mild Hybrids need to store much less energy than Full Hybrids, which have larger battery capacity.
Larger batteries mean more space usage. Full Hybrid vehicles typically offer less trunk space than Mild Hybrids.
Mild Hybrids are generally more affordable than Full Hybrids.
Is a Mild Hybrid right for me?
When choosing between a Mild Hybrid and a Full Hybrid, it’s important to evaluate your personal needs.
Your budget might influence your final decision, but at Astara, we can help you find the best financing option, tailored to your preferences, along with personalized guidance every step of the way.
Compared to combustion engine cars, if you want to take your first step into the electric segment, a MHEV is a great starting point. You’ll quickly notice the fuel consumption benefits and start getting used to how electric systems assist in starting and accelerating.