Electrified cars come in four main types. A mild hybrid uses a small electric motor to assist the engine but can’t drive on electricity alone. A full hybrid (like the Toyota Prius) can drive short distances at low speed on electric power and recharges itself. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a larger battery you charge from the grid, giving tens of miles of electric driving before the engine takes over. A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has no engine at all and runs entirely on electricity. Luxury brands now offer all four — the Mercedes-Benz S-Class alone spans mild hybrid and plug-in versions, with the electric EQS alongside.

Side by side

Mild hybrid Full hybrid Plug-in hybrid Battery-electric
Plug in? No No Yes Yes
Electric-only driving No Short, low-speed Many miles Always
Gasoline engine Yes Yes Yes No
Typical battery Very small Small Medium Large
Examples Mercedes S 500, S 580 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Prius Mercedes S 580e, Range Rover PHEV Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, Escalade IQ

Mild hybrids

A 48-volt starter-generator smooths stop-start, recovers braking energy and adds a little torque. Read 48-volt mild hybrids explained.

Full hybrids

Full hybrids like the Prius, launched in Japan in 1997 and in the U.S. in 2000, combine a gasoline engine and electric motor with a battery charged through braking and the engine. They excel in stop-and-go traffic, which is why hybrid sedans became a staple of New York’s taxi and ride-hail fleets.

Plug-in hybrids

PHEVs can cover many daily trips on electricity — silent and emission-free locally — and switch to hybrid mode for long journeys, avoiding range anxiety. The catch: they must be plugged in regularly to deliver their benefits.

Battery-electric vehicles

BEVs offer the smoothest, quietest drive and zero tailpipe emissions, but require charging planning on long trips, especially in winter. Read EV range in winter and regenerative braking explained.

Charging basics

  • Level 1 (120V household outlet): slow; suits PHEVs overnight.
  • Level 2 (240V): the home and workplace standard.
  • DC fast charging: adds large amounts of range in under an hour on long trips.

For chauffeured transportation

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids suit city work; BEVs are ideal when charging fits the schedule. Read electric vs gas luxury cars and sustainability in chauffeur services.