The world is slowly leaving petrol and diesel behind. As manufacturers adapt to global low-emission policies and do their bit to protect the planet, the rise in fully electric and hybrid vehicles has been substantial. From BEV to PHEV to MHEV, companies like Land Rover are adopting innovative ways to keep their popular models on the road, whilst hitting self-imposed green targets and complying with national regulations.
In this edition of our blog, we look at the MHEV or mild hybrid. A vehicle that requires no charging at home or via public charging stations. Instead, it reuses energy collected through deceleration and regenerative braking. Petrol or diesel power still flows through them, and rather than the vehicle relying on its electrical power to drive it, it combines the power from the internal combustion engine with assistance from the electrical motor.
How do MHEV cars work?
Rather than focus on a fully electric, petrol or diesel engine, an MHEV combines the internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor, reducing emissions, improving fuel economy and enhancing performance.
An MHEV can’t work without the ICE and therefore cannot be driven in an “electric-only” mode. This is perhaps the largest single difference between MHEV and PHEV vehicles.
In the vast majority of cases, an MHEV doesn’t need charging at home or at a charging station. Instead, as you drive, regenerative braking transfers energy to the battery. This energy is then used to support the petrol or diesel engine, resulting in less fuel being used and an overall more cost-effective drive experience.
Most mild hybrids have a 48-volt electrical system to power parts of the vehicle that would normally use the internal combustion engine. This could include acceleration, or stopping and starting at traffic lights. By harnessing the power of the electric system, the engine works less and can operate much more efficiently.
Is an MHEV an electric car?
No, an MHEV, or Mild Hybrid Vehicle, is a combination of an internal combustion engine and electrical power. Of the variety of electrified cars on the market, this is perhaps the least electric of them all, as it still relies heavily on the ICE.
What’s the difference between an MHEV, PHEV and HEV?
The main difference is the battery size. A PHEV has the largest battery and can be driven the longest distances in all-electric mode and requires plugging in to give the battery a boost. HEVs have a slightly smaller battery and can run on electric power for short distances before needing to rely on petrol or diesel for the rest of the journey. The MHEV is then the little brother of the collective. It has the smallest battery and cannot be driven in electric-only mode.
Does the budget mean I have to pay additional tax for an MHEV?
The budget announced by Rachel Reeves in November 2025 set out new taxes for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. This change means that from 2028, drivers will be charged a rate per mile for using their electric vehicle. From April 2025, battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, lost their VED exemption, meaning that owners would have to pay £10 in the first year, then £195 each year thereafter.
MHEV owners are not affected by this change, as they are still driving what is classed as a combustion engine vehicle. This means that, for the time being, tax will apply just the same as it does to any other petrol or diesel vehicle.
What are the benefits of MHEV cars?
MHEV cars are often seen as a favourable option for those who may not want to go fully electric but want to save some money and do their part in the fight against climate change.
Low emissions
Mild Hybrids, or MHEVs, are considerably more environmentally friendly than their full petrol or diesel relatives. Whilst figures vary per model, it’s typically expected that MHEV CO2 emissions are as much as 10%-15% lower in MHEVs than they are in petrol or diesel vehicles. This results in an overall yearly reduction in fuel costs, something welcomed by many considering the current economic climate.
Improved fuel economy
With the vehicle using a degree of battery power, it doesn’t have to use as much fuel to travel the same distance. This gives you a much better fuel economy than you’d find in a car that purely uses its ICE, and as a result, you’ll make a good saving on petrol costs too.
Enhanced performance
As the internal combustion engine works alongside the electric motor, you benefit from a car with a little more power and performance than you’d find in a vehicle that relies purely on one power source.
Cheaper purchase price
Compared to fully electric and other hybrid cars, an MHEV is considerably cheaper. Whilst the variances may differ, it’s almost a guarantee that any MHEV you buy will cost you much less than its PHEV or HEV equivalent.
Available as manual or automatic
Whilst some drivers prefer an automatic and others have a penchant for manual gearboxes, the MHEV can be found with either, making it much easier for drivers with a preference for one over the other to find a more economical vehicle that delivers the same driving experience they are used to.
No need to plug in
Where PHEVs need regular charging at home or via a charging point found at various locations around the country, an MHEV doesn’t need this at all. Charging occurs through braking and deceleration, making it easy to drive for long distances without worrying about whether a charging station is nearby.
What are the disadvantages of an MHEV?
As with anything that has its pros, there will always be some negatives, and with MHEV Land Rovers, it is no different. Whilst they run more or less the same as any other vehicle, some drivers notice problems originating with the starter generator and 48-volt battery. Whilst these problems aren’t deemed common, they are more apparent in older vehicles, and especially those that have covered more than 80,000 miles.
Another potential drawback is that an MHEV doesn’t offer a full, all-electric driving experience; however, full electric models of Land Rovers are available if that is the preference.
What Land Rovers are available as MHEV?
JLR has always ensured it is at the forefront of innovation, and when it comes to combating climate change and delivering more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, it hasn’t been lagging like some brands. Within the current roster of Land Rovers and Range Rovers, you’ll find the following available as MHEV:
- Land Rover Defender
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover Sport
- Range Rover Velar
Before you head to the local dealership, though, it’s worth noting that not all trims of each model will have MHEV. It is typically found on newer models, so research your options before purchasing.
For all aspects of servicing your Land Rover MHEV, speak to our team. At RCV, we use our years of experience and vast knowledge to deliver comprehensive, thorough Land Rover servicing. With prices cheaper than those found at main dealers, and only OEM or approved genuine parts used, you remain in good hands today and in the future. Contact us today to find out more.