What is a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars (HEV) are often referred as self-charging hybrid cars. They combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery to power the car. A Hybrid electric vehicle can't be plugged in to charge. Instead, the battery charges in decelerating, stopping or coasting phases.

How do Hybrid cars work?

It's simple really. Along with a petrol or diesel engine, hybrid cars (HEV) have an electric motor powered by a small but effective battery. The electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle assists the engine for improved fuel efficiency.

What's it like to drive a Hybrid car?

A hybrid drives like a traditional combustion engine car but with a few bonuses. It’s a lot quieter for a start and you systematically benefit from the convenience of clutch-less drive with either an automatic or dual-clutch auto transmission.

What does Hybrid mean?

A hybrid electric vehicle combines two different types of power: electricity and petrol. Hybrid cars regenerate energy through the braking system to power the battery. The engine and battery tend to help each other out. They can work together or separately.

What are E-Hybrid cars?

E-Hybrid cars are plug-in hybrid vehicles. We don't use this terminology in our range of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Electric & Hybrid Start your electric adventure

Model Shown: Kia Sportage

Hybrid Cars

Charge as you drive. Sophisticated electric motoring by Kia.

Get an electric power boost without the need to plug-in and charge with a self-charging hybrid from Kia at Sutton Park Kia. Regenerate the battery on the move with these models from Coventry and Sutton Coldfield and enjoy economic, fuel efficient motoring.

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All-New Niro HEV

Discover the All-New Kia Niro HEV with self charging hybrid technology.

from £30,085
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Kia Sorento

Discover the Kia Sorento with self charging hybrid technology.

from £45,080
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Sportage

Discover the Kia Sportage with self charging hybrid technology.

from £29,390
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Take the lead. Drive electrified.

Hybrid to cope with every eventuality. Since launching our Optima hybrid in 2011, we have developed a range of outstanding hybrid vehicles that stand out for their efficiency, appeal and quality. More than a flexible technology, this is a range honed to give you room for inspiration.

How a Hybrid car works

A Self-Charging Hybrid car uses a combination of electric power and a conventional combustion engine to deliver remarkable fuel economy, seamless power and lower emissions.

• Hybrids have a battery and engine that support each other when needed.

• There is no need to charge the battery from an external source.

• The battery charges when decelerating or going downhill.

• Hybrids can operate in electric-only mode when at a standstill, at low, constant speed or when decelerating.
Reasons to drive a Kia Hybrid car

There are many substantial benefits to owning a Self-Charging Hybrid car.
Lower emissions

Because the electric motor assists with acceleration there is less strain on the engine which helps lower emissions. The electric motor can also take over at low speeds - in stop/start traffic for example. That means the engine isn’t running for as long, so cleaner air for everybody.
Reduced running costs

The seamless coordination of the engine and battery not only provides power but also efficient use of fuel. Using less fuel is not only good for the environment it’s also good for your finances! Improved fuel economy means less money spent on fuel, and less time wasted at the pumps.
Doesn’t require you to make any changes

Not sure about a plug-in vehicle, or don’t have the option of a home charge point? Then a hybrid car might be for you, as you use it like a conventional car. Clever electronics take care of how the energy is used, all you have to worry about is keeping it topped up with petrol.
Relaxing drive

The assistance from the electric motor means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard and that makes for a quieter journey. The added torque also means effortless acceleration for a more relaxing driving experience. Enjoy the performance of two combined power sources funnelled through an automatic or dual-clutch gearbox. The system automatically changes gears swiftly and seamlessly for maximum driving enjoyment.
How does a Self-Charging Hybrid work?

In terms of how you use it, a self-charging hybrid car works just like a conventional car, there is no need to plug in, simply fill up with petrol at the pumps, and off you go! So what does hybrid mean? It’s pretty simple, along with a petrol or diesel engine, hybrid cars also have an electric motor that is powered by a small battery. The aim of the electric motor is to assist the engine and occasionally drive very short distances on battery power as opposed to driving long distances on battery power alone as a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric vehicle would.

The battery is charged by recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted when slowing down for example. The battery then feeds this energy to the electric motor to help with acceleration or to drive the car at low speeds. This means lower emissions, better fuel economy and more money to spend on the things you enjoy. Great!
What is it like to drive a self-charging hybrid car?

Very similar to driving a conventional car, but with a few bonuses. The best part is that the car’s clever systems decide how to use the battery and electric motor in the most efficient way possible. You just need to drive as you normally would, while enjoying improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

If you want to have more of a say, you can change driving modes to encourage the car to focus on economy, or if you want a more dynamic drive, you can switch Sport mode. You will also notice that the car is quieter, particularly around town, thanks to the assistance from the electric motor.