BEV versus Hybrid
BEV, PHEV or HEV? Your Friendly Guide to Electrified Car
Choosing your next car isn’t just about colour, comfort and cost anymore — it’s about understanding a whole new world of technology. And with terms like BEV, PHEV and HEV being thrown around, it can feel a little like learning a new language.
Don’t worry — we’re here to make it simple, clear and maybe even a little fun, so you can find the right electrified car for you.
BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle
What It Is
A car powered entirely by electricity, with no petrol or diesel engine.
How It Works
Electric motors run from a large rechargeable battery. Charge at home, work, or public charge points.
Why It’s Worth It
Zero emissions, low running costs, smooth and quiet driving experience.
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
What It Is
A hybrid car with both a petrol/diesel engine and a larger rechargeable battery you can plug in.
How It Works
Drives on electric power alone for short trips, then switches seamlessly to petrol/diesel for longer journeys.
Why It’s Worth It
Lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and flexibility for both short and long drives.
MHEV – Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle
What It Is
A petrol/diesel car supported by a small electric motor for extra efficiency.
How It Works
The motor assists the engine during acceleration and captures energy through regenerative braking. No need to plug in.
Why It’s Worth It
Better fuel economy, lower emissions, and a smooth, effortless drive – without changing your driving habits.
BEV, PHEV or HEV? A Simple Guide to Electrified Cars
Picking a new car can feel like a maze of costs, features, trims and tech. And just when you think you’ve got your head around the choices… in come new acronyms like BEV, PHEV, and HEV.
But don’t worry—we’re here to make sense of it all and help you find the right option for how you drive.
Let’s break down the three main types of electrified cars and help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.
What Is a Hybrid (HEV)?
A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) blends a traditional petrol engine with a small electric motor and battery. You don’t plug it in—it charges itself through regenerative braking, capturing energy when you slow down.
That energy helps the car accelerate more efficiently and gives the petrol engine a boost—making it livelier and more economical.
- Uses less fuel than a standard petrol
- No charging required
- Feels just like driving a petrol car, only smoother and more efficient
Example MG models with HEV tech:
MG3 Hybrid+, MG ZS Hybrid+, MG HS Hybrid+
What Is a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)?
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) works much like a hybrid but with a larger battery that you can top up by plugging in at home or work.
That means you can drive on electric power alone for a significant distance—ideal for short commutes or errands.
For example, the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 75 miles on pure electric power. Most of us drive less than 20 miles a day, so you could do most journeys without using a drop of fuel.
And for longer trips? The petrol engine kicks in seamlessly.
- Great for short daily drives in electric mode
- No range anxiety—petrol engine always available
- Low company car tax (just 6% BIK in 2025/26)
- More efficient if you plug it in regularly
What Is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)?
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is fully electric—no petrol engine, no emissions, and no fuel stops.
You charge it from the grid (at home, work, or public chargers), and it runs entirely on electricity. That means zero tailpipe emissions, almost silent driving, and impressively low running costs.
Example: An MG5 EV charged at home on an off-peak tariff could cost just £1 to drive 57 miles—around a quarter of the cost of petrol or diesel.
- Zero emissions
- No engine, no fuel, less maintenance
- Quiet, quick and calm to drive
- Cheapest to run (especially if charging at home)
So, Which One’s Right for You?
Every type of electrified car has its place - your choice depends on how and where you drive.
HEV: Hybrid
Great if you:
- Want a simple switch from petrol/diesel
- Don’t want to worry about charging
- Do longer journeys where range matters
- Just want better fuel economy, hassle-free
PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid
Ideal if you:
- Want low tax and high efficiency
- Can charge at home or work
- Want electric driving for short trips, but the flexibility of petrol
- Don’t mind plugging in to get the cost benefits
BEV: Pure Electric
Perfect if you:
- Have access to charging at home
- Want the lowest running costs
- Rarely do very long trips, or are happy to stop for a 30-minute top-up on occasion
- Are a company car driver looking to save thousands in tax
What About Cost?
Yes, electric cars can cost more upfront—but it’s not always what you think:
• MG’s EV range (like the MG4 EV or MG5 EV) is competitively priced—often cheaper than petrol rivals from other brands.
• The MG ZS Hybrid+ offers up to 55.4 mpg and a range of nearly 500 miles between fill-ups.
• Plug-in hybrids, when charged regularly, offer huge fuel savings.
• And pure electric cars can work out cheaper overall when you factor in fuel, maintenance, and tax savings.
Electric cars are also getting cheaper to run by the day. Charging is faster, infrastructure is growing, and with smart tariffs, home electricity is significantly cheaper than fuel—especially if you charge overnight.
Final Thoughts: It All Comes Down to You
Choosing between a HEV, PHEV or BEV depends on:
• How far you drive
• Where you drive
• Whether you can charge easily
• And how important running costs and emissions are to you
Whichever route you take—whether it’s the easy-to-drive hybrid, the flexible plug-in, or the fully electric experience—there’s an MG that fits.
Need Help Deciding?
Speak to our EV team for personalised advice
Your next car could be cleaner, cheaper to run, and better for the planet. Let’s find it together.