A hybrid for all occasions.
The Hyundai Hybrid range gives you electric when you want it, and petrol power when you need it.
Plus enjoy even more peace of mind with best-in-class advanced driver-assistance systems and an active safety package with a range of innovative tech features.
Enjoy your favourite Hyundai SUVs now in hybrid.
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Hybrid Vehicles
Using both electric and petrol motors, hybrid cars get you further on your fuel.
Hybrids enjoy similar performance to a standard petrol vehicle, with much lower petrol consumption. There’s no need to plug a hybrid in, as regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine keep the battery charged while you drive.
Plug-in Hybrids
Switch between electric and petrol with the press of a button in a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Charge your battery at home and zip around the city quietly, or kick into hybrid mode for longer trips.
A PHEV combines the simple charging of a full EV with the versatility and range of a hybrid, with fewer emissions than a standard hybrid.
Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid FAQs
What is a hybrid?
Hybrids are vehicles that simply rely on two different power sources for motion. They have an electric motor and a petrol engine. They use the electric motor to drive the vehicle, whilst the petrol engine supplies power to the electric motor when needed and supports a generator to charge the hybrid battery. The goal of a hybrid is to use the electric portion of the drivetrain as much as possible without compromising performance.
Do hybrids need to be charged?
Conventional hybrid vehicles do not need to be charged as the battery is charged by a combination of the combustion engine and brake regeneration.
It is recommended however, when convenient, to charge Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) as these models utilise a larger battery and more powerful electric motor than regular hybrid models. This enables significant distances to be covered purely on battery power alone, therefore helping reduce running costs and emissions.
It is recommended however, when convenient, to charge Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) as these models utilise a larger battery and more powerful electric motor than regular hybrid models. This enables significant distances to be covered purely on battery power alone, therefore helping reduce running costs and emissions.
How are hybrids different from electric vehicles?
An electric car runs exclusively on electric energy stored in a battery, while a hybrid car runs on a combination of electricity and conventional fuel.
Are all hybrid vehicles the same?
There are three common types of Hybrids.
• A full hybrid can run on just the combustion engine (i.e. diesel/petrol), the electric engine (i.e. power from batteries), or a combination. A full hybrid is not plugged in to recharge; the battery is recharged by running the combustion engine.
• A mild hybrid has an electric motor and combustion engine which always work together. Mild hybrids cannot run in just electric or just combustion engine mode; the engines/motors always work in parallel.
• A plug-in hybrid, as the name suggests, requires plugging into the mains in order to fully recharge its battery. PHEVs can be run in just electric mode.
• A full hybrid can run on just the combustion engine (i.e. diesel/petrol), the electric engine (i.e. power from batteries), or a combination. A full hybrid is not plugged in to recharge; the battery is recharged by running the combustion engine.
• A mild hybrid has an electric motor and combustion engine which always work together. Mild hybrids cannot run in just electric or just combustion engine mode; the engines/motors always work in parallel.
• A plug-in hybrid, as the name suggests, requires plugging into the mains in order to fully recharge its battery. PHEVs can be run in just electric mode.
Is it true hybrids are self-charging?
No. This is a common misconception.
How does a hybrid work?
A hybrid vehicle uses a battery to power its wheels when there is enough charge. The vehicle will then use the engine to supplement the battery when required. The hybrid system uses regenerative braking to improve overall efficiency.
What is regenerative braking?
A Regenerative Brake system allows the vehicle to charge its battery during driving. To decelerate, there’s a need to consume the kinetic energy of the vehicle. ICE vehicles do this by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy by using a friction brake. However, in a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor – which also plays the role of a generator – converts the kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. The energy that was wasted in the ICE vehicles have recovered and can be used for later driving. This is used in hybrids and EVs.
What are some benefits of hybrid vehicles?
Improvement of fuel efficiency and no need to charge the battery is the biggest strength of hybrid vehicles. Plus, it emits a lot less CO2 compared to ICE Vehicles.
What are Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles?
Unlike hybrid vehicles, a plug-in hybrid is a hybrid vehicle that you charge by plugging into a source of electricity. It uses batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine. You can switch between electric and petrol with the press of a button in a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Charge your battery at home and zip around the city quietly, or kick into hybrid mode for longer trips.
Why do PHEVs need an external source of electricity?
Just like hybrid vehicles and other electric vehicles, the regenerative brake system charges the battery to a certain extent, and the electric motor and engine work together when a large amount of power is needed.
What are the benefits of a PHEV?
Because PHEV can drive a certain distance on EV mode, it can provide significant benefits depending on how it is used. For instance, when commuting to and from the office, it’s possible to save on fuel and reduce emissions by operating the vehicle in EV mode. But say, you need to travel long distances on weekends. In this case, by using the engine appropriately in hybrid mode, you will be able to drive long distances without worrying about battery charging. In sum, you can enjoy both benefits of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
How long does it take to charge a PHEV?
This depends on charger and vehicle but can take as little as a few hours.
Choose your hybrid or plug-in hybrid
KONA Hybrid
Developed to reduce fuel consumption without compromising on fun, the new Kona Hybrid delivers a combined output of 104 kW of power and 265 Nm of maximum torque.
TUCSON Hybrid & PHEV
The all-new Tucson Hybrid range brings you a new version of an already outstanding SUV. The Hybrid powertrain gives you electric when you want it, and petrol power when you need it, thanks to a 1.6L turbocharged engine.
SANTA FE Hybrid & PHEV
Featuring a dynamic new range of hybrid powertrains and redesigned from the ground up – New Zealand's favourite family SUV now gives you more space and style, while taking you further per litre of petrol.