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What’s the Difference Between HEV and PHEV?

By Naseema Akthar
|
May 22, 2025

As hybrid technology becomes more common in the UAE, many renters and car buyers are asking: What’s the difference between an HEV and a PHEV? Whether you're renting a car for a weekend getaway or planning a long-term lease, knowing the difference can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs.

Let’s break it down.

What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?

An HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) combines a petrol engine with a small electric motor. The electric motor assists the engine during driving and charges itself automatically through regenerative braking and engine power no plugging in required.

  • No need to charge manually

  • Uses electric power at low speeds to save fuel

  • Charges the battery while you drive

  • Ideal for city driving and fuel efficiency

Popular HEV models on Ride.Rent include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and more.

What is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?

A PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) also combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, but with a key difference  you can plug it in to charge the battery, which is much larger than in a standard hybrid.

  • Drive up to 80 km on electric power alone

  • Perfect for daily commutes without using petrol

  • Switches to hybrid mode when the battery runs low

  • Can be charged using a standard wall outlet or public EV station

Ride.Rent offers advanced PHEVs like the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and more.

HEV vs. PHEV – Which One Is Right for You?

HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Range

  • 1–3 km on battery alone (in ideal conditions).

  • Why so short? HEVs have small batteries designed to assist the petrol engine, not replace it.

  • How it works: The electric motor helps with acceleration and low-speed driving (e.g., traffic jams), then the petrol engine takes over.

  • Example: A Toyota Corolla Hybrid might drive 2 km on battery at low speeds before switching to hybrid mode.

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) Range

  • 30–80 km on pure electric power (varies by model).

  • Why longer? PHEVs have larger batteries (like a mini-EV) that you can charge externally.

  • Real-world UAE examples:

    • Toyota RAV4 PHEV: 75 km (electric-only)

    • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 50 km

  • Best for: Daily commutes (e.g., Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai on battery alone).

Planning to Rent a Hybrid in the UAE?

At Ride.Rent, we make it easy to explore eco friendly driving with a range of HEV and PHEV cars available for rent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE. Whether you’re looking to save on fuel or try out the latest green technology, we’ve got you covered.

Browse our listings and choose from hybrid vehicles suited for every lifestyle from compact sedans to high performance SUVs.

Drive Smart. Drive Green. Drive with Ride.Rent.

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