What Is a Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

Toyota has revolutionised the hybrid car market for over 25 years, and today nearly every model in the range is available with a hybrid option. There are two main types: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), often called self-charging hybrids, which recharge their battery as you drive with no need to plug in, and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), which have a larger battery that can be charged from the mains or a public charger to give longer all-electric driving before the petrol engine steps in. More than 15 million drivers worldwide now enjoy Toyota hybrids for lower running costs, reduced emissions, and a smooth driving experience

How does a Self-charging Hybrid
Electric Vehicle work?

How does a Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle work?

Which Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle is Right for You?

Toyota Hybrid Cars

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Best for drivers who want a simple, no-hassle way to cut running costs.

No need to plug in. The battery recharges as you drive.

Seamless switching between petrol and electric power.

Ideal for town and city driving with frequent stop-start traffic.

Proven Toyota reliability with up to 15 years of Toyota Hybrid Battery Cover*.

*T&Cs apply. See Toyota UK for more information. Click Here

Toyota Hybrid Cars

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

Ideal if you want to enjoy electric driving without the commitment of going fully electric.

Larger battery for longer EV-only range (30 to 50 miles depending on model).

Can be charged at home or using public charge points.

Very low running costs, depending on charging habits.

Lower running costs compared to a petrol or diesel car of the same size.

Models Available

At Lindop Used Cars, you’ll find a range of Toyota Hybrid Electric models to suit every lifestyle

FAQ

Hybrid Electric

No! The great thing about Toyota hybrids, is that there is no need to plug-in. Simply fuel your hybrid as normal at a service station, with no plugging-in required.

If you are not quite ready to make the move to a plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicle yet, a Toyota Hybrid can be a fantastic choice for you. 

We also have a range of plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to explore if you do want to take the next step towards electric.

Toyota hybrids can save you money by using less fuel through the use of the electric motor.

Not only can you save fuel, Toyota hybrids are more affordable to service than you may think. With parts like brake pads wearing less, as well as convenient service plans, service costs are no more expensive than a conventional car.

Explore servicing

As part of a Toyota Hybrid Service, your vehicle’s hybrid system and hybrid battery will be checked by Toyota technicians to ensure it is in top condition.

Having this carried out annually will mean your Toyota is eligible for a further 1 year/10,000 miles (whichever is soonest) of Hybrid Battery Extended Cover, up to a total of 15 years.

Explore servicing

As with most cars, a Toyota hybrid should be serviced every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes sooner.

Every new Toyota comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty followed by a 12 months / 10,000 miles additional warranty, with every qualifying service. Up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Terms and conditions apply

To keep your Toyota in the best condition, and help you spread the cost of servicing, we offer fixed price service plans.

Explore service plans

Yes! All Toyota hybrids are automatic, so you can benefit from a smooth drive.

Why not experience hybrid for yourself and take a test drive at your local dealer.

Book a test drive

We offer a wide range of hybrid cars, so you are sure to find one that will suit your lifestyle. Answer a few simple questions to find the right car for you.

Help me choose

Yes! Toyota hybrids are built to last, and when you buy an Approved Used Toyota, there are a number of benefits.

From comprehensive technical checks, to a minimum of a 12-month warranty, we can help you find the perfect used hybrid to suit your needs.

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Plug-in Hybrid Electric

Both types of vehicle switch seamlessly between two power sources, an efficient petrol engine and a self-charging hybrid battery. Plug-in Hybrid vehicles feature a higher capacity battery to deliver greater electric performance when fully charged.

Charging a plug-in hybrid is simple and means that you can travel further in electric mode. You can plug in to a dedicated wallbox which can be fitted at home, such as Toyota HomeCharge, or even through a domestic socket.

When you buy a Toyota plug-in hybrid, you will receive two cables:

  • 3 Pin Plug cable this is used for slow charging with a domestic 3 pin plug.
  • 32A Type A Mennekes cable this is used for fast charging at home with a dedicated EV charger or when you are using a public fast charger, commonly found in workplaces and carparks.

Find out more about charging

Most plug-in hybrid customers choose to charge at home for convenience. You can charge through a dedicated EV charger such as Toyota HomeCharge, or even through a domestic plug (although this is slower). Depending on your energy tariff, you may even benefit from lower energy costs if you charge your car overnight.

If you want to charge away from home, fast EV chargers can be found at a growing number of workplaces, and carparks.

Explore home charging

Explore public charging

The electric range of a Plug-in Hybrid depends on the model, a Prius Plug-in can travel in pure-electric mode for up to 53 miles* when fully charged. If travelling for longer distances and its battery runs out of charge, your vehicle switches back to operating as a Hybrid car, combining petrol and regenerated battery power to finish your journey.

Find out more about range

Frequency of charging

Charging every day will help you to get the best electric capability of your car.

Driving style

Just like any other car, your driving style impacts the range of your car. Drive your plug-in hybrid smoothly at a moderate speed, and where possible avoid fast acceleration and hard braking to benefit from maximum range efficiency.

Regenerative Braking

Capturing the kinetic energy from braking recharges the battery and intuitively slows the car whenever you lift off the accelerator.

Outside temperature

Be aware that the weather can affect the range of your vehicle and it may need charging more often in cold temperatures.

Find out more about range

Download the MyToyota app to benefit from connected services such as:

  • Checking the status of the battery and current driving range
  • Programming charging times
  • Pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin, so you start your journey at the perfect temperature

Explore the MyToyota app