What's the difference between a 'classic' hybrid and an MHEV or plug-in hybrid?

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The big difference is the battery capacity. The battery of a 'classic' hybrid car called 'full hybrid' has a capacity of approximately 1.2 kWh while the battery of a rechargeable hybrid car (PHEV or Plug-in) has a capacity of approximately 9.8 kWh. This allows the plug-in hybrid car to drive a longer distance in 100% electric mode than the ‘classic’ hybrid car.

Hybrid cars use two motors: a combustion engine and an electric one.

CLASSIC HYBRID

In the case of a ‘classic’ hybrid car, the two motors work together like a dynamo thanks to two different energy sources. Both motors put their power to work when the car accelerates. When the vehicle is running at full throttle, the highly stressed internal combustion engine is assisted by the electric motor. When the car decelerates, the electric motor takes over while recharging its battery using the kinetic energy captured. With a ‘classic’ hybrid car, there is no need to recharge the vehicle, you fill up with fuel as usual, and you are ready to hit the road.

Benefits

Lower consumption and CO2 emissions, compared to a thermal equivalent (gasoline).
No need to recharge at an electric terminal.
80% of travel time in town in “all electric”.
Automatic transmission.
Softness/ease of use in the transition between electrical and thermal energy.
Energy recovery during braking, in particular with “Brake” mode.

Disadvantages

Smaller trunk size.

MILD HYBRID (MHEV)

In the case of a mild hybrid (MHEV), the system combines a combustion engine with an electric motor, but in a way that differs from traditional hybrids. The electric motor cannot propel the vehicle alone; it assists the combustion engine by providing additional torque during acceleration. When the car is cruising at a constant speed or decelerating, the combustion engine operates as usual, but the electric motor can recover some of the energy generated to recharge its small battery. This system improves energy efficiency without requiring external charging, as the battery automatically recharges using kinetic energy recovered during braking.

Advantages

Reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (gasoline).
No need to charge at an electric station, as the system recovers energy during braking and utilizes energy generated by the combustion engine.
Acceleration assistance: the electric motor provides additional torque for more responsive driving.
Smooth driving experience thanks to the seamless transition between electric and combustion modes.
Energy recovery during braking, which contributes to the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
Automatic transmission for optimal driving comfort.

Disadvantages

Limited battery capacity: the electric motor cannot propel the vehicle alone, which limits energy savings in electric mode.
Additional weight: the integration of the electrical system can add weight, which may slightly influence performance.

PLUG-IN HYBRID

A plug-in hybrid car, however, has a more powerful electric motor, a larger capacity battery and above all an external charging socket. These characteristics allow it to drive at higher speeds, over greater distances in 100% electric mode, and to choose the origin of the electricity consumed. On board, the driver can select an all-electric or hybrid driving mode via a simple command. When the battery is empty, the thermal automatically takes over. This can even be chosen to preserve the battery charge in order to switch to electric driving at the chosen time. It is important to plug your car in every day in order to recharge it and to be able to take full advantage of all its advantages, because its weight is, on the other hand, more substantial. Therefore, without recharging, fuel consumption can become excessive, by only using the internal combustion engine.