What is a mild hybrid vehicle?

A mild hybrid (MHEV, or mild hybrid electric vehicle) is a type of hybrid vehicle that uses a small electric motor and battery to assist an internal combustion engine (ICE). For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as power-assist hybrids.

Unlike a traditional full hybrid, the electric motor in an MHEV cannot power the vehicle independently. Instead, it provides supplementary power during acceleration and other periods of high engine load, improving fuel economy. The system typically incorporates regenerative braking, which recovers energy during deceleration and reduces wear on the vehicle’s brakes.