Unlike plug-in hybrids (PHEV) or electric cars, hybrid cars – sometimes called 'self-charging' hybrids – don't need plugging in to keep their batteries topped up. The trade-off is that ...

The Renault Clio hybrid is a relatively recent arrival ... its time with the engine turned off in towns and cities. The term ‘self-charging hybrid’ is controversial among electric car evangelists, ...

The technology is termed ‘self-charging hybrid’ by Toyota, and is a great hands-off solution ... further appeal to Toyota’s increasingly popular fuel-saving small car. Renault has developed a clever ...

Now, there’s an interesting solution from Horse Powertrain, a company that’s jointly owned by Renault ... charging booster, so engineers’ imaginations can run wild with this thing. In theory ...

The new car is available only with hybrid powertrains, either self-charging or plug-in, and whichever you pick there’s a decent trade-off between performance and efficiency for such a large vehicle.