MHEV
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Automotive
| Stands for | Mild hybrid electric vehicle |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
MHEV stands for Mild hybrid electric vehicle, an automotive abbreviation also used in science.
Hybrid system, usually 48-volt, that uses a small motor-generator to assist the engine, restart it smoothly in stop-start traffic and recover braking energy, but cannot drive the car on electricity alone. MHEVs improve fuel economy by roughly 5 to 15 percent.
Example: The badge says hybrid, but it's an MHEV, so don't expect electric-only driving.
Usage notes
Mild hybrids are cheaper than full hybrids and easy to add to existing engines, which is why many European and luxury brands adopted them in the late 2010s. The system usually replaces the starter and alternator with a belt-driven starter-generator. Consumer groups warn that "hybrid" labels on MHEVs can mislead buyers.
Related abbreviations
More automotive abbreviations
- LSD – Limited-slip differential
- LT – Light truck
- LWB – Long wheelbase
- M+S – Mud and snow
- MAF – Mass airflow sensor
- MAP – Manifold absolute pressure
- MIL – Malfunction indicator lamp
- MPG – Miles per gallon
- MPGe – Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent
- MPI – Multipoint injection
- MPV – Multi-purpose vehicle
- MSRP – Manufacturer's suggested retail price