Petrol, hybrid, electric:
a plain-language guide to car engine types
Petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in, fully electric, hydrogen… These words are everywhere, but they simply describe how your car moves. You don't need to be an engineer to understand them. Here are the clear explanations you deserve.
The petrol or diesel car (combustion engine)
The car you've probably known your whole life
How does it work?
A engine burns petrol or diesel to produce mechanical energy that moves the car. Everything comes from the fuel you put in at the pump. Nothing else.
Strengths
- ✓Fuel stations everywhere in Belgium and across Europe
- ✓Full tank in 5 minutes
- ✓Long range (600 to 900 km depending on the model)
- ✓Well-established network of garages and mechanics
Weaknesses
- ✗Expensive fuel with volatile prices
- ✗Significant CO₂ emissions
- ✗Belgian tax system becoming increasingly unfavourable (deductibility → 0% by 2028)
Long-distance motorway drivers, people living in areas with few charging points, or those whose budget doesn't yet allow a switch to electric.
The mild hybrid (light electric assistance)
A petrol car with a small electric boost
How does it work?
A small electric motor (often 48 volts) assists the combustion engine at start-up and during acceleration. It recovers energy during braking to recharge a tiny battery. But note: you cannot drive in 100% electric mode, even for a few metres.
Strengths
- ✓Slightly less fuel consumption than a pure petrol car (3–10% depending on use)
- ✓No need to plug in
- ✓Purchase price close to a conventional petrol car
Weaknesses
- ✗Very limited environmental benefit
- ✗Still 100% dependent on fuel
- ✗Little or no additional tax advantages
Those who want a slight modernisation without changing their driving habits or installing a home charger.
The full hybrid (self-charging, no plug needed)
A dual-motor car that charges itself while you drive
How does it work?
It combines a combustion engine with an electric motor. The small battery recharges automatically through braking and the combustion engine while driving — no plug required. However, the electric-only range is very short, typically 2 to 5 km at low speed.
Strengths
- ✓Economical in the city thanks to frequent stops and starts
- ✓No need to plug in — nothing to install at home
- ✓Smooth, quiet start-up
Weaknesses
- ✗Very short electric-only range (just 2–5 km)
- ✗Still needs fuel for normal driving
- ✗Less suited to long motorway journeys
Drivers who do a lot of short urban trips and don't want to worry about charging their car.
The plug-in hybrid (charges from a socket)
The best of both worlds… if you actually charge it
How does it work?
Like a full hybrid but with a much larger battery that you can charge from a home socket or charging point. It can drive in 100% electric mode for 30 to 80 km depending on the model, then automatically switches to the combustion engine for longer journeys.
⚠️ Warning: a plug-in hybrid that is never charged is simply a heavy, expensive petrol car. Its entire value relies on regular charging.
Strengths
- ✓Short daily commutes can be done fully electrically (no fuel used)
- ✓Reassuring full range for long trips thanks to the combustion engine
- ✓50% deductibility in 2026 for vehicles acquired before January 2026
Weaknesses
- ✗If you never charge it, it consumes as much fuel (or more) as a regular car
- ✗Requires a socket or charging point to deliver real benefits
- ✗Deductibility: 50% in 2026, 25% in 2027, 0% from 2028 — and immediately 0% for any PHEV purchased from January 2026
Those with a short daily commute (under 50 km), easy access to a socket at home or at work, who occasionally take long trips.
The fully electric car (battery only)
Zero fuel — electricity only
How does it work?
One or more electric motors are powered by a large on-board battery. There is no combustion engine at all. You recharge the battery at a home socket (slow), a standard charging point (1–8 hours) or a fast charger (20–45 minutes for 80%).
Strengths
- ✓Very low running cost per kilometre (electricity is far cheaper than fuel)
- ✓Zero local CO₂ or fine particle emissions
- ✓Very favourable tax treatment in Belgium: 100% deductibility, lowest BIK values
- ✓Simpler maintenance: no engine oil, no timing belt, no clutch
Weaknesses
- ✗Charging takes time (plan ahead on long trips)
- ✗Charging network still developing, especially in some rural areas
- ✗Higher purchase price than an equivalent petrol car (gradually falling)
Drivers with home charging access, reasonable daily distances, and especially as a company car where Belgian tax advantages are very significant.
The hydrogen car (fuel cell)
The technology of the future… still waiting to take off
How does it work?
Hydrogen gas stored in a tank is converted into electricity by a fuel cell. That electricity then powers an electric motor. The only by-product is water vapour — completely harmless.
Strengths
- ✓Ultra-fast refuelling: 5 minutes, just like a petrol pump
- ✓Long range (500–700 km)
- ✓Zero polluting emissions
Weaknesses
- ✗Hydrogen stations extremely rare in Belgium (fewer than ten)
- ✗Very high purchase price
- ✗Technology still immature for private buyers
Almost no one for private use at the moment. Hydrogen technology is developing mainly for lorries, buses and trains.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Type | Plug needed? | Electric range | Fuel | Belgian tax 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol/Diesel | No | 0 km | Yes | Unfavourable |
| Mild hybrid | No | 0 km | Yes | Neutral |
| Full hybrid | No | 2–5 km | Yes | Neutral |
| Plug-in hybrid | Recommended | 30–80 km | Yes (backup) | Favourable (until 2027) |
| Fully electric | Yes | 300–700 km | No | Very favourable |
| Hydrogen | H₂ station | 500–700 km | No | N/A |
Calculate the real cost of each engine type
Our TCO comparator lets you simulate the total cost over 3, 5 or 7 years — purchase, fuel, tax and maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A full hybrid charges itself while driving and can only run on electricity for 2–5 km. A plug-in hybrid has a much larger battery that you charge from a socket, allowing 30–80 km of electric driving. If you never charge it, it behaves like a regular petrol car.
Is it really cheaper to run an electric car?
Generally yes: the cost of electricity per kilometre is three to five times lower than petrol or diesel. But it depends on your electricity tariff, how you charge (at home, on a public point or a fast charger) and your driving profile.
Is a mild hybrid really different from a regular car?
Very little in practice. It uses slightly less fuel thanks to light electric assistance, but you cannot drive in pure electric mode. It's a marginal improvement over a conventional engine.
Why are plug-in hybrid tax benefits changing in Belgium?
Belgium wants to encourage a shift to fully electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids previously enjoyed significant tax advantages, but these are being phased out: 75% deductibility in 2026, less in 2027, and 0% in 2028 for new purchases.