What is a self-charging hybrid?

A self-charging hybrid, otherwise known as a full hybrid, is a car that uses an engine plus an electric motor and battery, but doesn't need to be plugged in. The name was coined by Toyota, and highlights the fact that the battery is topped up by the petrol engine and by harvesting energy that would be lost in braking. You still need to put fuel in the car, though. Self-charging hybrids are particularly economical around town, where the electric parts are doing a lot of the work. Popular examples of self-charging hybrids include the Toyota Yaris and Corolla, the Hyundai Tucson hybrid, and the Renault Clio E-Tech.