What is the difference between an electric car, a plug-in hybrid and a mild hybrid?

An electric car is powered solely by electricity and is charged via the power grid, without a petrol engine. A plug-in hybrid, or plug-in hybrid, has both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine and can be driven for a short distance on electricity alone. When the battery is empty, the petrol engine automatically takes over, and the battery can be charged via the power grid. A mild hybrid has a smaller electric motor that supports the petrol or diesel engine, for example during acceleration or start/stop, but cannot be driven solely on electricity and is not charged via the power grid.

Read more here: Guide to hybrid cars