Yes. Through two ways. The first being via energy generated by the petrol engine. The second being a process known as regenerative braking. Whenever the vehicle brakes, the kinetic energy produced by the braking system generates and stores electricity in the battery pack. This recaptured energy can then be sent back into the powertrain and power a wide range of electrical systems in the vehicle.

The Mazda plug-in hybrid doesn’t ever run purely on the petrol engine. The petrol engine will serve as a generator to ensure that the battery pack remains at a minimum state of charge to provide a hybrid drive experience.

Thanks to its versatile charging port, charging a Mazda plug-in hybrid vehicle from the comfort of your home has never been easier. Owners can simply plug their vehicles into a regular wall socket, with the included portable charger, to draw electricity directly from the grid (or if you have solar panels, from the clean energy of the sun). If you’re looking for something to get the job done a little quicker, you can install a universal home wall box charger with a type 2 port to deliver a faster supply of power.

Depending on how often you drive, you might need to charge every night, every few days, or even less frequently. Plug-in and gradually top up the battery when not in use and you are effectively driving an electric vehicle (the average Kiwi drives just 32km a day). And for those weekends away when your battery runs low, PHEV cars always have the petrol engine to rely on, taking you further on longer trips until you’re ready to recharge once more.

The Mazda plug-in hybrid can achieve a full charge in 5 hours using a normal household 240V socket or around 2.5 hours on an AC charger with a type 2 port.