Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles

A hybrid car uses multiple propulsion systems to provide motive power. This most commonly refers to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline (petrol) and electric batteries for the energy used to power internal-combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors. These powerplants are usually relatively small and would be considered "underpowered" by themselves, but they can provide a normal driving experience when used in combination during acceleration and other maneuvers that require greater power.

Modern mass-produced hybrids recharge their batteries while underway. When cruising or idling, some of the output of the combustion engine is fed to a generator (merely the electric motor(s) running in generator mode ) which produces electricity to charge the batteries. This contrasts with all-electric cars which use batteries charged by an external source such as the grid, or a range extending trailer. Nearly all hybrids still require gasoline as their sole fuel source— though diesel and other fuels such as ethanol or plant based oils have also seen occasional use. One benefit of hybrids is reduced wear and tear on the gasoline engine. Another is their ability to recapture kinetic energy via regenerative braking which would otherwise be lost.

Hybrids vehicles are more environmentally-friendly than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles because they generally provide greater fuel economy.

The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides a tax credit of up to $3,400 for owners of hybrid vehicles.

The term hybrid when used in relation with cars also has other uses. Prior to its modern meaning of hybrid propulsion, the word hybrid was used in the United States to mean a vehicle of mixed national origin; generally, a European car fitted with American mechanical components. This meaning has fallen out of use. In the import scene, hybrid was often used to describe an engine swap, such as the common Honda B16 engine into a Honda Civic. Some have also referred to flexible-fuel vehicles as hybrids because they can use a mixture of different fuels - typically gasoline and ethanol alcohol fuel.